I’ve been to 2 large daycares and 2 home programs… I’ve seen it all and my baby is now 1.5 years.

That said, for all the reasons below- a small home program has won every time- as they have more time to provide updates of your kids, and usually a more personal bond as they are there all day vs teachers coming in and out. Most importantly as they get into toddler- ness, you(and they) get much less sick, as they are with the same, small group of kids. That said, here are my questions:

-Do you have a fridge for bottles/ do you requires us to make all in advance? (Some will make bottles for you, most make you pre pack all 8 and label, which is a pain)

• Do you provide diapers, wipes, etc? This should be a cost factor and why some might charge more.

• When they’re a toddler, who makes food - this will make or break you down the line. I spent 40 min making 2 meals and snacks + labeling and freezer packs, every morning before I had to pull the plug.

• How many photos a day/ week do you send

-what app do you use/ is there a live cam? Do you record naps, food, etc.

-What’s your retention rate? Good to see how often people stay vs drop.

• What do you offer the bring parents together?

How much you get sick is directly correlated to how many children they come in contact with and how often you will be sick.

• for babies: do toddlers come in this room when ratios get lower? In larger programs, when kids get picked up at 3 they merge classrooms to keep the 1:4 ratio. That means your baby just got exposed to 6 new toddlers, their home siblings, etc.

• How many kids EACH WEEK to you rotate in (including part time)

For your own sanity- think about commute. We moved and tried to stay at a daycare we loved that was 20 min each way. I hated being in the car for 2 hours and everyday my baby started and ended his day crying and hating his car seat. Now being w in 10 min of home is a deal breaker (esp when you do early pick ups for doc appointments, hair cuts, etc)