Daycare

See what is the ratio of person per kid. Do the kids look happy there? Read reviews online. Try to talk to other parents in your are about the places you are considering (Facebook mom group in your area... etc.). Ask what is their typical schedule. How they handle tantrums. Do all the research that you can. Some places are bad...

Area*

I totally agree with @Marie about the ratio. Also, turnover of staff. How long have the teachers been there? How often are they having to train new people? Are there cameras you can access? What's their sick policy? What is a typical day in the toddler class like? What is their curriculum? I can't speak to at-home daycares because we only considered centers but our daycare experience has been very positive. Our daughter loves all her teachers (she had the same 4 for her first year and is now in the toddler class with the same teachers who taught the toddler class last year, so she knew them from seeing them around and them covering one another's lunches). We love having an extended village of people who love our daughter and who we trust, and for her to have people she loves too! Plus, it's amazing seeing all of the activities they do all day (so many crafts, live music being played, zoo animals being brought to the center, etc.) and how much she's learning since they teach English, ASL, and Spanish!

My mom has run an in home daycare for 25 years. They are really hit or miss. There’s lots of documentation for both in home and centers truthfully. I am licensed in MA myself. I would definitely look at the ratio but also the safety. The areas the kids are in, safety of the toys, play structures, and cleanliness. You can also go on your states website and find past inspections on each daycare both in home and centers

Thank you guys for the feedback! I originally only considered facilities but there are a TON of in home daycares in our area so I decided to check some out too. Hope we find the perfect fit!