Doing Your Homework Before Choosing Childcare - Tundraco's Daily Living Guide to Raising Kids

They choose a child care provider because the establishment is conveniently located, the fees are 'cheap', or perhaps because they already know the provider. While these reasons may be a 'bonus', they should not be the basis of a decision. The main factors that need to be considered when choosing childcare are:

Will my child be cared for in a safe and nurturing environment?
Is the provider(s) certified or have they completed any special training in childcare?
Does the childcare establishment apply with all of your state's licencing and regulatory requirements?
Can the provider meet the special needs of my child?
What is the child-provider ratio? The younger your child the lower the ratio should be.

Start Early

It is never too early to begin thinking about childcare options for your baby. In some areas, top-flight childcare establishments have long waiting lists, and if you want your child to attend, you may have to apply even before the baby is born! As well, many areas suffer from a dire child care shortage. The earlier you begin your search the better your chances are of finding the right option for you and your baby - and the better your chances that there will be a slot available.

Never select a childcare provider or establishment on a whim. Selecting childcare is not like picking out a box of cereal. Pick the wrong cereal and at worse, it will be thrown out. Pick the wrong childcare and your baby could end up DEAD.

Conducting your search - the right way

Use a checklist so that you don't forget to ask any pertinent questions, such as, "What is your policy about caring for sick children?" and "Will you be able to care for my child if I have to work late occasionally?"

You can develop your own checklist and questionnaire or use a pre-made one.

When you think that you have located a possible childcare provider - take your time before making your decision. Don't be rushed by fears that they will 'fill up' before you can get your child enrolled.

Conduct an initial telephone interview.
If they still seem satisfactory, arrange for a tour of the facility.
While taking the tour, observe how the care giver(s) interacts with the children. Is the establishment clean and does it have proper safety equipment? What do they do to keep outsiders from coming into contact with the children?
Check references, see if any complaints have been made to the Better Business Bureau, do background checks, and contact your state regulatory agencies to see if the establishment complies with all state regulations.
After you have completed your investigation, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not this place or person is the right one to care for your baby.

Think Long Term

Don't forget to think about your long-term needs. If you select an in-home childcare provider, be sure that they are committed to staying around for awhile. It can be very disruptive for you, and the baby, if your in-home help, such as a nanny deserts you after only a short time.

For established childcare centers, is there an upper age limit for the children they care for?
Do they have an in house nursery school?
If not, do they have a before and after school program? Many childcare establishments, especially some larger ones, will accept a child in the early morning, transport them to nursery school or kindergarten, then pick them up and care for them until you get off work - others will not.

Don't Overlook the Paperwork

Do background checks on everyone who will have contact with your baby, or insure that the childcare establishment has already done so with their staff.

Don't just ask for references, be sure to check them too!

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The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only.

Always consult your doctor for medical advice.

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