Finding a reasonably priced, conveniently located, and high-quality child care center is the ultimate goal for working parents. Many of the best day care centers have long waitlists, so it’s important to start your search long before you need to return to work. But where do you begin? The first question you should answer is whether you want your child’s day care to be located near your work or home. Here are a few things to consider to help you make this important decision.

What to Consider When Choosing a Child Care Center Location

1. Your Commute

If you have a long daily commute, choosing a center near your work means your little one will be commuting along with you. Consider their temperament in the car—some children dislike being constrained in their car seat and may end up whining or crying the whole way. There’s also a possibility they’ll fall asleep during the long ride, which may wreak havoc on their nap and bedtime schedules. On the positive side, your commute might be an excellent way to squeeze in quality time with your child.

2. Emergencies 

No matter how safe and qualified the caregivers are, emergencies are possible. Whether your child gets injured on the playground or is running a fever, if the child care center is close to your work, you can be there quickly to pick them up.

3. Your Schedule

Consider how you and your partner’s schedules work with the child care center’s hours. For example, if you work long hours and need to stay at the office late, your partner can easily pick up your child when the day care is closer to home or their office. If you choose a facility closer to your work, you won’t have to rush out the office door to meet a pickup deadline.

4. Convenience

If you want to stop by the day care center during the day, either to nurse your baby or just visit, choose a place closer to your job. Many centers also have preschool activities or school age programs that ask for parental involvement, so you can participate if the facility is easy to get to during the workday. On the other hand, should your job ever change, you’ll likely have to change your child’s day care facility as well. If your child has come to love their program, that may be a tough transition.
 

If you’re looking for a top-notch, stimulating day care facility for your child, choose Mendon Child Care Center in Monroe County, NY. Offering comprehensive child care services and an array of educational programs for children six weeks to eight years of age, this center is one of the most-trusted day cares in the area. To schedule a tour, call (585) 624-2337 or visit their website to find out more.