It may be time to switch daycares if you have safety concerns, your child stays unhappy for months, teachers keep leaving, or the center does not respond when you raise problems. A move can also make sense when your needs change, such as a new job, a move or a child who is ready for a stronger preschool program. Plan the switch around the notice period in your contract and give your child a gentle transition.
Signs it may be time to switch
Safety and trust
- Injuries without clear explanations or incident reports
- Too many children for the number of adults
- Unsafe sleep practices for babies
- Doors propped open or loose pickup checks
- Serious violations in the center's inspection history
If you have an immediate safety concern, act right away. See our full list of daycare red flags.
Your child
- Still very upset at drop-off after two or three months
- Suddenly afraid of a certain person or room after being settled
- Seems bored, with few activities for their age
The program
- Teachers leave every few months
- Concerns are brushed off or not followed up
- Poor communication about your child's day
- The program no longer fits your child's age or needs
Your family's needs
- New work hours, a new job or a move
- A sibling who needs care in the same place
- A wish for a stronger pre-K or a private kindergarten
- Cost changes
Before you decide: try one conversation
If there are no safety concerns, ask for a meeting with the teacher and director. Explain what you have noticed, with examples, and ask what they will change. Give it a few weeks. Many issues, such as nap struggles or a classroom transition, improve with a clear plan.
How to choose the next center
- List what was not working, so you know what to look for.
- Tour two or three centers and ask specific questions about those issues.
- Check licenses and inspection reports. See how to check a daycare license in Illinois.
- Ask about openings and waitlists for your child's age.
- Ask other parents what they like and what they would change.
Planning the switch
- Read your contract. Most centers require written notice, often a few weeks. See daycare contracts.
- Check your deposit. Some deposits are applied to your last weeks if you give proper notice.
- Line up the start date before you give notice, if you can.
- Avoid gaps unless you have backup care.
- Ask for records you may need, such as health forms and immunization records.
- Time it well. If possible, avoid switching right before another big change, like a new sibling or a move.
Helping your child adjust
- Talk about the new school in simple, positive words.
- Visit together before the first day if the center allows it.
- Read a book about starting school.
- Keep goodbyes short and the same every day.
- Share your child's routines and comfort items with new teachers.
- Expect a few weeks of adjustment, with some tears and tired evenings.
If your child is leaving friends, a goodbye card or a last-day photo can help. Older toddlers and preschoolers may talk about old teachers for a while, and that is normal.
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad to switch daycares?
No. Children usually adjust within a few weeks. A better fit is worth a short transition.
How long should I wait before switching?
If there is no safety issue, give a new center about two to three months and one honest conversation before deciding.
Do I need to give notice to leave a daycare?
Usually yes. Check your contract for the notice period and deposit rules.
How do I tell my toddler we are changing daycare?
Keep it short and positive, a few days before. Focus on what they will do at the new school.
Visit Children's Land
Children's Land has centers across Chicago's northwest side and the north and northwest suburbs, open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with care from 6 weeks old. We welcome families who are comparing options. Find a location or contact us to ask about openings.
Related reading: Daycare Tour Questions to Ask: A Parent Checklist.
.svg)
.svg)
