Looking for childcare can be stressful and time-consuming. When I was looking for childcare for my son, all I could think of was: What schools are near me? Can I afford the schools that I like? Will my child enjoy time away from me? How will I handle being away from my child? …and so many other questions.
You can face the challenge of finding childcare with courage (just like you faced your unplanned pregnancy).
Here are my five pieces of advice for the process of choosing a school-based childcare (drawing from my own experience!) so you feel confident about your choice.
1. Write down your values.
What’s most important to you as you plan your lifestyle and your child’s experience? List the values that matter most to you. These categories will help you choose the best childcare option for you.
When I was searching for childcare, I valued proximity to my home; a cost range that fit my budget; part-time availability; knowledgeable teachers; cleanliness; and lots of space for my child to play, indoors and outdoors. What are your non-negotiables? What can you budge on?
2. Research multiple options.
Compare the options available in your area! Google lists of daycares/schools in your area that other people have made (like this list from Triad Moms on Main). Call schools to find out their hours, rates, availability, options, etc., for your own list of better-fit schools.
Ask friends and family where they send their children for childcare! They can give you the inside perspective on a school and save you some research time.
If you need lower-cost or free childcare, check out lists like this to see what’s available in your area and if you’re eligible:
- Smart Start Partnership for Children
- Head Start
- Local administrators for Pre-K at public schools in NC
- More information about public Pre-K in NC
Some private schools also offer scholarships or adjusted rates based on your income!
3. Take the tour.
You’ve narrowed down your options to ones that fit your values. You might think you have a front-runner, but you don’t know until you book a tour. Your child will spend countless hours in this space. A tour will show you details that confirm if the school truly aligns with your most important values.
Here’s what I looked for when I took tours: Is this school clean? Do the teachers seem happy to be here? Where will my child be playing? What kind of safety precautions does this school have? Is there a variety of toys and play areas to stretch my child mentally and physically?
4. Meet your child’s potential teacher.
Make sure you meet your child’s potential teacher on the tour! You can go to work/school with a lighter heart if you know, like, and trust the person caring for your child.
Prepare questions to ask the teacher for a fuller picture of what your child’s day would look like. Consider asking questions like: What does discipline and class management look like? What does learning/circle time consist of? What do you enjoy about teaching this age? What are your goals for this group by the time they leave your class? How often do you go outside to play?
Don’t be shy about asking tough questions! This is a significant decision for your family. You want to leave the school with the information you came to get.
5. Trust your gut.
Did you tour a school that checked boxes, but something about it seemed off? I remember feeling a wave of sadness as we drove away from a daycare tour. It was one of our only options financially. And yet, I simply couldn’t picture him spending twenty hours a week there.
On the other hand, I felt ready to sign anything after touring the school we ultimately decided on. Even though it wasn’t perfect, something imperceptible was right. The conversations, the classrooms, the professional atmosphere—it all felt like a green light. Trusting my gut meant I could leave him to go to work without feeling high levels of anxiety.
You’ve got this.
Spending time away from your child for your education or career is difficult. I believe you can do hard things! You have a vision for your life, and this choice is bringing you one step closer.
Do you need support through the process of pregnancy, postpartum, and going back to work/school? Here at The Pregnancy Network, we’ve supported thousands of women through these challenging circumstances. Make an appointment below for free medical care, parenting education, community, and connection to local resources.
Looking for childcare so you can continue school? Read stories of other The Pregnancy Network moms for inspiration and educate yourself on your Title IX protections.
Looking for childcare so you can go back to work? Read about working moms who inspire us!
Adrienne Bergmeier
Adrienne Bergmeier is a Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.