You know your child best and know what kind of childcare will suit them and meet your family's needs.

About 70% of parents place their young children in some type of daily care. Whether you choose in-home or center-based care, a preschool, or someone else's home for your child's daily care setting, you should follow some specific guidelines to ensure receiving quality, professional care.

Most important is to know your own child's temperament, likes and dislikes, health, interests, and behavior. For a baby under 1 year old, give careful attention to your child's need to be nurtured and held, any special health needs, and the type of person you want to care for your little one during the first year of life.

For an older child, developing play and learning styles, interaction with other kids, intellectual curiosity, and need for individualized attention should be considered.