Choosing Childcare

By Denise Yearian

Choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions a family will ever make. No doubt, parents want the best care possible for their children. But when it comes to deciding where and with whom your child will stay, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the options.

State Regulations for Childcare

Requirements for childcare providers vary from state to state, but all states have minimum standards for health, safety, nutrition, sanitation, and so on. In North Carolina, childcare programs are required to meet minimum childcare standards. Beyond the minimum requirements, the Star Rated License System recognizes facilities for their voluntary efforts to exceed the minimum standards. For example, a rating of one star means that a childcare program meets the minimum licensing standards for childcare in North Carolina. Programs with two to five stars have voluntarily chosen to meet higher standards in Staff Education and Program Standards. When you visit various providers, be sure to inquire about their star rating. Find more information about state regulations at ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/.

Family Childcare Homes

In a family childcare home, the provider opens her home to care for several children on a regular basis. Many parents see this as an ideal arrangement in that their child spends time in a home-like atmosphere, yet still has the opportunity to interact with other children. With this type of care, the caregiver/child ratio is often lower than that of a childcare facility, which means the child may receive more individualized attention. On the down side, if the caregiver gets sick or takes a vacation, parents may be left trying to find alternative care—sometimes on short notice.

Childcare Centers

Childcare centers provide care for children in a facility specifically designed for them. Many childcare centers offer a structured curriculum, trained staff, quality play equipment, and extended hours. For some centers staff turnover can be an issue, so be sure to ask the question. Research shows that children need stable relationships and can suffer emotionally with frequent changes in caregivers. Even so, these facilities have staff replacements for caregiver’s vacations and sick days, so a family’s routine is not interrupted.

Some parents are fortunate enough to have a childcare facility at their place of employment. For them this may be the best choice. First, both parent and child can commute to the same location, saving time and gas. Second, the parent has immediate access to the child for special drop-ins or in an emergency. And although families still have to pay for childcare services, it is usually at a reduced rate.

In-Home Care

Many parents view in-home care as the optimum in childcare. With this option, a caregiver, au pair or nanny is paid to care for the child in the family’s home. With this arrangement, families experience the ultimate in convenience (hassle-free mornings getting to work, uninterrupted care for a sick child, etc.) while the child benefits from a familiar environment and more stable routine. But premium care comes with a price. In-home care is typically the most expensive form of childcare, unless you have a relative or close friend who is willing to do the job.

Aside from family and friends, either an au pair or a nanny typically provides in-home care. Au pairs are young women (usually European) who come to the U.S. under a cultural exchange program for a period of one year or less. In exchange for a place to live and modest wages, au pairs provide up to 45 hours per week of childcare. Most speak English, but may or may not have any childcare training. There are many government-approved agencies that help connect families to au pairs. Nannies care for children in the home and often assist with other domestic chores while mom and dad are at work. Rates vary depending on experience, education, number of children, hours worked and responsibilities. To find a nanny, parents can either place their own ad or consult a nanny placement agency. The benefit of an agency is that they perform the initial screening of candidates, as well as a background check. In addition, the agency will assist you with the interview and selection process.

The Childcare Search

According to experts, the best time to start your search for a childcare provider is months before you need one. At the very least, allow four to six weeks to investigate your options. Before you begin your search, define your goals. Make a list of things that are important to you. Is a convenient location a priority? Do you need childcare coverage in the early morning hours, late in the evening, or on weekends? Would your child do best in a group setting or one-on-one? Answering these and other questions will help narrow your search.

Talk with friends, family, co-workers, your pediatrician and church members about any childcare recommendations they might have. Next, contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral Center for even more information about licensed childcare options in your area. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential providers, call each one and ask questions about the environment, program’s philosophy, number of children in the group, qualifications of caregivers, etc. Also inquire about rates, hours, and meals. Visit those facilities/childcare homes that seem most suitable to you. Plan to spend at least 30 minutes at each location observing the children and watching how they interact with each other and the caregiver(s). Are they happy? Are there plenty of age-appropriate activities? Can the caregiver adequately handle the number of children in her care? How does she handle discipline? Fussy kids? What about the outdoor play equipment? Is the bathroom clean? Do caregivers emphasize handwashing?  Of the places you like best, visit a second time, preferably unannounced. Beware of any provider that does not allow unannounced or drop-in visits. If this is the case, look elsewhere. Before making a final decision, update yourself on licensing requirements, staff qualifications, child-caregiver ratios, etc. Does the place you’re considering meet and/or exceed standards?

Once your child has been placed with a caregiver, keep abreast of his care. Periodically reevaluate the provider to see if their priorities and standards still align with yours. If a problem arises that cannot be solved, be prepared to make a change. Remember nothing is more important than the health and well-being of your child.

Do everything you can to develop a good relationship with your caregiver. After all, you are partners in one very important job—the care and development of your child.

Denise Yearian is a freelance writer and mother of three children.