Finding a Daycare center

Circumstances have us looking at daycare sooner than we originally thought. Any tips on how to go about the process? I don't even know where to start. Did anyone pay for any websites that gave guidance on the search process or honest reviews?

Does anyone have recommendations in the Great Neck area (where I live) and/or the Hewlett/5 Towns area (where I work)?

Thank you for your guidance in a difficult and serious process.

Finding a Daycare center

If you are looking for centers then I would start with google. I looked at their websites and made a list of the ones that were convenient for us and our schedule and thought could work out.

I then called for a tour and went to fist them.

All had wait lists. We put our names on 2 of the lists and kept looking. A new one ended up opening less than 5 mins away and I went to visit and instantly knew that was where I wanted DS. THe staff just felt like home. The center opened 1.5 weeks before he needed to start. He is 15 months and has been there since 8 weeks.

You will get a feeling when you walk in these places and talk to the staff. Go with your gut.