4 Simple Steps to Choosing the Best Childcare
There comes a time when every family must choose childcare. But what’s good for one family may not be the best for you.
So how do you choose among the many options for childcare?
Too often, parents rush into a decision without thinking it through.
They have a neighbor who raves about a local daycare. Or a relative with an amazing nanny.
It can be overwhelming to sort through the various options, which is why I’ve compiled a list of questions you must consider before making any childcare decision.
This guide is designed to help you prioritize your family’s unique needs and make the best choice for you and your child.
Choosing Childcare: Understanding the Needs of Both You and Your Child
When considering your various childcare options, it’s crucial that you think about your specific needs and the needs of your children.
Take the time to really think about what your life will look like after returning to work. What’s the ideal situation?
Perhaps you need structured days, and schedules offered by a daycare center. Or maybe you’d prefer the one-on-one care and household help of a nanny.
Whichever it is, it’s important to define exactly what you want out of your childcare before beginning the search process.
Step #1 to Choosing Childcare: Questions to Ask Yourself
Before committing to any childcare solution there are some questions you need to ask yourself.
Choosing childcare isn’t like choosing a new pair of shoes. It requires thought and time, and you don’t want to be left with regrets.
Consider these lifestyle factors to begin with:
- How many hours a day, and on which days do you require childcare?
- How much flexibility do you need? Are there days you will need to leave your child there longer?
- Does your work schedule fluctuate between part-time and full-time hours?
- What is your budget?
Questions like these help to set a foundation for further research by narrowing down your possibilities.
Step #2 to Choosing Childcare: Questions About the Type of Care You Want
Now you can focus on what your goals for childcare include.
For example:
- Is my child ready to be socialized?
- Do I want the caregiver to have a childcare education, or is having experience enough?
- What educational or developmental experiences are important for my child’s age?
- Do I want my child with same-age children, or with a variety of age groups?
By asking yourself these questions you’ll have a better idea as to the type of care that might be most meaningful to you.
You’ll give yourself a better understanding of how you want childcare to help shape your child.
Step #3 to Choosing Childcare: Questions for Daycare Centers
Perhaps you’ve decided that a daycare center is an ideal environment for your child.
You want socialization, group play, and a set schedule.
When choosing a childcare center, you should consider questions such as:
- How much individual care is given
- How big are the group sizes, and what are you comfortable with?
- Is the environment structured, or is there an opportunity for free play?
- Does the daycare offer an environment more like a home or a school?
- Is lunch provided, or does the child require a packed lunch?
- Do you prefer it if the center is closer to your home or your work?
As you meet with and tour various daycare centers ask these questions to get a feel for which one really resonates with you.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your comfort level with the answers provided and how you see each center fulfilling your family’s needs.
Step #4 to Choosing Childcare: Questions for Nannies
Nanny care is a popular choice for many families and could be the right decision.
When you begin your nanny search, there are questions to consider about the care and also about the nanny.
For example:
- Do you want the nanny to help around the house, like fixing meals or doing laundry?
- Does the nanny have formal education or experience?
- How will your employer handle it if you must take a day off when the caregiver is ill?
- Will the nanny live-in or come and go each day?
- How will the nanny make sure your child has opportunities for socialization?
- Do you want the nanny to help with homework or provide other educational stimulation?
A nanny is in your home alone with your child every day, so this search should include background checks and reference checks.
Often, families decide to use a trusted nanny matching service to provide some comfort and confidence in the decision-making process.
The right nanny is a wonderful extension of your family, so the search should not be taken lightly.
Prioritize and Research
Once you’ve had all your questions answered, be it for nanny care or daycare, you will need to determine the top priorities from your list.
Make a list of what matters most to you and from there you can choose the option that best fits your desires.
The search for childcare is never easy, nor is the idea of leaving your child with someone new for the first time.
But with this list of questions, you will have the confidence in knowing you have made a choice that will suit both you and your child.
