Philip Oyler is getting a lot of on-the-job training about finding a child-care provider with his 14-month-old daughter.

“We’re changing day cares this time because of location,” Oyler said. “We don’t expect her to be treated with golden gloves, but we want a friendly environment that’s conducive to her learning.”

Parents like Oyler who already use a child-care facility can be a good resource for parents looking for one, experts say, but someone else’s recommendation should be only a starting point.

“The parent needs to visit the day-care provider and see it with their own eyes and form their own opinions,” said Donna Masoner, executive director of the Douglas County Child Development Assn.

Parents should ask specifically about the staff’s training, their experience and their teaching philosophies, she said. Asking for references also is a must, Masoner said.

Studies show that children start to learn at a young age, so getting specifics about the types of activities provided is important, said Christie Ogunnowo, director of Kids Choice Christian Daycare.

“Ask to see the schedule of the day care and see what they offer during the day and during nap time for the older kids,” Ogunnowo said.

Parents may want to do some price shopping as well. According to a 2001 survey of rates charged by child-care providers in Douglas County, the tab can vary.

For children 17 months and younger, the average cost for care at a facility operated in a commercial center was $134.50 per week, compared with $111.29 for child care offered from a provider’s home.

The survey, conducted by the Douglas County Child Development Assn., gives parents some other issues to think about. Only 10 percent of the centers allow free sick days for children; 57 percent of the centers close when the provider is sick; 29 percent provide substitute care when they are closed; 83 percent charge an extra fee for late pick-ups, and 79 percent require payment during a child’s vacation.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department reports very high annual child care provider turnover rates. In 2000, for example, 57 registered child care homes opened and 71 existing registered homes closed; 33 licensed homes opened and 34 closed.

For many parents, finding the perfect place is a challenge and waiting lists are a reality. Oyler said he put his child on a list before she was born, and said that’s usually what Lawrence parents have to do.

There are 238 home care providers in Douglas County and accreditation is not required.

“Most home care providers don’t have it,” Masoner said.

Parents should ask whether the child care plans to apply for accreditation, but should be aware the process could take from nine to 12 months.

“Accreditation assures the parents that the provider is serious and they will continue to get education on providing care to their children,” Masoner said.