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Daycare Tips for the Working Mom: How to Find the Best Place for Your Child

published September 03, 2007

Published By
( 14 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.
<<How do you know what provider will work best with you and your child? According to Melissa Newby, co-founder of Daycare Match—a site that helps parents find the perfect providers to care for their children while at work, among other things—people need to follow certain guidelines when trying to find a good daycare center.

"Remember, you know what's best for your child. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person and the environment before you leave your child," said Newby. Below are some of her tips; this information and more can be found at www.daycarematch.com:


Get to Know the Provider

Ask them why they chose to become a provider. If meeting with a teacher at a center, ask them why they work there. Ask about their education. Some states require providers to be certified, especially if they are working in a center. Ask about their experience. How long have they worked at the center? If they are a home provider, did they work at a center before opening their own center, and how long have they cared for children in their home? Watch them interact with the children in their care, and also your own child. Are you comfortable with what you see?

Experience

Ask the provider how long they have been caring for children—their own children or others' children. On average, how many at a time? Did they work in a center before starting their own daycare?

Education

Do they have a two- or four-year degree, and is it relevant to caring for children? Most states require providers to take a certain number of continuing education classes in order to maintain their licensing. Ask about classes they have taken recently, especially on topics that apply to your child. For example, make sure they have completed a class on preventing SIDS if you have an infant. If your child has special needs, ask the provider about any classes taken that may apply to your child's particular needs.

Interaction with the Children in Their Care

Try to visit the provider when children are present. This way, you can see how they interact with the children in their care. You can also get a feeling for a typical day at care (although we're talking about kids, and no day is typical). Are they responsive to the children? Do they keep an eye on what the children are doing? How do they respond to arguments or issues the children have?

Interaction with Your Child(ren)

When I interviewed providers, a couple never even spoke with my son. I didn't choose them. Watch how the provider interacts with your child and how your child responds to them. Give your child time to warm up, though.

<<Philosophies

Talk with the provider about their ideas about key issues. How do they comfort a child? What do they think about potty training? How do they discipline the children? Do they let the children watch TV? If there are any issues that are really important to you, make sure you talk about them with the provider.

Take a Look Around

Ask to see where your child would spend most of her time. Where will she play, eat, and sleep? Does it look safe and clean? (Remember that children play there. Don't expect things to be spotless, but they should not be dirty.) Does it look like a fun place for her to spend her days? Is the location secure so that she couldn't walk out an unattended door or run out of an unfenced yard? Question if you are not allowed to see an area.

What's Included?

Ask what your tuition includes. Do parents provide wipes, diapers, baby powder, and diaper cream? What about meals? How many meals and snacks are included? If your baby is still on formula and/or baby food, most providers request that parents provide this. Are there any extra activity or field trip fees? If so, how often and how much?

Those Darn Contracts

Make sure you read it! Even before you decide on a caregiver for your baby, ask to see the contract. Read it thoroughly, and ask questions about anything that is unclear to you. This is a legally binding contract, and both parties will be expected to uphold what is spelled out in the contract. Some key things to look for are:
  • Days the location is closed: What days are considered holidays, and are there other days the center is closed? Do you still have to pay for these days?
     
  • Vacations (theirs): This mostly applies to home-based providers. How many days do they allow for their own vacations, and what is their policy on payment for these days? Many providers require that parents pay for days the provider is on vacation, even though their children will not be in the provider's care.
     
  • Vacations (yours): What is their policy if your family goes on vacation and does not need care for several days? Do you pay full tuition, a portion, or nothing for those days? How many days are allowed, and what type of notice does the provider request?
     
  • Termination: What is the process if either party wants to terminate the relationship? Often, the contract specifies a length of notice that both the provider and the parent need to give. You should also understand the process for ending the relationship if either you are unhappy with the care or your child is not a good match for the caregiver.
Newby also emphasized that it's important to use common sense:

"A little anxiety is normal—you're leaving your baby with somebody else. If you question at all whether your baby will be safe there, don't leave."

Happy hunting!

published September 03, 2007

( 14 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.