Your options

• Have you looked at several local options to get a good idea of what's available?
• Have you worked out exactly how much it will cost you each week?
• If you can't afford your preferred option, have you found out what Government help may be available?

Your child's main carer

• Is the carer trained and/or experienced?
• Have you spoken in person to at least one (preferably two) parents who've used the carer and heard good things about her?
• Does the carer respond to your child as an individual and communicate well with you? Are you and your child made to feel welcome?
• Is she willing to help you continue your child's routine with things such as sleep, food or any special needs?
• Is she willing to fit in with your ideas on discipline, toilet teaching, sweets and other issues?
• Does she like children and enjoy caring for them?

Your child's environment

• If outside your own home, is the place safe, clean and well-equipped?
• Will your child have contact with other children?
• Is there a safe outside space where your child can play?
• Are there plenty of appropriate toys, and will your child have lots of opportunities to play with them?
• Is it an environment in which your child will feel happy and confident in terms of ability, race, culture, language or gender?

Your instincts

• Do you like the person who'll have responsibility for your child?
• Do you find them easy to talk to and willing to listen?
• Do you feel relieved to have found someone you can trust?

Once you're satisfied with most, if not all, of these points, you're in a great position to go ahead and book your child's place with the carer of your choice.