A thoughtful start.
A little guidance.

The right care arrangement needs to work for your child and your everyday life. Before comparing programs, write down what you need: your child’s age, the days you need care, your pickup time, and the kind of communication that helps you feel connected.

Start with the everyday details.

Think through the trip from home to daycare to work, including the return journey. Ask each provider about current openings for your child’s age, fees and pickup expectations. A beautiful setting still needs to fit your family’s schedule. At Mila-Ma, care is offered Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm.

Look beyond the name of an approach.

Words such as Montessori inspired or play based are a starting point for conversation. Ask what they look like during an ordinary morning. What can children choose for themselves? How do adults help when something feels difficult? How do activities change for different ages?

At Mila-Ma, our Montessori and Waldorf inspired curriculum includes practical activities, nature, art, movement, and opportunities to explore. Our activities page shows real examples, from wooden materials and sensory trays to shared painting.

Visit, observe, and ask.

Arrange an in-person tour. Notice how adults respond to children, how the spaces are used, and whether you feel comfortable asking questions. Ask how the provider handles supervision, rest, meals, illness, and communication with families. Review licensing information directly through the state’s resources.

Make the comparison personal.

After each visit, note what felt like a good fit and what needs clarification. A child who takes time to warm up may need a different conversation than a child who eagerly joins every activity. Share what comforts your child, what interests them, and what you hope their day will feel like.

Further reading: ChildCare.gov’s tips for choosing child care and California’s resources for parents.

A tour is a chance to understand the day behind the photographs. Ask for specific examples, and leave time to talk about your child’s needs. These questions are intended for any provider you are considering; ask Mila directly about the policies that apply at Mila-Ma.

1. Who will care for my child?

   Who is present during the day? How is coverage arranged when someone is away? What experience do caregivers have with children of my child’s age?

2. How do you comfort a child?

   What happens when a child is upset at drop-off, needs extra reassurance, or finds it difficult to join an activity?

3. What does a typical day include?

   How are play, outdoor time, meals, rest, and adult-guided activities balanced? How are infants’ individual routines accommodated?

4. How do you supervise different spaces?

   Ask about indoor and outdoor supervision, arrival and pickup, authorized adults, and emergency procedures.

5. How are meals and individual needs handled?

   What food is provided? How are allergies and dietary needs discussed? What should a family supply? See Baba’s Kitchen for a look at Mila-Ma’s food and cooking.

6. How will we stay in touch?

   How are daily updates shared? How should you raise a concern or tell caregivers about a change at home? Ask about photo-sharing preferences and permissions.

7. What should I know before enrolling?

   Request current fees, availability, illness policies, pickup expectations, and the written enrollment agreement. Confirm the details before committing.

For an independent checklist, see California’s child care checklist.

A photograph captures one moment. To understand an activity, look at what the child is doing: choosing a material, testing an idea, noticing a difference, or sharing something with another person.

A tower is more than a finished shape.

With wooden blocks, children can compare pieces, decide what belongs at the bottom, and try another arrangement when a tower falls. Ask, “What did you try?” or “What could go here?” The interesting part is the process, not how tall the tower becomes.

A sensory tray invites close attention.

Plants, soil, scoops, and different textures give children things to notice and talk about. In our nature and discovery activities, the materials become a starting point for exploration. Ask what your child noticed rather than expecting a particular answer.

Art makes room for individual choices.

A shared painting can involve choosing a color, making a mark, watching a friend, and deciding what to add next. A finished picture does not need to resemble an adult’s example to give you something meaningful to discuss.

What changes with age?

The same broad interest can lead to different experiences. A younger child may explore a texture or sound; an older child may describe an idea or return to a project. Our care-by-age overview explains how we approach infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Materials and participation depend on the child’s readiness.

Examples drawn from Mila-Ma’s Activities & Discovery page and Montessori and Waldorf inspired curriculum.