A Most Important Choice Understandably, many parents grapple with the issue of whether or not to put their kids in the care of others. Since most parents choose childcare out of necessity or a well thought out lifestyle or career plan, there is no reason for any feelings of guilt. Although there is much controversy regarding potential negative effects of day care, the best advice I can give you is to make the best, informed choice.
The childcare that you decide on will play a vital role in your child’s physical, social, and mental development. Finding the optimal setting and situation is not always easy, yet you are not alone. An increasing number of families rely on quality childcare so that they may best juggle the demands of family, education, and career.
Types of Child Care
Before looking into your options, consider your family needs, schedules, and your child’s personality. Generally, there are three types of child care:
- In-home care: the caregiver comes to your home
- Family childcare: you take your child to the home of the caregiver
- Center-based care: you take your child to a place that is specifically organized and staffed to care for children
When you start your search, you may first wish to contact a local childcare resource/referral agency in your community. Generally, city or town halls will be able to provide a number of such services. In addition, ask around at the playground for suggestions. Once you receive a list of local caregivers, review written material that they make available before calling any interesting possibilities. Consider the following factors when reviewing facilities and trying to assess the “right fit” for a nanny or lead daycare teacher:
- Location. How far is the childcare from your home, work, school? Can either parent get there quickly in an emergency?
- Hours. What hours are available? What happens if you are late in picking up your child? How are vacations/holidays/sick days scheduled?
- Licensing/accreditation. Is the facility licensed and currently accredited with the appropriate [governmental] agencies? Have there been any violations, past or current?
- Consultations. Besides knowing when and how to call you, is there a qualified health professional, such as a doctor or nurse, who serves as a consultant for the childcare program?
- Visiting policy. Are you welcome to visit during normal operating hours—before and after enrolling your child? Parents should be welcome to make unannounced visits.
- The Facility. When you tour the setting, besides noting the physical environment (is it cheerful, clean, safe, well ventilated, free of secondhand tobacco smoke?), assess if the caregivers seem to enjoy caring for the children, and in turn, if the kids seem comfortable and happy. Are the toys safe and hygienic? Are playgrounds secure and “children-friendly?” (i.e. soft, pliable flooring, equipment with minimal threat re: height and structure).
- Adequate Staffing. Are there enough trained/certified adults available to children on regular, as well as coverage (for illness, vacations, etc.) bases? Child-staff ratios should be 3:1 for birth-twelve months, increasing by approximately one child per every one year to 12:1 for nine-to-twelve year olds. Are there written policies and a posted daily schedule?
Is this the “right” person?
By far the most important issue is to select the right person who will be directly involved with and responsible for the well-being of your child. Whatever type of care you may choose, the relationship between you and your child’s caregiver will be an important part of your life. As part of your “interview,” spend time with the caregiver and child so that you can learn about each other and see how she/he and your child interact. Get a feeling about the personality of your caregiver. You want good things to “rub off” on your highly impressionable child. It is important to check your caregiver’s (and all staff involved) background, and speak to a few references (including parents who presently have their kids enrolled). The caretaker’s training should include:
