Caring for Kids is a new monthly article series brought to you by the early childhood education experts in Child and Family Care and Children’s Centers.

From early childhood care and learning, to elementary and secondary schools, finding a place that feels right for your child is a big choice. It can feel stressful or even overwhelming, but with some preparation and guidance, you can feel confident that you’re on a good path.

“Planning ahead and taking the time to find a school or child care program where your child can thrive and grow is really important,” says director of U-M Child and Family Care, Christine Snyder. “Before diving into researching all the options, you can focus your search by taking the time to really think about what’s important for you. What do you value as a person and a parent?”

Let Your Values Guide You

Wherever you are in your parenting journey, considering your personal values can be helpful for making important choices. When it comes to care and education, it can be helpful to identify and even write down your values and the goals you have for your child. Some areas to consider include: 

• Educational Philosophies - You may have a preference on the underlying philosophy for your child’s education, such as play-based, self-directed, teacher-directed, or development-interaction. 
• Identity Mirrors and Windows - You may want to look for programs that offer language classes, cultural celebrations, or spiritual and religious practices reflective of your family background and/or backgrounds different from your own.
• Convenience and Practicality  - Consider how the location and hours of the center or school align with your work schedules and family life. Is transportation provided? Is there before/after school care if needed?
• Accreditation and Accolades - You may want to explore different accreditations, certifications, and honors that a child care program or school has earned or maintained. This will help you understand the level of quality they have achieved but also consistency in implementing best practices. 

Reflecting on these and other personal values that are important to you is a good way to focus your search. 

Practical Tips for Finding a Good Fit 

Once you’ve identified your priorities, these practical tips can help you evaluate your options.  

• Do Your Research. Look up information online, ask for references from past/current families, and public reports online. Checking state inspections and accreditation of child care programs can give you insight into a center's quality. Review the public child assessment data on schools.
• Get Personal Advice - Talk to people you trust, like family, friends, and other parents for suggestions. They can provide honest feedback and share their experiences.
• Visit in Person - Seeing a center or school firsthand and developing a relationship can help affirm your decision. How are staff interacting with children/students? Is the environment warm and inviting? Do the staff and children seem engaged and happy to be there?
• Understand the Curriculum - Regardless of the philosophy that is important to you, take time to understand the curriculum and how it is implemented to be sure it matches what you want for your child's learning.
• Inquire about Teacher Qualifications - Who will be caring for or educating your child? Inquire about the qualifications and experience of the caregivers and teachers. What ongoing support exists for staff to ensure they stay up-to-date on best practices? A caring and well-trained staff can be amazing partners for you as a parent.
• Safety First -Ensure that the facility takes safety seriously. Look for secure entrances and exits, staff trained in first aid, and clear emergency plans. Ask the program or school how they respond to weather and facility-related emergencies. 
• Make Back-Up Plans - It's really important to also plan backup options for sick days, planned closings, and emergent closings such as snow days. Having a backup plan in place before you need it can help reduce stress in the moment.

With the right preparation and by staying informed and curious, you can ensure that your choice helps your child thrive. And gives you peace of mind every day.

Additional Resources to Learn More

Choosing child care

• Check out U-M programs and curated resources: Child Care Resources | Human Resources University of Michigan
• Search the Michigan Database of licensed care providers: Finding Child Care - Great Start to Quality 
• A High-Quality Program for Your Infant | NAEYC 
• A High-Quality Program for Your Toddler | NAEYC 
• A High-Quality Program for Your Preschooler | NAEYC 
• A downloadable guide with a checklist from Child Care Aware: Is This The Right Place For My Child? 

Choosing a School

• A High-Quality School for Your Kindergartner | NAEYC
• A High-Quality School for Your Child in First, Second, or Third Grade | NAEYC 
• Michigan guide to school options: Michigan State Guide - National School Choice Week 
• Michigan school data: Student Enrollment Counts Report