Gov. Christine Gregoire paved the way for preschoolers two years ago when she announced the creation of "Thrive by Five Washington," an early learning program led by Dr. Graciela Italiano-Thomas.

Video: Learning: Finding quality child care

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"The whole point of this is to get children ready to succeed in school. We know that children who come to kindergarten two years behind never catch up," she said.

"And I'm not saying they need to be drilled. Children are still discovering the world. They need to be in a playful environment."

As Graciela works to improve our state's child care centers, she recommends parents look for colorful, uncrowded classrooms.

"I always recommend parents come down to the level of the child's vision and look at the environment. Are there choices, is it clearly organized, are there obstacles, is it clean? Is it safe?"

"Seeds of Life" in south Seattle is one example of quality childcare because it provides correct answers to the questions parents should ask.

"If the children are being interactive and simulated … Are they being expanded are they being enriched? Are there field trips?" said Graciela.

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When parents wonder whether or not their child is getting proper care, Dr. Graciela Graciela says just pop in for a visit.

And, when parents wonder whether or not their child is getting proper care, Graciela says just pop in for a visit.

"Come in at different times, see what's happening, trust your intuition because not every childcare is right for every child or every family," she said.

Sometimes quality childcare comes with a long waiting list. Seeds of Life is no exception. It could be another year before a new baby joins the group.

But, that's what Graciela hopes Thrive by Five Washington will eventually change throughout our state.

"And now we need to get the work done, but in fact we are only the catalyzers, the work needs to get done by parents, early learning professionals and opinion leaders and legislators so the resources for quality and more spaces come to our state, we can't do it all at once, but we need to see progress every year," she said.

Another suggestion in the search for child care: Ask if they are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).