Be calm and direct. Volunteer to chaperone field trips. You see children playing or wandering unsupervised. The center or home doesn't allow unannounced visits. Your child is consistently unhappy.
State records show serious complaints or actions against the center or home.
Staff don't offer explanations for scrapes, cuts and bumps. This may indicate poor supervision. Caregiver can't or won't talk to you about concerns and daily activities. Start your search early, especially if you're going to need infant care. That's where you're most likely to find long waiting lists.