If you are planning to return to work or school after giving birth, it's a good idea to begin looking for day care that will suit your family's needs while you are still pregnant. The number of households with single parents and working parents continues to grow, and many families face a challenge in finding affordable, quality day care. Here are some tips from the Better Business Bureau on where and what to look for when selecting child care services.
Consider your options
Do you prefer a child care center or a private home? If you can afford it you may want to hire someone to come to your home every day. Referrals may be available through city, county or state government agencies, or through local church, school or civic organizations. Also, you should ask friends, colleagues and neighbors for the names of day care providers or facilities they have used.
Screen facilities
Carefully screen the facility before enrolling your child. Find out how the staff is selected, what credentials they're required to have, and what is the rate of staff turn-over. Does the facility meet local and state regulations? Is there adequate safety equipment, such as fire alarms and first aid equipment? Is there adequate space inside and outdoors for children to play? If you are not satisfied with the answers to these questions, keep searching.
Child Care Costs
Determine whether the fees fit your budget. Cost may be dictated by the type of facility you choose. Some facilities charge on a sliding scale according to income, and some may offer financial assistance. A facility that opens early, closes late, or is available on weekends, or for shift work, may be difficult to find and charge extra for such convenience. Be sure you understand the charges and what is and is not included in the fees. Also, consider the convenience and safety of the location of the facility.
Visiting the center
The most important step before making a final decision, is to visit the place of business, whether it is a day care center or a person providing care in their home. Call ahead to make an appointment to tour the facility and talk with the care givers. Ask for references and check them out. Also, observe how the care givers interact with children -- be wary if you're discouraged from dropping in once your child is enrolled.
Making your decision
After you have decided which facility is right for you and your child, arrange for the child to visit for a couple of hours before he or she spends the entire day there. Once the child is attending, be alert to his or her reaction
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