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.
Daycare Centers-
This is a common choice for most parents, but it can be rather expensive. If
you feel daycare is the best choice, but are worried about the cost, check with
your local DHS office and see if you can get help from them. You can also see
if your employer has any special benefits for daycare. On the plus side,
daycares must follow certain policies as outlined by the state. Check with your
local daycares by looking through the phone book, on the web, and asking other
parents. Visit the daycares and set up times for interviews.
What to ask:
Are you licensed?
What is the student/teacher ratio?
What is your discipline policy?
Do employees get background checks?
What kind of training and/or experience do they
have?
Make sure you are given a tour of the center and ask many questions. Take
notes of everything so you can evaluate each center when you get home.
Nannies and Au Pairs-
Nannies are usually in-home caregivers that can also be expensive. If your
budget allows this, a nanny can be a great option. If it doesn’t, but you like
the idea of your child’s caregiver living with you an au pair can be a better
option. An au pair is someone usually from another country that wants to go to
college here in America.
By living with you and caring for your child, they are able to go to college
and earn money. There are also agencies for nannies and au pairs. If it’s an
agency check with the Better Business Bureau and other state agencies that can
tell you if there have been any complaints filed against them. As always,
interview each candidate thoroughly.
Each option should be investigated and researched fully to ensure an
accurate decision you and your child can be happy with. Take your time looking
into each option.