Choosing daycare is one of the hardest decisions you'll make as a parent. You're not just picking a place to drop off your child, you're choosing the people who will shape their first friendships, teach them social skills, comfort them when they're sad, and celebrate their milestones. It's overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This step by step guide walks you through the entire decision process: when to start your search, how to define your priorities (location, cost, curriculum), what to look for during tours (environment, teacher interactions, safety), questions to ask directors and teachers, red flags to watch for, how to trust your gut, and how to make the final decision. Includes downloadable checklists, comparison charts, and expert tips from early childhood educators. Plus, learn about our 2026 promotion: we're waiving both the $50 application fee and $500 registration fee for new families, $550 in savings. Ready to find the perfect daycare? Start here.
Choosing daycare is one of the hardest decisions you'll make as a parent.
You're not just picking a place to drop off your child while you work, you're choosing the people who will:
• Shape your child's first friendships
• Teach them how to share, wait their turn, and solve conflicts
• Potty train them
• Help them learn their ABCs
• Celebrate their milestones
• Comfort them when they're sad
It's a huge responsibility, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed.
But here's the good news: You don't have to guess. There's a proven framework for choosing the right daycare, and this guide walks you through it, step by step.
By the end of this article, you'll know:
• When to start your daycare search
• What to look for during tours
• Red flags to watch for
• Questions to ask directors and teachers
• How to trust your gut (even when the data is confusing)
• How to make the final decision
Let's dive in.
HIGH DEMAND NEIGHBORHOODS (Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Rittenhouse, Center City):
Start 6 to 12 months before you need care
MODERATE DEMAND NEIGHBORHOODS (Old City, Queen Village, Society Hill, Fitler Square):
Start 3 to 6 months before you need care
Why so early?
Top daycares in Philadelphia, especially infant programs, have waitlists. If you wait until after your baby is born, you may not find a spot.
Pro tip: Even if you're not 100% sure you'll need daycare, join waitlists anyway. Most programs charge a registration fee to hold your spot, but many centers (like Education Nation Learning Academy) are waiving fees in 2026, so there's no financial risk!
Before you start touring, get clear on what matters most to YOUR family.
1. Location
• Do I want daycare close to home (easier drop off and pickup; community feel)?
• Do I want daycare close to work (convenient for commuting parents)?
• Do I want daycare near family (grandparents, in laws)?
2. Cost
• What's my monthly budget? ($2,000? $3,000? $4,000 and up?)
• Can I afford full time, or do I need part time?
• Am I eligible for subsidies (PA Child Care Works)?
3. Curriculum
• Do I want Montessori (child led, hands on, independence)?
• Do I want Play Based (learning through exploration and creativity)?
• Do I want Academic Focused (structured lessons, early literacy and math)?
4. Hours
• Do I need extended hours (6am to 6pm or later)?
• Do I need part time (2 to 3 days per week)?
• Do I need flexible scheduling (drop in care)?
5. Outdoor Space
• Is outdoor play a must have (fresh air, gross motor development)?
• Or am I okay with indoor only programs (common in Center City high rises)?
6. Communication
• Do I want daily photo updates?
• Do I want parent teacher conferences (2 to 3 times per year)?
• Do I want an open door policy (can I visit anytime)?
💡 Pro tip: Write down your top 3 non negotiables. These are the things you cannot compromise on. Everything else is flexible.
• Google: Search "daycare near me" or "infant daycare [neighborhood]"
• PA Child Care Works: https://www.compass.state.pa.us (official state database)
• Care.com: https://www.care.com (provider directory)
• Local Facebook groups: Philadelphia Moms, Fishtown Parents, etc.
• Word of mouth: Ask neighbors, coworkers, pediatricians
💡 Pro tip: Create a spreadsheet to track your research. Include columns for daycare name, location, cost, hours, waitlist status, tour date, and notes.
Never enroll without touring. Schedule tours at 3 to 5 daycares to compare.
• Best time: Mid morning (9am to 11am) or mid afternoon (2pm to 4pm) when kids are active (not napping or eating)
• Avoid: Early morning drop off (chaotic) or late afternoon pickup (staff are tired)
• Notebook (take notes during the tour)
• Your partner (or a trusted friend, two sets of eyes are better than one!)
• Questions list (see Step 5 below)
• Your child (optional, but watch how they react to the space)
Here's your ultimate daycare tour checklist:
• Is the space clean, bright, and organized?
• Are toys age appropriate and in good condition?
• Is there a mix of quiet and active play areas?
• Are diaper changing areas separate from food prep?
• Are cleaning supplies and chemicals locked away?
• Is there outdoor play space (or a plan for outdoor time)?
• Are cribs and nap mats spaced apart?
Red flags:
❌ Dirty floors, sticky surfaces, strong chemical smells
❌ Broken toys, cluttered spaces
❌ No outdoor access (for programs with toddlers and preschoolers)
• Do teachers engage warmly with children (eye contact, smiles, gentle voices)?
• Do they get down on kids' level (not towering over them)?
• Do they ask open ended questions ("What do you think?" vs. "Is this red?")?
• Do they redirect behavior positively ("Use gentle hands" vs. "Stop hitting!")?
• Do teachers seem happy and engaged (or stressed and overwhelmed)?
• Are teachers actively supervising (not on their phones)?
Red flags:
❌ Teachers yelling, shaming, or ignoring kids
❌ Staff on phones or chatting with each other (instead of engaging with kids)
❌ Kids crying without caregiver response
• Is there a predictable daily schedule?
• Is there a balance of teacher led and child led activities?
• Are there learning centers (literacy, math, art, dramatic play, sensory)?
• Is there outdoor play every day (weather permitting)?
• Are there hands on, age appropriate materials?
• Do teachers explain how they support developmental milestones?
Red flags:
❌ Excessive screen time (TV, tablets)
❌ Long periods of sitting still (preschoolers need movement!)
❌ No clear schedule or routine
❌ Worksheets for toddlers (developmentally inappropriate)
• Are teachers CPR and First Aid certified?
• Is there a written illness policy (when to keep kids home)?
• Are safe sleep practices followed (babies on backs; no blankets or toys in cribs)?
• Is there a clear emergency plan (fire drills, evacuation routes)?
• Are visitor entry protocols in place (keycard, buzzer, sign in)?
• Are food allergies taken seriously?
• Is the center licensed by Pennsylvania DHS?
Red flags:
❌ No visible license or accreditation
❌ Evasive answers about health and safety protocols
❌ Unsafe sleep practices (babies with blankets; cribs too close together)
• Do they provide daily reports (feeding, naps, diaper changes, milestones)?
• Do they send photos or updates throughout the day?
• Is there an open door policy (can you visit anytime)?
• Are there parent teacher conferences (2 to 3 times per year)?
• Do teachers respond quickly to emails or calls?
• Is there a parent handbook (policies, procedures, expectations)?
Red flags:
❌ No daily communication
❌ Parents not allowed to visit during the day
❌ Defensive or dismissive responses to questions
• What are the teacher to child ratios?
Pennsylvania law: 1:4 for infants; 1:5 for toddlers; 1:10 for preschool
Best programs: 1:3 for infants; 1:4 for toddlers; 1:8 for preschool
• Do teachers have Early Childhood Education (ECE) degrees or CDA certifications?
• What's the staff turnover rate?
• How long has the current staff been working at the center?
Red flags:
❌ Can't or won't tell you ratios
❌ High turnover (new teachers every few months)
❌ No formal ECE training
Bring this list to every tour:
💡 Pro tip: If a director hesitates to give you parent references, that's a red flag.
Data matters, but so does intuition.
• You feel welcomed and heard
• Teachers know every child's name (even during a tour!)
• The space feels calm, warm, and organized
• Staff can clearly explain their approach
• You see happy, engaged children
• Something feels "off" (trust that instinct!)
• You feel rushed or dismissed
• Teachers seem stressed or overwhelmed
• You hear kids crying without caregiver response
• You don't feel comfortable asking questions
💡 Pro tip: After each tour, sit in your car and write down your immediate gut reaction. Don't overthink it, just capture how you felt.
After touring 3 to 5 programs, create a comparison chart.
For each daycare, note:
• Cost
• Teacher to child ratios
• Curriculum philosophy
• Communication style
• Your gut feeling
• Total score (1 to 10)
💡 Pro tip: Your gut feeling should carry significant weight, even if the "data" points to a different choice.
• Submit your registration fee (or take advantage of waived fees!)
• Complete enrollment paperwork (medical records, emergency contacts)
• Attend orientation (meet teachers, review policies)
• Start your transition plan (short visits before full days)
• Option 1: Ask for a trial day (some centers allow this)
• Option 2: Join the waitlist at your top 2 choices (hedge your bets)
• Option 3: Re tour your top 2 options with your partner or a trusted friend
Starting daycare is hard, for you and your child. Here's how to make it easier:
• Visit the center with your child (short visits to meet teachers, explore the space)
• Talk about daycare positively ("You're going to have so much fun!")
• Read books about starting school (The Kissing Hand, Llama Llama Misses Mama)
• Shorter days (start with 2 to 3 hours; gradually increase)
• Consistent drop off routine (same time, same goodbye ritual)
• Stay positive (even if you're crying inside!)
• Trust the process (separation anxiety is normal and temporary)
• Daily check ins (ask teachers how your child is adjusting)
• Stay engaged (read daily reports, attend conferences, ask questions)
• Trust your teachers (they've done this hundreds of times!)
If you see any of these during a tour, do not enroll:
❌ Unlicensed care (always verify Pennsylvania DHS licensing)
❌ Unsafe sleep practices (babies on stomachs; cribs with blankets or toys)
❌ Teachers yelling or shaming children
❌ Dirty or cluttered spaces
❌ High staff turnover (multiple teachers leaving in past 6 months)
❌ Evasive answers (won't tell you ratios, qualifications, or policies)
❌ No outdoor play (for toddlers and preschoolers)
❌ Excessive screen time (TV, tablets)
❌ Defensive or dismissive staff (you should feel heard and respected)
If your gut says "no," listen to it.
A: Quality always wins. A cheaper program with high turnover, poor communication, and unsafe practices will cost you in stress and worry.
A: It depends. Near home offers community and convenience for sick days. Near work is easier for commuting parents.
A: Yes, but most centers require 2 to 4 weeks' notice (and you may lose your registration fee).
A: Give it 2 to 4 weeks. Separation anxiety is normal, and most kids adjust. If problems persist, talk to teachers or consider a different program.
A: Most kids are ready by 12 to 18 months. Signs: can communicate needs, shows interest in other kids, can separate (even with tears).
At Education Nation Learning Academy (1942 N Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122), we know choosing daycare is one of the hardest decisions you'll make. That's why we've built a program designed to give you peace of mind, and give your child a place to thrive.
✅ Low ratios (1:3 for infants; 1:4 for toddlers; 1:8 for preschool)
✅ Montessori inspired curriculum (independence, hands on learning, life skills)
✅ Daily photo updates (never miss a milestone)
✅ Hospital grade cleanliness (we sanitize constantly)
✅ Experienced, ECE certified teachers (low turnover)
✅ Flexible schedules (6am to 6pm; part time and full time options)
✅ Open door policy (visit anytime, no appointment needed)
We're waiving BOTH the $50 application fee AND the $500 registration fee for new families who enroll this year!
That's $550 in savings, no gimmicks, no fine print. Just our way of welcoming you to our community. 🎁
📞 Ready to tour? Call (800) 342-7674 or visit www.enlalearning.com
Choosing daycare feels overwhelming, but you've got this.
The best daycare isn't the fanciest or the cheapest, it's the one that:
• Feels safe and warm
• Has teachers who genuinely care
• Communicates openly
• Aligns with your values
• Makes you feel heard
Trust your research. Trust your gut. And trust that you're making the best decision you can with the information you have.
Your child is lucky to have you.
💙 Welcome to the village. We're here to help you raise a generation together.
Internal Links:
• Best Infant Daycare in Philadelphia
• Best Toddler Daycare in Philadelphia
• Best Preschool in Philadelphia
• Part Time Daycare in Philadelphia
• Daycare Centers Near Me: Philadelphia Guide
Premier Childcare & Daycare Center in Fishtown, Philadelphia.
1942 N Front Street Philadelphia, PA 19122