It is important to visit the childcare and get to know the principal, teachers and environment.
I was selected to put my child in Sparkletots under my block, however, I did not took it up because the principal is in mid-twenties and didn't appear experienced when I asked her questions. The teachers looked unsure and a number of them are foreigners.
Also, I didn't have a good experience with a mid-high priced CC in our area as well. It began quite well initially till I need to transfer my child to another CC. The principal feedback to me that my child could have speech problem and also hyperactive issue which I was very concern after. However, when I enrolled him to the new CC and told them about the feedback, the new principal requested to see my child and after observation for two weeks, she called me personally and explained to me that my child is normal, and that it is common that toddlers often have differing strengths and weaknesses and will balance off with other children once they reach Kindergarten. And indeed it is true, my child progresses very quickly in the past 6 mths and probably one of the fastest among his peers.
I am sharing this because I like to highlight that it important to select the childcare carefully as it is a long term place for your child. It is not about the price and cirriculum but really who will be taking care and nurture your child. Nevertheless, it has to balance off with your other commitments. it is tough.