How to choose a daycare in Laval? 10 important criteria for parents

How to choose a daycare in Laval? 10 important criteria for parents

Choosing a daycare is an important decision. Beyond proximity and available spots, parents look for an environment where their child can feel safe, develop independence, learn through play, and build positive relationships with others.

In Laval, childcare services are varied. To make an informed choice, it is helpful to visit the facilities, meet the educational team, and ask specific questions about daily operations.

Here are 10 criteria to consider when choosing a daycare in Laval suited to your child's and family's needs.

1. A Safe and Reassuring Environment

Safety is naturally one of the first criteria to verify.

During your visit, observe in particular:

• entry and exit access control;
• cleanliness of the premises;
• room layout;
• play area safety;
• supervision of children;
• emergency procedures;
• how children are welcomed in the morning.

Safety is not only about the facilities. A child must also feel emotionally secure.

A calm atmosphere, respectful interactions, and an attentive team all contribute to creating a true sense of security.

2. The Quality and Stability of the Educational Team

Educators play a central role in a child's daily experience.

A qualified team must be able to observe each child, understand their needs, and support them according to their age, pace, and level of development.

During your visit, you can ask:

• what qualifications the educators hold;
• how groups are organized;
• how the team supports newly enrolled children;
• how conflicts are managed;
• how developmental observations are communicated to parents;
• how substitute coverage is organized.

Also observe the way educators speak to children. Their patience, availability, and ability to encourage positive interactions are just as important as their professional qualifications.

3. An Approach That Respects Each Child's Pace

Not all children develop at the same rate.

Some adapt quickly to a new environment, while others need more time. Some are very sociable; others prefer to observe before participating.

A good daycare must be able to tailor its support to each child's needs. This approach may manifest through:

• gradual integration;
• activities adapted to age and abilities;
• respect for rest periods;
• particular attention to the child's interests;
• encouragement without excessive pressure;
• regular communication with parents.

At Les Garderies des Petits Cœurs, the educational approach notably emphasizes respect for individual pace, caring interactions, and the child's overall development.

4. An Age-Appropriate Educational Program

A daycare should not function like a traditional school. For young children, learning happens primarily through play, exploration, movement, and social interactions.

A balanced educational program should support several dimensions of development:

• language;
• fine and gross motor skills;
• creativity;
• independence;
• social skills;
• emotional regulation;
• curiosity;
• progressive school readiness.

Activities should remain enjoyable and appropriate for children's developmental level.

Les Garderies des Petits Cœurs welcome different groups, from infants aged 0 to 18 months through children aged 4 to 5 years in school preparation.

5. Learning Through Play

Play allows children to explore their environment, solve problems, and develop their imagination.

Through play, children learn to:

• communicate;
• wait their turn;
• collaborate;
• express their needs;
• experiment;
• make decisions;
• build confidence;
• find solutions.

When visiting a daycare, observe whether children have access to different types of activities: symbolic play, crafts, reading, music, building games, motor activities, and outdoor play.

A quality program should offer a reassuring structure while leaving sufficient room for initiative and creativity.

6. Communication With Parents

A good relationship between the daycare and the family facilitates the child's adjustment and development.

Parents should be able to obtain information on:

• meals;
• sleep periods;
• activities carried out;
• the child's mood;
• important events of the day;
• observed progress;
• any difficulties encountered.

Communication must be regular, clear, and respectful.

Ask how the daycare shares information: exchanges with the educator, agenda, app, email, phone, or parent meetings.

A good daycare considers parents as partners.

7. Progressive Preparation for School Entry

For children aged 4 to 5, school preparation becomes an important concern.

This preparation should not be limited to learning letters or numbers. It must also promote:

• independence;
• concentration;
• listening skills;
• ability to follow instructions;
• ability to work in a group;
• pre-reading and pre-writing;
• early math concepts;
• confidence in new situations.

School preparation must happen gradually, in a playful and positive context.

The programs at Les Garderies des Petits Cœurs aim to develop language, motor skills, creativity, social skills, and readiness for school entry.

8. A Bilingual Approach Suited to Young Children

In many Laval families, learning both French and English is an advantage.

A bilingual approach in daycare can naturally expose children to both languages through:

• songs;
• stories;
• games;
• daily instructions;
• conversations;
• educational activities.

The goal is not to put children in a performance situation, but to allow them to gradually become familiar with the sounds and vocabulary of both languages.

Les Garderies des Petits Cœurs offer a French-English environment for children aged 0 to 5.

9. Proximity and Hours

Educational quality remains the priority, but family logistics must also be taken into account.

A daycare located near your home or workplace can reduce travel time and make the daily routine easier.

Before making your decision, check:

• opening hours;
• days of closure;
• rules regarding late pick-ups;
• accessibility by car or public transit;
• parking availability;
• distance from your home;
• registration procedures;
• available spots by age group.

All three Garderies des Petits Cœurs are located on 8e Rue in Laval and are open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

10. Your Impression During the Visit

Documents, programs, and facilities matter, but your overall impression counts as well.

During the visit, ask yourself:

• Do the children seem at ease?
• Are the educators genuinely engaging with them?
• Are the premises clean, organized, and welcoming?
• Do the activities seem appropriate for the different age groups?
• Do the staff answer your questions clearly?
• Do you feel confident?

A visit often confirms whether the values presented by the daycare are reflected in its day-to-day operations.

Three Daycares in Laval for Children Aged 0 to 5

Les Garderies des Petits Cœurs bring together three facilities in Laval.

Garderie Le Royaume des Petits Cœurs

The network's first facility, Le Royaume has been welcoming families since 2008. Its approach notably emphasizes learning through play, independence, safety, and well-being.

Address: 99, 8e Rue, Laval, Quebec, H7N 2C5

Phone: 450 933-5533

Garderie L'Univers des Petits Cœurs

Open since 2016, L'Univers continues the same educational mission in a warm, safe, and stimulating environment.

Address: 97, 8e Rue, Laval, Quebec, H7N 2C5

Phone: 450 490-3555

Garderie La Planète des Petits Cœurs

La Planète is the newest of the three facilities. Opened in 2026, it offers a modern environment that carries on the network's educational values.

Address: 95, 8e Rue, Laval, Quebec, H7N 2C5

Phone: 450 669-3555

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling Your Child

• How does the integration of a new child work?
• What educational program is offered for their age group?
• How are parents informed about how the day went?
• How much time is dedicated to outdoor play?
• How do you support children through emotions and conflicts?
• How are meals and snacks organized?
• How are rest periods adapted to each child?
• How do you prepare children for school entry?
• What are the hours and days of closure?
• What are the next steps for registration?

Conclusion

Choosing a daycare in Laval takes time, observation, and a good understanding of your child's needs.

Proximity matters, but it should not be the only criterion. The quality of the educational team, safety, the program, communication with parents, and respect for individual pace all play a determining role.