What are the steps to finding quality child care?

Call the child care provider you for a telephone interview.
Visit at least 3 programs. Take your child with you and observe the facility, the caregiver, and the other children.
Decide on child care arrangements that seem the best for you and your child.
Take steps to establish a good relationship with the child care provider.

Visit http://msdecompliancereports.org to visit the Office of Child Care's child care licensing inspection findings site. This site provides free public access to findings from routine licensing inspections conducted since mid-2007.

Suggested Questions for a Child Care Interview

Is the provider licensed? (The state of Maryland requires that all child care providers be licensed. Child care providers are licensed through the Maryland State Department of Education/Office of Child Care (MSDE/OCC). Ask to see the provider's current registration.)
What I the child care provider's education and experience?
Is the child care provider credentialed or nationally accredited or had a CDA (Child Development Associate credential)? (Ask to see certificates)
Does the child care provider provide a program that supports child development and school readiness?
What is the child care provider's hours of operation?
What is the child care provider's drop-off and pick-up policy?
What is the child care provider's policy on late pick-up?
What is the child care provider's policy on discipline? (provider should have a written plan on discipline)
Does the child care provider provide meals? If so, does the child care provider follow the Food Program Guidelines?
What is the child care provider's policy when a child is sick?
What is the child care provider's payment policy for provider holidays, vacation, sick days, and personal leave?
Does the child care provider have a written evacuation plan in the event of emergency or disaster? ( Required by MSDE/OCC - Ask to see the plan)
Does the child care provider have an open door policy for parents?
How much are child care fee and when are they due?