I was at work today when a co-worker came to my office and she started talking, just plain and simple chitchat.

What evolved was a conversation about Day Care. She is the mother of a 6 month old, and her sister may no longer be able to watch the baby girl. It is becoming an issue with the mother because she is unsure of what she should do.

I can appreciate that, as I have been there myself with my girls. We talked about her fears of someone else that she did not know, watching over her child and providing for them, while mom was at work. Again, I can appreciate that, because any parent, or hopefully so, has those same fears.

One fear is that we (parents) don't want to have anyone watching our children because we want too! And we really just don't trust anyone with our babies! Reality is that if you have to have someone watch your child(ren) so you can work, well it just has to happen, like it or not.

I was talking to her about different Day Cares and some of the things that I looked at before making the "Ultimate" decision.

I, at first, went through the phone book and there are day care provider's books available to parents too. I looked for as many centers that were either close to my home or close to my work as I could.

I also looked at the hours of operation to see if they would work for my work schedule. If they didn't, then they were out.

I interviewed the providers. I know it may seem stupid to some, but I had one "In home Day Care" interview, and all she seemed to be worried about was what was happening on the 52' plasma TV in the living room. "Nice to have met you and I'll be in touch!" We are ‘outta here! The bummer is that she lives 3 houses away from me! Oh well!

So finally I found someone, I should say found some two! A mother and daughter and now a new addition of a niece! They offered me 24 hour day care and meals, if necessary. The last part is an addition that they have been working on, but they would have fed the girls anyway.

I have used all, and it is wonderful to know that they were there when I needed them. Especially when I was not expecting something to come up! I have called and they responded with the "No problem, bring them over!" and that happened at 9pm! They were there for me! They are funded by the state for allocations such as meals and they except day care assistance if you qualify.

They also have facilities inside and out for playing. Outside has a grassy area with all sorts of play houses, swings and everything else a child would like and is in a secured yard.

I had, at one time, my children in a pre-school day care, which I will say that they were great too! But, the play ground was filled in with small gravel! I learned something about that! If you like doing laundry, knock yourself out! I was washing clothes, shoes, jackets and everything else every day. I know grass stains are hard to get out, but to have to wash jackets and shoes every day was a bit much.

They did have a great program and it helped my children excel in learning and sharing and everything else that was important, but it really didn't fit my work schedule so I had to pull them out and find a new provider. That is when I went back to my original provider. They may not have had the total structure available (school style), but they did most of everything I was looking for. A bonus was that they taught Spanish. It is their first language but they also taught English to the children. The children are taught how to speak, spell and count and many other attributes were learned and my oldest knows more Spanish than I do!

As well, it fit my needs and since they had taken care of my children before when they were just babies I knew I was in good hands.

When you are looking for a day care provider, you need to look at EVERYTHING and I do mean everything.

Start by looking at the facility. Is it clean? How are you treated when you come in? Friendly and professional or cold and grumpy? Also, how do they respond to your child(ren)? That is a very big one in my book!

Is there structure and if you don't see it, ask. Have them explain a typical day to you. When is lunch and do you or they provide it. Can they heat up something cold that should be hot? Laugh all you want, but it is a question you should know. Another is if your child has food allergies. How do they handle something like that?

What time do they take naps and are there things you need to bring for those naps? Blanket, pillow, snuggle animal? Do these things need to be taken home every day or do the little ones have cubbies to put them in and leave for tomorrow? If you don't ask, you won't know.

What do you need to provide for your child(ren) when they are there. Extra clothes like pants, socks, shirt, shoes and underwear and or diapers should be a given to any parent. I have learned that you take at least one extra pair of a total outfit as a just in case situation arises. Trust me on this and just do it. It will save your child(ren) embarrassment and staff from having to find clothes for them, and then those may not even fit...

Look at the play areas and the bathrooms. Look at some of the other children and see if their nose are clean or is everyone unkempt. Is there someone (adult) overseeing them or are they all over the place and there is no regulation or authority and or guidance?

Do the other children seem happy? That is one that I always look for, that is the tell tale sign of a good or bad atmosphere.

The best part of having a great day care provider like I have had, is knowing that they truly love my children just about as much as me. When you find someone like that, life has become just a bit easier!

Take the time to research day care and also know that it will take some time. Sometimes day cares are full and you may have to settle with someone that is a bit out of your way. Be prepared for that, because it happens.

Mostly know that you want to be able to provide the best environment for your child(ren) so don't just take the first one that you encounter. Do some homework and give everyone a good look. You will benefit from it, not only for yourself, but most importantly for your kids too!

Good Luck!

Doug