Archive for the ‘Mom Tips’ Category

by Iza del Carmen, MomAuthority.com

While some may argue that finding a good daycare center is hard work, others will tell you that it is harder to find an in home provider. This may be especially true if you work odd hours or have a child with special needs.

Before you begin the interview process, take some time to write down exactly what you are looking for in a childcare provider. Perhaps you adhere to attachment parenting and want a provider who will hold your child. Or maybe you need someone who doesn’t mind working a flexible schedule.

Knowing which issues are most important to you before you start your search will help eliminate providers who don’t fit what you need. This can save you time and energy as you begin searching.

You can find prospects through a variety of different methods. Start by asking other parents for references. New online resources, such as sittercity.com are now popping up to help parents find reliable, local childcare. Another option is to call your local college and place a job listing for a student majoring in early child development.

Don’t be afraid to bring up the subject of money and how the childcare provider expects to be paid. It is better to be upfront about this subject than to be surprised later.

In addition to their hourly or weekly charge, find out if the provider takes an annual vacation or time off during the holidays, as well as how sick days are handled.

Always ask for references from past clients. Talking to other parents is the best way to judge how the childcare provider will interact with your child. Even if they don’t tell you they aren’t happy, their demeanor should let you know whether they really love the provider or are just satisfied with the care.

Once you have narrowed your list down to two or three names, ask if they would be open to a “trail run” so you can see how your child reacts to them. This will be the best way to tell if the person is right for the job.

As with all child care providers, it can take a couple of tries to get the right person. While it may be time-consuming, the payoff of an excellent provider is worth the effort.

by Iza del Carmen, MomAuthority.com

It’s the quest of working parents everywhere: trying to find the perfect daycare. Finding a quality daycare center, that actually has an opening, can be challenging, to say the least. It can be especially daunting if you are trying to find one for the first time and don’t really know where to start.

You may be surprised to learn that there are many resources available to help in your search. You’ll still need to do a lot of work, but you don’t have to go it alone.

For starters, ask other parents that you know and trust for their opinions. The particular daycare that they rave about may not have openings, but you can still put your name on the waiting list. They may also be able to help you steer clear of less than desirable daycare centers.

Don’t just take their word for it, though. Your state will also have a record of quality daycare centers in your area. They will only recommend providers who are licensed through the state.

This extra qualification ensures that the center fulfilled your state’s requirements. Each state will have its own regulations, but this generally means that the staff took specialized classes, including CPR.

You can also do searches online. Many daycares have their own websites that include pictures of the facilities. This is much more helpful than your standard listing in the newspaper or phone book.

Now that you have a few places in mind, it’s time to start the screening process. Start by asking yourself what the ideal childcare center would be like. Would the staff operate on a friendly, creative level or more like a school, with set routines and curriculum?

Would your ideal daycare center offer hot meals or would you rather pack your own child’s lunch and snacks?  Would you

Maybe you want your child to be taken to a park or field trips. Maybe you want a smaller daycare center or more individualized care and attention for your child. In this you would want to know how many providers there are for the children.

Another good piece of knowledge would be to know how long the providers have worked for the daycare center or how long the other children have been there.

Now at this point you will have determined whether you want a daycare center or in home care for your child. Should you choose a center be sure to visit the center. You will be able to see the interaction of children and adults alike, the cleanliness of the center. You will have more of first hand knowledge of how the center is setup for programs geared toward specific ages.

Ask about your ability to participate in field trips or other events. Determine the facilities policies regarding child pickup, as well as safety.

In short, determine the type of child care you desire, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and feel free to visit in order to confirm any details that you are given. Remember, this is your child and you have the right to ensure their safety.