Fitting Childcare Into Yours And Your Child's Life

By Glen Cludden

With so many parents feeling the need to work and families spread out all over the country, no longer nearby to help out, the decision to put a child in daycare is often the only choice ? and a daunting one at that. Single-parent or double-income family, you want the best for your precious child. Handing her over to a family member each day is quite a different matter from giving her to a stranger, it is, therefore, so important to thoroughly investigate your options. And with childcare being so expensive, parents have to work longer to be able to pay for it thus putting an even greater burden on family life. We have a few guidelines here that might help you.

Your first decision should be, 'I will not choose a daycare center in haste or under pressure!' Taking time to thoroughly investigate all the options available in your area and the pros and cons of each one with respect to your child and situation will pay great dividends in the long run. As you look at the child care alternatives of day care center, day care at someone else?s home, or a dedicated child care worker in your home, there are two other factors you should take into consideration: it may be best to consider only state licensed day care providers; and your friend or co-worker?s considered choice might not be the best one for your family.

Social Services can provide a list of reputable child care providers in your area, as can local non profit agencies, the phone book, or go online. Make appointments to visit those that sound most promising, armed with your list of questions. Nothing beats a visit and eye contact with those who will provide the care for your child.

A big indication that a daycare center is child oriented rather than profit oriented is to ask the adult staff to child ratio. This ratio should be different for each age group and the recommended ratios are as follows: 1:4 for babies; 1:6 for under 3s; 1:10 for the 3-5 age group. (Check your States laws as they can vary.) Think about the effect these ratios will have on your child?s individual need for attention and socialization. Just imagine how much chaos could result if your 3-year-old was one of 30 with only three adults in the room!

The care-giver should happily supply evidence of her background, training and experience, along with any licenses, accreditation or additional training undertaken. As well as State licensing, there are various national bodies offering accreditations indicating quality and safety measures are in place and open to inspection. Always take a note of and follow up any references offered.

The faithfulness of a parent?s love and care for a child is a big, big part of his security. If you cannot be home with him, then do not be afraid to allow him to attach himself to someone you trust. He will not love you any less for it, but will be strengthened by the secure environment you are creating for him. A secure, consistent environment is one of the biggest gifts you can give your child; therefore do not accept a care center with a high turnover of staff.

Here are a few other factors to think about: is the care giver positive, warm and understanding towards the children; will your child get individual attention and comfort when needed; can you drop in at any time; is it on the way to work or will you have to budget extra for travel costs; is it?s reputation solid ? no habit of breaking rules or list of complaints against it.

The internet is a great resource to help. For example try http://www.childcareaware.org/en/ Investing time to find the right place will reap many rewards for both you and your child. It is an anxious time, but doing your homework ? visiting, asking questions, reviewing the contract, taking advice ? will mean the outcome has more chance of success. I pray you find the best solution for you and your child.

About the Author: Copyright 2006 Luca Jenkin. All rights reserved. Luca Jenkin runs Flexi Childcare providing fast access to childcare information for parents and carers. Visit his site: http://www.flexichildcare.com/

Source: www.isnare.com
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