There are many things to consider when choosing child care. 

Below are some helpful tips from Bay Area Resource and Referral Agencies. 

When considering a provider:

Interview and observe the potential provider with your child.
~ Explore why this caregiver wants to care for your child.
~ How does s/he feel about this work?
~ Is this person warm, caring, attentive, and responsive to your child?
Ask the potential provider:
~ What do they like to do with children?
~ What are their feelings about discipline?
~ How do they handle naps, eating, toilet training?
~ How they would handle an emergency?
Ask a lot of "what if" questions, for example:
~ What if my child cries all day?
~ What if my child refuses to eat?
~ What if my child refuses to nap?
Check references and work history.
Trust your instincts! Hire someone you like. Hire someone your children like.
Once you have found a good provider, be sure to:
~ Communicate regularly and openly about how the child care arrangement is working for you, your child, and your provider.
Remember, good child care is a partnership!

Information Source : California Child Care Resource and Referral Network

Before enrolling your child:
Do not leave your child in any program that you have not visited more than once.
Make an unannounced visit.
Spend substantial time when you visit and come at different times of the day.
Observe the staff who will care for your child.
Insist that you spend time at the program with your child when you enroll. Ask to see copies of licenses, certificates and staff qualifications.

After enrolling your child:
Make an unannounced visit during the day.
Speak with other parents about the program.
Get involved with the program.
Volunteer for a field trip or to spend time in the program.
Communicate regularly with your child’s caregiver

Information Source: 4Cs of Alameda County 

CONTINUING A CHILD CARE RELATIONSHIP
Choosing a provider is just the beginning a long-term relationship. Here are some ideas to help you work together.

Respect your child care provider: be on time to pick up your child;

pay tuition on time; value your provider’s opinions 
Visit the child care setting at various times of the day.

Take time to let your caregiver know about your child.

Information about family trips, visitors, illness, changes in schedule can help your provider better meet your child’s needs.
Get to know the other families using your provider. Their children are a part of your child’s everyday experiences.
Tell your caregiver what you like about the program and arrange time to discuss anything that is bothering you.