How to Find the Right Child Care for Your Family

Quality child care provides socialization and security for your child, but selecting the provider you entrust with your child is no easy task. First, you face the decision between an in-home day care, nanny, day care center or a family member watching your child. With the options narrowed down, you're left to wade through the numerous providers available. Before you consider quitting your job to avoid the decision, create criteria to help with the selection process.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write a list of features you want in your child care provider. Express what you value most when it comes to day care. For example, you might want a provider close to work or one specific provider that is always with your child to build a bond.

    • 2

      Create a list of questions to ask the provider. Ask about things like hours, policies, experience, certification, communication methods, staffing, discipline, typical activities and licensing.

    • 3

      Visit different types of child care options to help decide which feels right for your family. Check out a large center and an in-home care provider. If you know someone who has a nanny, ask if you can stop by and see the nanny in action.

    • 4

      Ask friends, neighbors and colleagues about the type of child care they use. Ask about the pros and cons of each option. Factors usually include cost, hours of availability, size and setting. For example, some people prefer the family-like atmosphere of an in-home day care, while others choose a center for the convenience, longer hours and availability.

    • 5

      Explore the available providers in the specific type you choose. For example, if you decide on a center, look up all of the day care centers in your area. Drive by the provider to check out the area and determine if it is convenient for drop-off and pick-up. Narrow down the list to the day care providers that best match your needs.

    • 6

      Contact each of the day care providers you're considering. Ask the questions you wrote down to screen the options. If you like the answers you get from a center, schedule a visit. If the answers don't align with your values and preferences, cross the provider off the list.

    • 7

      Visit the center to get a sense of the environment. Watch the teachers and their interactions with the kids. Look for a safe, stimulating, child-friendly environment. Note how you feel in the environment. If you don't feel welcome, dig deeper to figure out why. If you don't feel comfortable with the environment, you won't feel comfortable leaving your kids there.

    • 8

      Ask for references from current and past clients. Call the people on the list to find out what they liked and didn't like.

    • 9

      Compare all of the options you explored to find the one that best matches what you want from a care provider.

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