How to Choose Infant or Toddler Care: Key Factors to Find the Right Fit

Topics: School Life 

Age Range: Preschool 

School: Lakewood Ranch 

Choosing infant or toddler care is one of the biggest decisions a family can make. You’re not just selecting a place for your child to spend the day; you’re choosing the environment that will help shape their early development, comfort, and sense of security. For parents, the search can feel especially overwhelming because there are many options available, and no two programs are exactly the same. To help you feel confident in your decision, here are the most important factors to look for when selecting the right toddler or infant care Lakewood Ranch offers.

1. Program and curriculum
A high-quality early childhood program should provide more than supervision. Even at the infant and toddler stages, children benefit from purposeful routines, responsive interaction, and age-appropriate learning experiences. When touring a daycare center or preschool, ask how the day is structured. Is there a balance of play, rest, meals, movement, and social interaction? What types of activities support language development, sensory exploration, and emotional growth?

The best programs understand that early learning happens through play, relationships, and a well-prepared environment, not just worksheets or rigid schedules. Look for programs where caregivers actively engage with children, talk to them often, and respond to their needs with warmth and patience.

2. Ratios and group size
Caregiver-to-child ratios are one of the most important indicators of quality, especially for infants. The younger the child, the more individualized care they need. A lower ratio means more attention, quicker response to crying or discomfort, and stronger caregiver-child bonding.

Experts often recommend a 1:4 ratio for infants, and reputable organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) provide guidelines based on age group and group size. Consistency matters too. When caregivers remain with the same group of children over time, children feel more secure and develop stronger relationships. Ask whether your child will have the same teachers throughout the year, and how staff coverage is managed during breaks or staff transitions.

At KLA Schools of Lakewood Ranch, locations maintain lower ratios than state requirements, which allows children to receive more individualized attention, responsive teacher interactions, and small-group experiences based on their interests and developmental needs.

3. Safety and cleanliness
A safe, clean, and well-maintained facility is non-negotiable. Quality toddler or infant care Lakewood Ranch programs often have high standards because young children explore the world by touching everything, and often putting things in their mouths. If you decide to tour a campus, pay close attention to cleanliness, organization, and supervision.

A reputable center should have secure entry, clear sign-in/out procedures, and visible safety measures such as outlet covers, baby gates, and safe sleep setups for infants. Toys should be clean, age-appropriate, and in good condition, with no broken pieces or choking hazards. Ask about diapering procedures, handwashing policies, illness protocols, and how toys and surfaces are sanitized throughout the day. Safety also includes food handling, outdoor play supervision, and ensuring that potentially harmful materials are stored securely out of reach.

4. Teacher qualifications and training
The people caring for your child matter just as much as the facility itself. Infant and child care requires patience, knowledge of child development, and the ability to respond calmly and consistently to a child’s emotional and physical needs. Ask about staff qualifications, training requirements, and ongoing professional development.

At our school, all educators complete the required DCF 45 hours of training (or the state equivalent). Many teachers hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, including international degrees, and several pursue ongoing professional development in early childhood education to support high-quality learning. Knowing that teachers are well-trained can give parents confidence that their child is in capable and caring hands.

5. Classrooms and learning spaces
Young children learn as much from their environment as they do from the adults around them. High-quality classrooms feel warm, calm, and organized, not crowded or overstimulating. Look for spaces that support movement, exploration, and independent play, with clearly defined areas for different types of activities.

At KLA Schools of Lakewood Ranch, children’s classrooms and shared spaces are designed with safety in mind and matched to different stages of development and growth. The environment is intentionally prepared as “the third teacher,” reflecting purpose in every space. You’ll often see children’s work and traces of their learning throughout the classrooms, creating a setting that feels alive, welcoming, and connected to their daily experiences.

Finding the right preschool or infant care comes down to trust, alignment, and quality. When you tour, listen to your instincts and ask detailed questions. A great toddler center or infant care Lakewood Ranch families choose, will show genuine care for your child’s well-being. With the right support system in place, you can feel confident knowing your child is safe, nurtured, and growing in a positive environment every day.