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.