Best Things to Consider When Choosing a Daycare

Selecting the right daycare is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. Whether you need an infant program while you commute downtown, a Calgary preschool that prepares your little one for kindergarten, or a flexible childcare center that can accommodate shift work, the options can feel overwhelming. The following guide walks you through the critical factors—both practical and developmental—that separate an average center from a truly exceptional learning environment.

1. Location, Commute & Convenience

Time is precious for modern families, so start by mapping out center that fit naturally into your daily routine.

• Proximity to home or work: A daycare that’s enroute to the office (or close to your neighbourhood) reduces stress during drop-offs and pick-ups.
  

• Transport links & parking: Safe, well-lit parking lots, nearby bus routes, and stroller-friendly entrances matter, especially in Calgary’s winter weather.
  

• Neighbourhood safety: Spend a few minutes observing traffic speed, crosswalks, and general foot traffic to gauge how secure the surrounding area feels.
  

Tip: Use a mapping app to compare commute times during rush hour. Even a 10-minute difference twice a day adds up to more than six hours each month.

2. Licensing, Accreditation & Safety Protocols

A reputable childcare center will display provincial licensing certificates and pass inspections from Alberta Health Services, the Calgary Fire Department, and child-care regulators. Ask to see:

1. Updated licensing records (no outstanding violations).
   

2. Staff first-aid and CPR certifications—especially for infant care.
   

3. Security measures such as coded entry doors, ID checks, and closed-circuit cameras.
   

4. Emergency preparedness plans for fire drills, severe weather, or medical incidents.
   

Center pursuing national accreditation (e.g., the Alberta Association for the Accreditation of Early Learning and Care Services) often exceed baseline standards for health, safety, and curriculum.

3. Curriculum & Educational Philosophy

Daycare is far more than babysitting; it’s early childhood education. Look for a program that blends play-based exploration with structured activities that build literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills. Key questions to ask:

• Is the curriculum research-backed? Programs such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and High Scope each emphasize different learning modalities.
  

• How are activities adapted by age? Infant rooms should focus on sensory experiences, while preschoolers benefit from pre-reading centers, STEM stations, and art corners.
  

• Do educators track developmental milestones? Regular observation notes and portfolio assessments signal that a daycare in Calgary is invested in each child’s growth.
  

4. Qualifications & Stability of Educators

Great facilities mean little without dedicated teachers. Investigate:

5. Child-to-Educator Ratio & Group Size

Alberta sets legal ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:12 for preschoolers), but high-quality center often operate below the maximum. Fewer children per educator translate to:

• More individualized attentiontranslates
  

• Faster response times during conflicts or accidents
  

• Deeper understanding of each child’s temperament, language level, and interests
  

When touring, observe whether teachers are down at eye level, engaged in conversation—not standing against the wall scrolling through a tablet.

6. Schedule Flexibility & Operating Hours

From part-time daycare to 24-hour daycare options, Calgary families juggle diverse schedules. Consider:

• Core hours: Do they cover your workday—including potential overtime?
  

• Extended care: Evening, weekend, or night-time daycare can be a lifesaver for shift workers in healthcare, hospitality, or the energy sector.
  

• Holiday closures: Double-check stat holidays and winter break dates.
  

Transparency on late-pickup fees—and a grace period for surprise snowstorms—shows the center views parents as partners, not just clients.

7. Nutrition & Overall Well-Being

Young brains need balanced fuel. Ask to review:

• Weekly menus (look for whole grains, fresh produce, and allergy-safe alternatives).
  

• Food preparation licences and inspection reports.
  

• Outdoor playtime schedules—Alberta guidelines recommend at least two daily blocks of physical activity.
  

• Rest routines (quiet music, dim lighting, individual cribs or mats).
  

A center that values nutrition and active play lays the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.

8. Communication, Parent Portals & Community Feel

Engaged families reinforce learning at home. Top-tier center use multiple channels:

1. Daily digital reports (photos, naps, meals, mood).
   

2. Monthly newsletters outlining upcoming themes, field trips, and parenting workshops.
   

3. Open-door policies that welcome parent observations or volunteer readers.
   

4. Progress meetings twice a year to discuss goals and kindergarten readiness.
   

Pay attention to tone—do directors speak respectfully of children and staff? A positive culture is contagious.

9. Cost Transparency, Subsidies & True Value

Childcare costs in Calgary fluctuate by neighbourhood, accreditation status, and included services. To evaluate price versus value:

• Request an itemized fee schedule (tuition, registration, supplies, field trips).
  

• Ask about subsidies: Alberta’s Affordability Grant and Income Threshold subsidies can significantly lower monthly fees.
  

• Compare what’s included: Music lessons, second-language exposure, or summer splash pads may justify a slightly higher rate.
  

Remember—the “cheapest” option isn’t always “affordable” if frequent closures or understaffing force you to take unpaid leave.

10. Reputation & Parent Reviews

Finally, tap into the local parenting community:

• Google and Facebook reviews reveal patterns in cleanliness, communication, or turnover.
  

• Parent forums (YYC Moms, local Reddit threads) can offer unfiltered experiences.
  

• Word of mouth at playgrounds or community association meetings often highlights hidden gems, or cautions you away from red flags.
  

During your tour, ask for contact info of two current families willing to share feedback.

Conclusion

Choosing a daycare is about balancing trust, quality education, and practicality. Start with location and licensing, examine curriculum and teacher credentials, then weigh flexibility, nutrition, and cost. A center that checks these boxes not only keeps your child safe but also sparks curiosity, resilience, and joy.

Ready to see how a thoughtfully designed program looks in action? Discover why families consistently describe Chapter 1 as the best rated Calgary daycare center and feel the difference that passionate educators, flexible scheduling, and evidence-based learning can make in your child’s first chapter.