How to choose a daycare
Updated October 25, 2026
Short answer
Start by looking up the center's license and inspection reports with your state's child care licensing agency (ChildCare.gov links to every state's search), then check ratios on your tour against your state's rules and NAEYC's accreditation ranges of about 1 adult to 3 or 4 infants, 3 to 6 toddlers and 6 to 10 preschoolers. Ask how they handle pickup, allergies, sick days and daily updates, and watch how staff talk to the children. In California, centers must keep 1 teacher for every 4 infants, 6 toddlers and 12 preschoolers.
Ratios: California as an example
| Age group | Staff to child ratio | Maximum group size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants, birth to 18 months | 1 to 4 | 8 |
| Toddlers, 18 to 36 months | 1 to 6 | 12 |
| Preschool, 3 to 5 years | 1 to 12 | 24 |
Under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Variations apply with teacher's aides and for family child care homes, which are licensed separately.
Check the license first
Every state licenses child care centers and most family child care homes, and most publish inspection reports online; ChildCare.gov links to each state's search. In California it is the Community Care Licensing facility search, with license number, capacity and visit reports, including any citations. Read the last few years of reports, not just the current status.
Questions to ask on a tour
- What are the ratios in my child's room right now, and who covers breaks?
- How long have the lead teachers been here?
- How does pickup work, and how do you confirm someone other than me?
- How do you handle allergies, medication and a sick child?
- How will I hear about my child's day: naps, meals, diapers, photos?
- What is the tuition, what does it include, and what is the waitlist?
Daycare on Nanny
Centers on Nanny run check-in, verified pickup with code words, room ratios, daily reports with photos and enrollment packets in the app, and parents see all of it on their phone next to any nanny or sitter they book.
Questions
1 teacher for every 4 infants in a licensed child care center, with a maximum group of 8 infants, under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
Search the center's name or address on the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing facility search. It shows the license, capacity and inspection reports, including citations.
At least naps, meals, diaper changes or toileting, any incidents, and ideally photos. On Nanny, centers send daily reports with photos and parents see check-in and pickup in real time.
Sources