According to the Children’s Defense Fund, child care for a four-year-old can
cost an average of $4,000 to $6,000, and some centers even charge $10,000 or
more per year.
Money is often a deciding factor when trying to choose what type of
childcare you should pick for your child, but there are some other aspects to
investigate. Deciding on what type of care to have for your child while you’re
at work can be puzzling and overwhelming.
Will you send him/her to a daycare center, hire a babysitter, nanny, or will
a family member help? Which choice will be the best decision for your child,
schedule, and budget?
Key Points to Help Guide You:
Family-
If you are lucky enough to have a family member that wants to care for your
child, congratulations! Even if you have to split up the care with them and
daycare or a babysitter, it will be a considerable help to your budget. Another
great plus is that your baby will be with someone you will want them to know
and become comfortable with.
Make sure you discuss money matters with this relative as early as possible.
Some will expect compensation, while others will simply enjoy the time with
your child. If you do not discuss this with someone that does expect
compensation, you may run into trouble down the road. Work out a plan that is
good for both of you.
Babysitter-
A babysitter will expect compensation, but you can negotiate what you can
and cannot spend. Don’t wait for them to tell you what they want to be paid,
tell them upfront what you can afford to pay. Make sure you set up an in-person
interview with each interested babysitter.
Some questions to ask them:
What experience have you had
with children?
Have you taken CPR or first
aid classes?
Do you have references?
You can also have a background check done on them through your police
department. If your babysitter is a family friend, but lacks experience and/or
training, tell them about getting certified in babysitting with the American
Red Cross. Make sure you thoroughly interview each candidate. You can even have
a trial session where you go grocery shopping and leave your child with the
babysitter to test them out.