How to Choose the Right Daycare for Your Family's Needs

Choosing a daycare can be a tough decision. For one thing, not all daycare centers are the same; for another, even a good daycare with a positive reputation may not be the right one for your family,to help you make this important choice, here are some tips on how to choose the right daycare for your family's needs.

1. Locate the Daycare Centers

If you are not sure what centers are in your area, try placing a call to your local child care experts. Look in the phone book or do an internet search to see what's out there, and to locate child care agencies like the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency.

2. Ask about Requirements

When you're on the phone with the CCR&R, ask them what the laws are in your area about licensing, violations, and, if applicable, financial assistance. There may be laws about child-to-caregiver ratio and how and where to complain if you believe a daycare center is in violation of a licensing requirement or has some other problem.

3. Make an Unannounced Visit

Your first visit should be unannounced. Simply come in to the center and, without being disruptive, ask to observe the daycare. Take note of how you're treated - were the staff welcoming? Did they ask for and listen to your observations and opinions of their facility? Look at how the kids are acting, too - are they getting plenty of attention? Are there enough adults present? It's amazing what you can observe in just a few minutes.

If you like what you see and are considering that particular daycare as a possibility for your child(ren), it's a good idea to follow up your unannounced visit with a scheduled one so you can be shown around the whole facility.

4. An Educational Approach

Do you want the daycare your child attends to have an educational approach? If this matters to you, find out about the daily activities and see if they meet your criteria. See if the activities are educational but also age-appropriate, and taught in a manner that you think would work for your child.

For example, some daycare centers take a playful approach which might be just what your child needs. Others are more academic and regimented, which may be more like your cup of tea. So finding out details about the daycare center's activities is important.

5. Hours

Make sure that the center's hours fit your schedule. What is the plan if you get held up and can't make it to the daycare center at closing time? Also, how flexible is the daycare about hours? You may have to pay for a whole day even if your child is only there for a few hours, depending on their policy. 

6. Health and Nutrition

You'll want to know what kind of food is being served at the daycare. Look for healthy, easy-to-eat foods that are age-appropriate. If you breastfeed, ask about their storage and preparation of breastmilk.

Hopefully, asking some of the right questions will help you make the right decision for your child's daycare. Never be afraid to ask the daycare staff any questions you may have.

Maryjane Angelo

In-Home versus Daycare Center: Pros and Cons

There are a variety of options available for parents looking for child care these days. Sometimes, it seems like there are too many options! One of the main decisions for parents is whether to go with in-home care or a daycare center,as you make this very important decision, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. Here are some things to think about as you consider in-home care versus a daycare center.

# In-Home Care: Pros

1. Convenience and flexibility are advantages of in-home care. If the provider or nanny lives with you, she (or he) is always present, making for a great deal of flexibility on the part of the parents.

2. She might help with the housework and cooking, too.

3. Your children will get familiar with an in-home provider, and maybe more comfortable with her because they don't have to leave their familiar surroundings.

4. A trusted in-home provider may be able to take your children on "field trips" or outings.

# In-Home Care: Cons

1. In-home care tends to be more expensive than daycare, and you can't get financial aid like you can in a daycare facility.

2. A nanny is only human, so if she gets sick or has other problems being available, you will need to have a back-up plan in place.

3. There is more paperwork involved in hiring in-home care if it's a nanny (such as reporting her on your taxes). But a more casual arrangement may not be so paperwork-intensive.

4. Finding a qualified in-home provider can be challenging.


# Daycare Center: Pros

1. Your child will be with other children in a social setting.

2. If you need financial help, it's possible that you qualify for state or federal aid.

3. Generally speaking, daycare is more affordable than paying an individual for in-home care, even if you don't use any financial aid.

4. The staff are trained and held accountable by a regulatory organization.

5. It may be much easier to discern credentials, qualifications, and references.

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# Daycare Center: Cons

1. Let's face it - even the cleanest daycare centers are total germ factories. Having your children in a large group may mean that you're dealing with a sick baby or child on a fairly regular basis.

2. There may be a waiting list at a reputable facility. (This is a good reason to start this search early.)

3. In a group setting, your child may not receive the individual attention you think he/she needs.

4. You will need to transport your child to and from the daycare center, which may get difficult depending on your work hours. 

Hopefully, this list has helped you as you consider the best child care options for your family.

Maryjane Angelo