Q: My husband and I will be going back to work full-time soon. We are starting to look for daycare for our 18-month-old son. What should we be concerned about?

There are many different styles of daycare and you should find one that fits your family, said the Family Project panel.

Do you want a family-style daycare in someone’s home or a larger more structured group setting? asked panelist Denise Continenza.

Whether large or small, make sure they are licensed by the state, Continenza said.

You can go to www.compass.state.pa.us to search for licensed facilities.

Another thing to consider is if you want a daycare that offers education or one where the children play all day, said panelist Pam Wallace.

“Also how close is it to your work or home?” Wallace asked.

If your son gets sick, you would want to be able to get their as soon as possible, agreed panelist Chad Stefanyak.

Ask about the daycare’s discipline policy, said Continenza.

“If your son breaks a rule, how is it dealt with? Make sure the daycare’s values align with yours,” Continenza said.

Also, look at how safe the daycare is and where it is located, said Stefanyak.

“Is there security in the play areas? Who can pick up children? What is the ratio of staff to children?” Stefanyak asked.

Find out about the physical-care schedule of the children, such as if they take naps, Continenza said.

“Do they have snacks for the kids or do you have to provide that? What is their holiday schedule? Are they closed on holidays?” asked Wallace.

Find out if the facility has a baby room that’s separate from the toddlers, said panelist Mike Daniels.

“You want a place that’s inviting, warm and friendly,” Daniels said.

Also find out what their Covid-19 protocols are, added Daniels, asking, “Do they sanitize? Do teachers wear face masks and use hand sanitizer?”

Most daycares are willing to give tours so take advantage of that, Stefanyak said.

You also should be able to drop in anytime to see how they operate, Wallace added.

This week’s panel: Pam Wallace, program coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Denise Continenza, extension educator; Chad Stefanyak, school counselor,

and Mike Daniels, LCSW, Psychotherapist.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.