Finding daycare for toddlers in Sherwood Park can feel like a full-time job. Your little one runs, climbs and talks all day, and now you need someone you trust while you work. There are centres, dayhomes, waitlists and a long list of things to check. Under it all sits one big worry: will my child be happy when I walk away? These worries are normal for parents. In this guide, we share seven simple steps to compare options and choose with confidence. You do not need to be an expert. You just need a clear checklist and a little time.

Why This Choice Feels So Hard

Many parents tell us the same things:

• Too many options. Centres and dayhomes all look good online.
• Long waitlists. Good spots go fast, so you feel rushed.
• Tough drop-offs. Your toddler cries at the door, and you cry in the car.
• Not sure what to ask. Tours go quickly, and you forget half your questions.

These worries are normal. The good news is that you do not need to be an expert. You just need a clear checklist.

7 Simple Steps to Pick the Right Daycare

1. Know Your Options

Most families searching for toddlers daycare Sherwood Park choose between two types of care.

A daycare centre runs in a building with a team of educators. In Alberta, centres need a licence.

Dayhomes in Sherwood Park run inside a home with a small group of children. Some are approved family dayhomes that work with a licensed agency. Others are private, and in Alberta a dayhome with six or fewer children may not need a licence.

Neither choice is always better. A centre often has more staff, set routines and backup when someone is sick. A dayhome offers a cosy, home feel. Pick the one that fits your child and your family.

2. Check Licence and Safety

Ask to see the licence. Look for clean rooms, secure doors and safe sleep spaces. Ask if the staff have first aid and CPR training. For a dayhome, ask if it works with a licensed agency.

3. Watch the Educators

See how they talk to toddlers. Do they kneel down, smile and stay patient? Toddlers bite, shout and cry. Good educators stay calm and kind. Also ask how many children each educator looks after.

4. Look at the Daily Routine

Toddlers feel safe when the day follows a pattern. Look for circle time, stories, songs, art, outdoor play and nap time. Ask how the team supports speech and potty training.

5. Ask About Food

Toddlers eat small amounts often. Ask who makes the meals, if you can see the menu, and how allergies are handled.

6. Check How They Talk to Parents

You should not have to guess how your child’s day went. Ask if you get daily updates, photos or quick replies to your questions.

7. Visit and Trust Your Gut

Tour the centre while children are there. Do they look relaxed? Do the educators look happy? Also start early. Good places often have waitlists.

Why Families Choose Kids County

At Kids County Daycare & Out-of-School Care, we built our toddler care around what little ones need. Our Explorers Toddler Program is for children aged 19 months to 3 years. It gives toddlers room to explore, with a steady routine that keeps them feeling safe.

Here is what your toddler can expect:

• Language skills. Storytime, simple songs and naming games build new words.
• Movement. Climbing, running, balancing and toddler yoga help little bodies grow strong.
• Creative play. Art projects, sensory bins and music spark imagination.
• Cultural awareness. Short sessions share music, food and stories from many cultures.
• Independence. Toddlers practise tidying up and handwashing. Educators gently support potty training when your child is ready.

Food matters to us too. Our on-site chef makes meals and snacks fresh each day, using a 6-week rotating menu. You can see how it works on our Daily Nutrition page.

We also keep parents close to the day. Our Parent Dashboard App shares real-time updates, so you can check in during a busy workday. Families also join seasonal events like picnics and craft fairs.

Want to know who will care for your child? Visit our Team page. You can also read more about our values on our About Us page, or see all age groups on our Our Programs page.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What age can a toddler start daycare in Sherwood Park?
Many centres take children from about 12 to 19 months. At Kids County, our Explorers program is for toddlers aged 19 months to 3 years.

2. What is the difference between a daycare and dayhomes in Sherwood Park?
A daycare runs in a building with a team of educators and needs a licence in Alberta. A dayhome runs in a private home with a small group. Some dayhomes work with a licensed agency, and some do not.

3. What should I ask on a daycare tour?
Ask about licensing, staff training, daily routine, meals, allergy plans and how the team shares news with parents. Also ask how they handle tough days, like crying or biting.

4. How do I know a daycare is safe?
Look for a valid licence, clean rooms, secure doors and calm educators. Watch how the children behave. Happy, relaxed kids are a good sign.

5. How can I make drop-off easier?
Keep goodbyes short and loving. Say when you will come back in simple words, like “I will see you after snack.” Bring a small comfort item if the centre allows it. Most toddlers settle in after a few weeks.

Ready to Find a Place Your Toddler Will Love?

You do not have to choose alone. Come see our toddler room, meet our educators and ask all your questions. Check our Fee Schedule to plan ahead, then book your tour or join the waitlist today.

Spots in daycare for toddlers in Sherwood Park fill fast. Call us now and give your little explorer a happy start.

📍 2020 Sherwood Dr #106, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3H9
📞 780-570-0020
✉️ info@kidscounty.ca