How to Find Appropriate Childcare

According to the the Department of Health and Human Services, 11 million children under the age of 5 are in need of care outside of their home. Choosing the right type of childcare for your family can bring about many feelings, concerns and questions. Knowing your needs and your child's needs will help make the decision an easier one for the entire family.

Instructions

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      Evaluate what type of childcare arrangement works best for you and your child. The most common forms of care are in-home, group daycare centers or home-based daycare centers. Families with strict routines may do better with an in-home nanny who can follow the rules. Families with social children or odd work schedules may be better suited to a home-based or group daycare situation.

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      Choose in-home care if you have a relative with whom you are comfortable leaving your baby and who will work for a reasonable price. Some grandparents or other relatives are willing to watch your baby for no cost. Nannies or babysitters are more costly, but you have the peace of mind knowing your child is receiving one-on-one attention throughout the day. In-home care works well for difficult or demanding infants, such as those with colic, or a special needs child.

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      Consider a group daycare center if you want a school-based environment for your child. Group daycare centers may be labeled preschools because of the learning component built into the daily routine. Be sure the facility is licensed and the teachers are credentialed and up to date on CPR and first aid. You may want to view the center prior to having your child attend and stop by for periodic "surprise" visits to be sure things are running according to your standards.

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      Look into home daycare for your child if you are unable to afford a nanny or are not fortunate enough to have a relative who is able to care for your child. Most home daycares have a smaller amount of children than a group daycare, meaning more individualized attention for your child. Some home daycares accept your child only if he is potty trained or has reached a certain age. One downfall to home daycare is that not all facilities will be licensed or regulated by your state.

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      Talk to others in your neighborhood, school district, or play groups to get opinions on childcare options in your area. Gaining insight into your different options (as well as finding out how happy or satisfied others are with their childcare arrangement), can make your decision easier.

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