As a childcare facility owner, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside families who entrust us with their greatest treasure-their children. I understand that choosing the right childcare program is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. It’s not simply about convenience or cost-it’s about trust, safety, and confidence in knowing your child is in an environment that nurtures their growth, curiosity, and emotional well-being.
Unfortunately, not every childcare facility operates with the same level of care and intentionality. As a parent, it’s crucial to recognize certain red flags that may indicate a program isn’t the right fit for your family. Below, I’ve outlined four major warning signs to pay close attention to when evaluating a childcare center — and why each one matters deeply to your child’s development.
1. Lack of Communication Between Staff and Parents
Open communication is the foundation of any strong relationship-and that includes the relationship between parents and childcare providers. If a facility doesn’t prioritize consistent, transparent communication about your child’s day, progress, or any incidents that occur, it’s time to pause.
Parents should never feel “out of the loop.” You deserve to know what your child is learning, how they’re interacting with others, and whether there are any concerns with behavior or development. A program that fails to communicate may also be one that lacks structure or accountability.
As a childcare owner, I believe it is our duty to partner with families-sharing daily insights, celebrating milestones, and addressing challenges together. When communication thrives, trust follows.
2. Unclear Safety and Cleanliness Standards
A childcare facility should be a safe haven for your child — a place where they can explore freely in a clean, secure, and well-supervised environment. If you notice cluttered classrooms, unsanitary restrooms, or a lack of visible safety measures (like secure entry points or proper staff-to-child ratios), that’s a red flag.
Safety is not negotiable. A quality program should have clear policies for emergencies, background checks for all staff, and a structured system for monitoring children at all times.
When families walk into my facility, I want them to immediately sense that their child’s safety and health are our top priorities. A clean and organized space reflects a team that takes pride in both the environment and the care they provide.
3. Unengaged Classroom Professionals
The heart of any childcare program lies in its teachers. If you notice constant staff changes or caregivers who seem disinterested, distracted, or impatient with children, consider it a significant warning sign.
Children thrive on consistency. Frequent turnover can disrupt a child’s sense of security and attachment, which are both essential for emotional and cognitive development. Great teachers blend the art of caring with the skill of teaching, creating learning environments where children feel secure, valued, and excited to learn.
As a facility owner, I firmly believe that investing in staff-through professional development, mentorship, and appreciation- is just as important as investing in curriculum. When teachers feel valued, children feel valued.
4. Little to No Focus on Developmental Milestones
This red flag is one that deeply concerns me as an early childhood professional. If your child is not meeting age-appropriate milestones-such as language development, social interaction, or fine motor skills— and the childcare staff does not acknowledge, address, or communicate these concerns, it’s time to take a closer look. Milestones serve as a roadmap for your child’s growth. While every child develops at their own pace, early detection of developmental delays allows for timely support and intervention. A high-quality childcare program should consistently observe, document, and share your child’s progress, celebrating achievements while also identifying areas that may need attention.
In my facility, we view developmental milestones as an essential part of our mission-not just boxes to check, but indicators that your child is growing confidently in all areas of life. We believe in being proactive partners with families, offering resources, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. Because at the end of the day, childcare isn’t about finding someone to watch your child with, it’s about finding a place that helps them become all they’re meant to be.
I’m Tre’vone McNeill, better known as “The Daycare Dude”. For years I have been an advocate and mentor for children and their education in our community.
High-quality education and equity for all our students is an absolute need. But, contrary to the belief of some, that doesn’t begin at the elementary level – that’s needed in our early educational systems as well. This is why I’m a proponent of high-quality early childhood educators and education programs.
I am a Motivational Speaker, Young Adult & College Pastor, Mentor, Certified Chaplain through the International Fellowship of Chaplains, Community organizer, and Childcare Industry Influencer. I am the Founder of Genesis Christian School in Fayetteville, NC, an independently owned K12 Christian School.
I am the author of eight 5-star books, Quarantined, Enjoying the Journey, Wake Up, and three children’s books entitled: “Just Me & My Dad”, “My Sister, My Friend”, and “Charlie Goes to School”, that can each be found on Amazon.
I am a leader of leaders; leadership development and empowerment are a passion of mine. I want to see childcare owners and directors become the most confident and successful business leaders.