You can start to check on prices now, however to look for a good daycare ask some of the parents in your neighborhood, maybe they can direct you to a really good one in your area. When I found my Grandaughters, I called several and asked about curriculum, pricing, what age groups were kept in the same room, staff, and then i went to check them out in person.

Hi, I don't have one in daycare but I think I would advise finding one who would be on notice that if you got the job you would be starting immediately. Better to be prepared just in case.

Good luck finding a job

Go in person and ask questions, write them down before going, as you are speaking with them really look around. Also ask if you can pop in from time to time to watch teachers interact with the children and babies. I am not sure how old your GS is, but ask how many children to a person, notice the floors...how clean are they, how often baby items are washed, what the employees look like!!!!!!
If they don't want you coming back for visits don't EVER go back.
Also some daycares do not allow the babies /toddlers to be held, find out about this. there excuse is to many to hold them. My opinion if that is the case thee are to many children there. Also you probably could call the department and family services to see if there has been any problems with the day care. A friend of mine use to do the monthly checking on daycares in this area, so if any reports have been made you should be able to find out.

I agree with all of the above, and especially with the visiting before-hand. For example, one in my area that sounded good I visited and asked questions, and found out that the children spent the entire day in a basement room with no windows, had a huge bigscreen TV that was constantly on, and very seldom went outdoors.

As Jade said, you are supposed to be able to get information on any violations of day cares from the state (only for licensed or certified DC's). But when I enquired about my daycare who had her license removed and I attempted to find out why, I was told it was priviledged information. I said I thought that was to be public record, and she just shrugged and said she didn't know.

Really makes you wonder!! Not only about the daycare but about who the state is protecting and why???

So I definitely would make several visits. Also, be aware of hours they are open. While most jobs require weekend or some evening hours, most day cares have none. And the day cares that do are over full. In our area the day cares that tend to have the weekend and evening hours are not certified or licensed (because of the restricted regulations on hours), so the only way to find out about them is from word of mouth.

Another place I see alot of them listed is on our local "bulletin board" online. If you have one in your area, I'd definitely check there! A lot of new day cares are opening these days!

Good luck in both the day care and employment search!

I have one gc in daycare. She is 5 with developmental/speech delays. She goes to PreK for 1/2 day. I put her in a daycare which she had been in before. It is a good day care, but not for her. The problems I am having is that her social skills are not where they should be. The kids and the teachers there are really not ready to deal with her. She is different. If your gc has any issues I would definetly make sure that they can deal with it. I am currently looking for one that deals with special needs children, but am having no luck.

You know some times a private day care is better. I personal think they are........
So many people are in such need of money right now, put an ad in the paper, and interview Some women,You may have to speak to 10 before finding a good one.
How old is your GS, because that would be something to, maybe find someone that has a child close to his age. Maybe even an older person that needs that little extra money.

thank you all for your wonderful ideas. I appreciate it.

I agree with Jade! One of the best daycares I had was a private one. JJ was just like a part of their family! The other best one I had was a licensed one. Either can be great! Depends upon what you need and want for your gs!