When it comes to quality child care, there really is no one-size-fits-all approach that makes one option better than another. While some people will swear by a certain daycare, another person will have an equally horrific daycare experience to share, and while others will only let their child be watched by their favorite nanny, there will always be the people who would never consider employing one. So how do you evaluate which child care option will work best for YOUR family? To make a decision that leaves both you and your child happy, consider these five things while you research your different options:
1. Cost: First and foremost, you have to find a child care option that is going to fit into your budget. Daycares are usually initially a more inexpensive option than hiring a nanny, however you also have to take into account if you have more than one child you’ll be enrolling, as daycares charge by child and nannies charge by family, and if there are any fees you’ll incur if you’re running late to pick up your child one day. Many daycares charge by the minute for every minute you’re late picking up your child. Most nannies, on the other hand, are happy to stay a little later if you call to let them know you’re running behind from time to time.
2. Hours of operation: Another big factor in choosing a child care is if the hours of operation are manageable for your schedule or not. Daycares typically have set hours that they are open, while nannies are usually a little more flexible. Nannies also come to your house every morning, meaning you bypass having to drop off your little ones before work and pick them up after. If you or your partner has a flexible schedule, then dropping your kids off and picking them up every day may not be an issue. However, if you know that it’s going to be a struggle to get your kids to the center before work and that you’ll have trouble leaving work early enough every day, hiring a nanny might be a better option.
3. Proximity to home or work. Do you need a nanny to come to your house every day to ease the stress of leaving the house on time? Is there a reputable daycare center within a 5-10 minute drive from your home or work? Figuring out which option is close to your home or work and what works well with your schedule plays a big role in which child care option you want to utilize. After all, there may be a top-rated daycare in your city, but if you have to drive 45 minutes to get there each morning then it doesn’t really make it a feasible match.
4. Does your personal parenting style mesh with their childcare style? When hiring a child care provider, you want to be certain that their childcare styles don’t conflict with your parenting styles. For instance, you don’t want the child care provider to have a disciplinary style that you aren’t comfortable with, or to be insensitive to your child’s gluten allergy or vegetarian lifestyle. You want to choose a childcare provider who is going to enhance your parenting style, not take away from it.
5. Are you and your child both comfortable with the arrangement?
Do you get a good feeling from the environment your childcare provider provides for your children? Do your children seem happy and engaged when they’re in the care of their provider? Or do they seem sullen and reserved? You’ll want to interview several nanny candidates and tour several daycares before making a final decision. And don’t be afraid to go with your gut feeling – you’ll know when you find the right provider for you and your family.
Do you get a good feeling from the environment your childcare provider provides for your children? Do your children seem happy and engaged when they’re in the care of their provider? Or do they seem sullen and reserved? You’ll want to interview several nanny candidates and tour several daycares before making a final decision. And don’t be afraid to go with your gut feeling – you’ll know when you find the right provider for you and your family.
Finding the Perfect Childcare Provider
Finding the perfect childcare provider can be an arduous process, but once you find a provider that fits with your family you’ll know. Take cost, location, child care styles, hours of operation and you and your child’s response to the provider into consideration and you’ll ensure that you can rest assured that your child will be happy and well-cared for in your absence.
Author Bio
Nancy Parker writes at http://www.enannysource.com/ about wide range of subjects like health, Parenting, Child Care, Babysitting, nanny background check tips etc. You can reach her @ nancy.parker015 @ gmail.com
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