Choosing Quality Childcare

Every year, more parents are joining the workforce. In the near future it is likely that two out of
every three children under the age of six will live with two working parents or a single working
parent. All of these parents have one thing in common: how to care for their children while they go off to work. This article contains information, ideas and suggestions to help you make the best
possible choice of child care in community setting.

Types of Care

There are five basic types of child care:
l Full Day Child Care Centers - Groups of children usually by age, in non-residential
settings. l Family Child Care Homes - Care offered in the home of the provider, licensing or regulation vary from state to state. Mixed age groups.
l Part Day Preschool - 3-5 year olds, normally a part day, part week, school year program.
l School Time Out Programs - School Aged Care, normally before and after school hours
and school holidays. l In-Home Care - Care provided in a child's home by a relative or other person hired by the parent.

Considerations

Important considerations when choosing care:
1. Age and personality of your child: You are the best judge of the right atmosphere for your
child. Some children are shy or fearful and need quiet, small group settings while others do just
fine in a large group with lots of noise and activity.
2. Your family's needs: Do you need care for more than one child? Do you want them in care
together? If an older school aged child is also in need of care you will want to look in the area of
the school. You may want to look close to home or close to work, depending on your transportation situation.
3. Hours: Most child care centers accommodate only standard workdays and hours. Family child
care homes may be more flexible and offer evening and weekend schedules although this varies
from area to area.
Getting Started Visits
by Charlotte Dedman, HerChildCare.com