Care for a Child: Do Your Homework When Choosing!
Choosing a child care provider is among the most difficult decisions facing parents. Leaving children with a stranger can be very unnerving. There are several different care for a child options, and some techniques for screening child care providers that will assist parents in this tough decision.
Types of Child Care Available
- Nanny
If you would prefer to keep your child in your own home, a nanny is a good option for your family. A nanny will be able to provide one-on-one attention, and will allow you to avoid taking your child to a separate location each day. A nanny will be the most expensive option. A nanny might be a good choice for a family with young infants, since they will benefit from having one-on-one care. However, anyone that prefers that their child stay in a familiar environment might choose a nanny.
- Daycare Center
Child care in a daycare setting can be a wonderful experience for children. They will have a chance to interact with many different children daily, and a good daycare will provide a stimulating environment where children can learn.
- In-home daycare provider or babysitter
This is a good option if you like the idea of the daycare setting, but prefer a smaller group for your child. Chosen carefully, an in-home daycare provider or even a babysitter can provide a setting similar to a commercial daycare center, with a little more personal attention.
Choosing a Provider
Whichever option is best for your family, you will need to do your homework when choosing a child care provider in order to keep your child safe.
- Licenses and background checks
For a nanny, the one you choose should have a background check. Many nanny agencies require this, and this should be your first question when screening potential applicants. If you do not go through an agency, you should still require this very important step before hiring a nanny. For daycare centers or in-home daycares, you should ensure that they are licensed and obtain their licensing information. You will then be able to check with the local licensing agency to ensure there have been no complaints filed about them.
- CPR & First Aid Certification
For licensed daycares, the providers should already be CPR certified and perhaps First Aid certified; you should ask to see proof of this before choosing a provider. For a nanny or a babysitter, ensure that they are also at least CPR certified, as this might save your child’s life.
- Interview them
You, and your spouse, if applicable, should conduct an interview with any potential child care provider. You should ask questions like, ‘Why do you like providing childcare?’, ‘How long have you been doing this?’. If you are looking at a daycare center or in-home daycare, ask to visit during regular daycare hours to get a feel for how things are run each day. If you decide you like the particular person or place, then arrange a meeting with your child and see how that goes.
Choosing a child care provider does not need to be stressful. If you take the time needed, and do the proper research, you can feel confident knowing you made the right choice.