Choosing a childcare center for your little ones can be a daunting task. With the right list of questions and some planning, your selection process won't be like comparing apples and oranges! Just follow these steps:

Know The Right Questions To Ask
Download the checklist on the left to take with you as you research each childcare option. Keep in mind what your goals are for your children, and see how each center measures up. Also ask each center for references, and try to get recommendations from people you trust.

Star-Rated License
North Carolina's previous licensing system did not offer parents very much information so the state has recently adopted a star rating system for childcare providers to help parents quickly ascertain if a childcare resources meets certain standards.

What is a star rated license? The star rated license is a voluntary licensing system where a child care program can earn points in two different areas:

• Program Standards
• Staff Education

For more information about the star-rated license system, visit ncchildcare.dhhs.state.