HOUSTON -- Experts say that 90 percent of brain development takes place before a child is 5 years old, so a local organization is helping parents find the perfect program to help their child learn, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Child care providers are only required to have 23 hours of training, whereas a manicurist must have hundreds of hours before certification.

United Way of Greater Houston's senior director of community investment, Amy Corron, said, "It's really a disservice to our children and our society that we don't require more of the people who are bringing up our future."

Single mom Christina Aguirre was six months pregnant when she began the search for an early-childhood education program. Some visits to facilities were better than others.

Aguirre explained, "One center I just did not like because they let a kid open the door and I thought that was just too unsafe, and I wanted one that was real safe and this was it."

When her son Adam turned 1, Christina enrolled him in Field Elementary's Childcare Center, affiliated with the United Way's Bright Beginnings program.

Aguirre said, "(Adam's) learned a lot. He learned how to walk here already. He's becoming more independent. He likes music and dances at home, and when he's ready to go to school, he won't let me walk out the door without him."

Corron urged parents to take the time to research before enrolling your child in early education. She said, "This is the most important investment you can make."

Corron told KPRC Local 2 that parents should first make sure the center is licensed by the state and ask about teacher credentials. Then, tour several facilities and observe the teachers in action.

She advised, "Watch the teachers engaging with the children. There should be warm interaction. Teachers should genuinely love to be there. They should guide the children positively in terms of discipline, no harsh punishment."

Parent Charlie Gertson said watching his 15-month-old son Caleb thrive since enrolling at Field reassures him he made the right choice for his family.

Gertson advised other parents, "Do the research. It's not necessarily how much you spend, it's the quality that you get, and we are extremely happy with the quality of care here."