Finding a daycare provider for your child can be challenging. Waiting lists and expensive rates are not uncommon for childcare providers, and in many areas, finding an open spot is difficult. In addition, there are other things to consider when it comes to daycare, including your child's needs and your schedule. While finding the best fit for your childcare needs can be tricky, it's not impossible. Here are three tips that can help you find a suitable daycare provider. 

Don't Wait Until The Last Minute

When it comes to child care, waiting until the last minute to choose can drastically reduce the options available to you. Daycare providers in highly-populated areas can have months-long waiting lists. There may also be a long wait for providers that have fantastic reputations. If you know that you will need childcare in the future, putting your child on multiple waiting lists may be necessary. Take a look at local childcare options to determine how challenging getting a spot in daycare will be. It's best to be as proactive as possible when looking at daycare providers. 

Consider Staffing Before You Decide

There are a lot of factors that will impact your decisions when selecting a daycare provider. Things like location, hours of operation, and policies will affect which daycares will be most suitable for your needs. Staffing is another factor to consider when looking at daycare providers. There must be enough staff present at a daycare. The proper staff-to-children ratio varies depending on age, but infants and toddlers typically require more care than older children. For example, a ratio of one adult to every three babies is recommended up until 12 months of age. 

Know What You Can Afford

It's no secret that daycare can be expensive. How much you pay depends on the daycare provider's rates and your child's age. The younger the child, the more daycare costs since more one-on-one time is necessary for infants and toddlers. On average, daycare for an infant will cost $991 per month and $847 per month for a toddler. You can expect to pay around $771 per month for a preschool-age child's daycare. Knowing what you can afford to spend will help you narrow down your choices.

If you are looking for a daycare provider, these three things can help. First, don't wait until the last minute to look at daycare facilities. Second, consider whether a daycare has the necessary staff-to-child ratios. Finally, set a budget and look for daycares you can afford. Keep these tips in mind when looking at daycare providers near you, such as Happy Days Childcare & Learning Center.