Whether you’re a first time parent, or a seasoned veteran, there is nothing more important than placing your child in the best hands when you’re not there. With fewer than one in three children having a full time, stay at home parent, child care has become a huge industry, and is becoming more and more dedicated to the best care for children every day.
If you’re looking into child care options that work for you, there are a few things your should consider before choosing one. Nanny services are included in child care searches, but may be less affordable than a traditional day care center. After school programs are great for children in elementary and middle school, but most daytime child care options are for parents with preschool age children. If your child participates in multiple activities around the community, then a nanny or babysitting service may be a better option for you, but again, those services are often pricey.
In 2010, a study in child care found that approximately 90% of children spent at least a small portion of time being cared for by someone other than a parent before the age of four. Whether that someone was a grandparent, babysitter, or daycare service, the fact remains that more parents are returning to work and looking for child care options when their children reach age two or three.
Daycare payment is an issue that all parents need to look into before choosing the right program for their child. Some employers offer daycare services for parents who work, and will help those parents make payments while their child is there. However, most parents prefer a private daycare center for their child. Daycare management is often overlooked during this search, but can often mean the difference between a reliable service and an unreliable one.
Visiting the daycare centers you’re looking into with your child is a great idea and can give you a good insight into the practice’s policies and environment. This way, you’ll be able to see how your child interacts with the staff and other children there, knowing whether or not it’s the right place for both of you. The right child care option is out there, so don’t overlook anything while you’re looking!