The Viral Daycare Checklist: What One Mom Says Parents Should Look for

When it comes to choosing a daycare, there’s a lot to consider. From practical factors like price and location to more nuanced ones like staff training and the school’s developmental approach, the decision can feel overwhelming. With the financial investment and the amount of time your child will spend there, the stakes couldn’t be higher. So where do you start? What questions should you ask during a tour?

In a now-viral video, influencer and toddler mom Amanda Talijan shares her tried-and-true “Daycare Must-Haves,” a checklist that helped her find the perfect fit for her family. Here are her key points to take under consideration.

Tenured Teachers

Long-tenured staff can help create a stable, positive environment for you and your child to connect to. “I feel like if a teacher stays for a long time with the school, it shows that they appreciate the school, they like the school, they’re treated well by the school, and that they enjoy working there,” Talijan explains. A high number of tenured teachers is often a strong indicator that the daycare has been well-managed and continues to head in the right direction.

Observation Days

Having the opportunity to observe the daycare in action before enrolling was key for Talijan and is a must for many parents. “We wanted to do something where we were going to be able to observe, have my son experience a classroom, see if he actually liked it, and go based off his vibe,” she shares. Observation days give both parents and children time to adjust and assess the fit.

An Engaged and Experienced Director

A daycare’s director can set the tone for the entire school. Talijan emphasizes the importance of finding someone approachable and experienced with a personal connection to childcare. “The director at my son’s current school opened the schools she’s now running because she wanted somewhere she could send her children,” she says. “I loved that personal aspect to it. She also has experience in childcare, and she’s also been in this industry for a really long time. She’s also a mom…she runs her school through that same mindset, and that really sat well with me.”

Families with Multiple Children Enrolled

Talijan recommends seeking out families who have entrusted the daycare with multiple children. Ask around your community or if you’re new to the area, like Talijan was, consider reaching out to a local Facebook group for recommendations. A daycare that satisfies the needs of multiple children in one family often demonstrates a varied, thoughtful, yet consistent approach. And repeat customers are always a strong endorsement.

Play-Based Education

For younger children, a play-based approach encourages natural learning through discovery and exploration. “I believe that at this age, playing is the best way that they learn,” Talijan shares. Whether you prefer a play-based approach or something different, make sure the daycare’s philosophy aligns with your family’s values.

Family Involvement and Community

A daycare that fosters family involvement can create a strong support network. Events like family appreciation days or mom’s nights out allow parents to feel connected to the daycare. “If your child is going to daycare full-time, the caretakers end up becoming part of your child’s world, their system. Having everybody be involved in a really nice way and knowing what’s going on was really important to me,” she says.

Flexible Transition Plans

“We started off with the slowest transition of all time…a few half days, then full-time half days, then naps before full-time,” she recalls. This approach allowed her son to adjust at his own pace, making the transition seamless.

Strong Germ Protocols

With germs a common concern in daycares, Talijan stresses the importance of robust health and cleanliness policies. “I wanted somewhere that was going to have a really good protocol. If there is a breakout of something, are we gonna be notified right away?” she says.Clear communication and a proactive approach to hygiene can help ease parental anxiety and keep your household healthy throughout the year.

Open Door Policy

Transparency is crucial, and Talijan prioritizes daycares with open-door policies. “If I wanted to walk into my son’s daycare at any point of the day and just pop in, I am allowed to do that,” she explains. “I feel like it’s really important, because sometimes you just get a gut feeling and you need to go check some things out.”

Some other things that parents can easily look up to fill out their checklist include:

• 1 to 3 student ratio
• No violations
• All certifications are current
• Health and safety awards
• Uses an app for updates

No daycare is perfect, and it’s okay if the one you choose doesn’t check every box. As Talijan reminds parents, “I know that putting your kid in daycare is not always the most desirable situation. It can cause a lot of anxiety. But I just want you to know you don’t have to say yes to anything you don’t feel right about.” Trust your intuition, ask the right questions, and know that you’re doing your best for your child.