Child care and preschools in the Phoenix area

To find child care in the Phoenix area, make a short list of centers near home or work, call each one to ask about openings, and tour before you decide. AZ Business Directory lists local child care centers and preschools in Ahwatukee and Chandler, with programs from infants through kindergarten, and each listing has a phone number. Start early, because some programs have waiting lists.

How do you choose a child care center?

A tour tells you more than a website. Bring this list and watch how the staff talk to the children as much as how they talk to you.

• What ages and schedules do you offer? Some centers take infants, some start at one year old, and some offer part-time, full-time or before- and after-school care.
• Is there an opening, and how long is the wait? Ask when to expect a spot.
• What is the daily routine? Ask about naps, meals, learning time and play.
• How long have the teachers been there? Teachers who stay are a good sign.
• How do you handle sick children and pickup? Ask who is allowed to pick up your child and what happens if your child has a fever.
• What is the cost and what does it include? Ask about registration fees, meals and late pickup charges.
• Is there a particular approach? Some programs follow a Montessori approach and some have a faith emphasis. Pick what fits your family.

Who offers child care and preschool?

These are real local programs from the directory. Phone numbers are on each listing.

The list includes Amici Trilingual Montessori in Ahwatukee, which lists infant through kindergarten to 2nd grade programs, camps and after-school enrichment. Kids R' Our Future in Chandler serves Chandler and Gilbert families from infants through school-age children. Life Christian Preschool & Childcare in Chandler lists meals prepared on site.

How do you check that a center is licensed?

Ask to see the center's license when you tour, and check with the Arizona Department of Health Services, which is the state agency to ask about child care licensing. Ask them what records are available for a center, such as inspections. It is worth confirming before you sign a contract.

What should you ask about Arizona heat?

Summers here change the school day. A few questions are worth asking.

1. When do children play outside in the summer, and what happens on the hottest days?
2. Is there shade, and is drinking water always available?
3. How do you handle sunscreen?
4. How do children get from the car to the building safely at pickup and drop-off?
5. Do you offer summer camp or day camp? Several local programs list a summer program.

Questions people ask

When should you start looking for child care?

As early as you can, especially for infants. Many centers keep waiting lists, so call several and ask how long the wait usually is for your child's age.

What is the difference between a preschool and a child care center?

The line is not always clear. Many places do both, with classes in the morning and care for the rest of the day. Ask each one about hours, ages and what is included.

Do local centers offer before- and after-school care?

Some do. Amici Trilingual Montessori lists after-school enrichment, and other Ahwatukee programs list before and after-school care. Ask each center about hours and which schools it serves.

See every child care center in Phoenix