How to Choose a Daycare in Philadelphia: A Parent's Checklist

Choosing where your child spends their days is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. In a city as large as Philadelphia, the options can feel overwhelming. This checklist breaks the decision into the things that actually matter, so you can compare centers with confidence.

Start with licensing and quality ratings

Every licensed childcare provider in Pennsylvania is regulated by the state. Beyond a basic license, look for a Keystone STARS rating. STARS is Pennsylvania's voluntary quality-improvement program, and centers are rated from 1 to 4 stars based on staff qualifications, learning environment, and family engagement. A 3- or 4-star rating signals a center that has gone well beyond the minimum.

Ask about ratios, rooms, and routines

• How are children grouped by age, and how many teachers are in each room?
• What does a typical day look like for my child's age group?
• How do infants' feeding and nap schedules get followed?
• How are transitions between rooms handled as my child grows?

Look closely at meals and basics

Food and diapers add up fast. Ask whether meals and snacks are included and what a sample menu looks like, and whether diapers and wipes are provided. Centers that include these reduce both your costs and your daily packing list.

Pay attention to communication

The best centers keep you in the loop. Many now use parent-communication apps to share photos, daily reports, and messages. Ask how you'll hear about your child's day and how billing and enrollment paperwork are handled.

Trust the tour

Numbers and policies matter, but so does how a place feels. Are the children engaged and comfortable? Do the teachers seem warm and patient? Is the space clean and safe? A good tour answers the questions a brochure can't.