This booklet for Oklahoma parents provides guidelines for selecting a child care setting that best suits the child, the family, and the work situation. It delineates 13 steps in choosing a child care arrangement and lists child care options such as centers, family day care homes, and in-home care arrangements. The role of state licensing is discussed and the responsibilities of licensing representatives are explained. A checklist for parents to use to assess a potential child care setting for their child includes the areas of supervision, caregivers, daily activities, health and safety, nutrition, guidance and discipline, infant and toddler care, and arrangements for children with special needs. Warning signs indicating a poor quality setting are also described. Suggestions for preparing children for entering a new child care setting are included. The importance of continued parental involvement in child care is highlighted. Included are ways parents can respond to suspected child abuse in a child care setting, strategies for reducing childhood illnesses, and general tips for a successful child care experience. A list of resources concludes the booklet. (KB)