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Book your visit quickly—choose a time that works best for you.
Book your visit quickly—choose a time that works best for you.
May 12, 2026
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Leaving your baby in someone else’s care for the first time is one of the hardest moments of new parenthood. It’s emotional, it’s stressful — and it’s completely normal to feel that way. The key to feeling confident on that first drop-off morning? Knowing you’ve chosen the right place.
Whether you’re just starting your search or comparing your final shortlist, here is exactly what to look for when choosing infant childcare in Norwood, PA and across Delaware County.
This is non-negotiable. Any childcare center caring for infants in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). A license means the center has been inspected and meets the state’s minimum health, safety, and staffing standards.
When visiting a center, ask to see their license and check when it was last renewed. You can also verify any Pennsylvania childcare provider’s license status through the PA DHS Child Care Certification website.
Beyond state licensing, look for:
Pennsylvania requires a minimum ratio of 1 caregiver for every 4 infants. However, the best centers go above and beyond this requirement. A lower ratio means more individualized attention, more consistent bonding, and better care for your baby.
Ask specifically: “How many infants are in the room at one time, and how many caregivers are assigned to them?” The answer tells you a lot about the center’s commitment to quality.
Babies thrive on routine and familiar faces. Frequent caregiver turnover is one of the biggest red flags in infant childcare — it disrupts the secure attachment that is critical for healthy infant development.
Ask centers about staff retention, how long their infant room teachers have been there, and whether they intentionally minimize rotation in the infant room. A center that values consistency will be proud to tell you.
When your baby can’t tell you about their day, you need a center that will. Look for a provider that uses a reliable parent communication platform to keep you updated in real time on:
At Norwood Academy, we use Brightwheel to give parents a live window into their child’s day. You’ll never be left wondering.
An infant’s brain grows faster in the first year of life than at any other time. The physical environment of the infant room matters enormously. Look for:
Quality infant programs follow each baby’s individual schedule — not a one-size-fits-all group routine. Feeding on demand, sleep when your baby needs it, and activities tailored to their developmental stage are all signs of a center that truly understands infant development.
Ask: “Do you follow individual schedules for infants or a group schedule?” The right answer is individual.
When you visit a center, bring this list:
Trust your instincts too. When you walk in, notice how the caregivers interact with the babies. Are they warm and engaged? Do the infants seem calm and content? Your gut will tell you a lot.
At Norwood Academy in Norwood, PA, our infant program is built around the belief that every baby deserves individualized, loving care from a consistent and qualified caregiver. We welcome infants from 6 weeks old and follow each child’s individual schedule throughout the day.
Our infant room features age-appropriate sensory activities, daily tummy time, music and movement, early language development, and real-time Brightwheel updates so you always know how your baby is doing. We are licensed by the Pennsylvania DHS and backed by the same experienced team behind Collingdale Academy — a trusted name in Delaware County childcare.
