You love your child and want the very best for them. Unfortunately, you have other responsibilities in your life that sometimes take you away from them. That's where daycare services come in. The right daycare can look after your child and provide for everything they need while you're gone. Here are four things you should ask yourself when choosing a daycare.

1. Are they open when you need them?

Most daycares are open Monday through Friday, which is helpful for families with traditional 9 to 5 jobs. However, if you work on weekends or during the evening, you may find that fewer daycares are open during those hours. When searching for a daycare, the first thing you should do is decide when you'll need childcare. Once you know that, you can find a daycare whose hours of availability match your work schedule.

2. What age range do they serve?

Some daycares restrict their services to certain age ranges. Some daycares accept babies as young as 12 weeks, while others will only accept children once they're potty-trained. There is a daycare out there to suit almost every need. You can find a daycare which will accept your child, but you may have to do some research to find it.

3. Are there enough caregivers?

Babies and toddlers can be a real handful, which means daycare staff must always be vigilant. However, even the best caregiver can make a mistake if their attention is divided. Find out how many staff members are working at any given time and make sure there's an adequate ratio of caregivers to children. Some states have legal requirements of their own, but trust your gut when it comes to deciding if you find the ratio appropriate.

4. Can you visit the daycare?

When you've narrowed down your search, it's a good idea to visit the daycare before signing your child up. A daycare's website can only give you so much information about the place. Visiting in person can give you the chance to look at the condition of the facility. You can also watch staff care for and interact with the children in their care. Visiting for a few minutes can allow you to make your decision with confidence.

These questions will help you choose the right daycare for your family. The right daycare can enrich your child's life and allow you to return to work without worrying about their well-being.

For more information, reach out to a day care service, such as Lighthouse  Academy.