Picking a daycare

Look to see that the ratio of children to daycare providers is appropriate, Sacks pointed out. Under the age of two, the ratio should be 3-1 ideally or 4-1 max. Ages two to three, ideally 4-1 with a maximum of 5-1. And over that there's a little more room for leeway. "But if it's more than that then the provider can't watch carefully, can't really be attentive to each child," Sacks said.

Make sure whatever daycare provider you choose, you've checked with parents who have used that daycare to be certain there hasn't been any negligence or poor treatment. Find as much information as you can about the daycare or preschool and then watch your child.

"Make sure it's flexible enough for your schedule," Sacks added. "Because a happy parent is absolutely necessary for a happy child. If you're rushed and flustered because the doors close at six and your child is going to be waiting on the porch with the left over daycare provider, you're not going to be able to serve your child well."