When the time comes to employ another to watch after your child, finding good childcare is of the utmost importance. There are multiple avenues to take when researching childcare, including in-home care, out-of-home care, and day care businesses. Before making the final decision, take a look at the pros and cons of each and research the quality of the childcare provided. 

In-Home Childcare

In-home childcare includes nanny care and babysitting. Nanny care requires a contract and full or part-time employment, as discussed between the family and nanny candidate. If you are looking for occasional care or you prefer not to enter into a contract with a professional nanny, babysitting care may be more suited for your needs. Babysitter care tends to be infrequent and available on an as-needed basis. When choosing babysitter care, remember to have multiple care providers available at all times. There is a chance the babysitter could have a previous engagement and there is no contract to bind the care provider to your employment.

Out-of-Home Childcare

Many men and women offer childcare services out of their personal home. Most states require home childcare services to be registered, so check with the state Department of Health and Human Services to find out more about the childcare provider before calling for an appointment. Always walk through the home, ask for references and talk with one or more children if possible before agreeing to the childcare terms and conditions. 

Day Care Business

Daycare is available in most towns and cities. The number of children that can be housed in one location at any given time is dependent on the business size and number of employees. The state enforces all daycare laws and regulations. There is a strong likelihood that your child will be cared for by multiple childcare providers responsible for numerous children at any given time. Daycares tend to provide education, entertainment, and meals, but one-on-one interaction with care providers may be limited.

Background Checks and Childcare

Whenever possible, run a background check on the person or business you are entertaining as a childcare provider. You may need to ask the provider for permission to run the check, but if they refuse you know immediately there is something they are trying to hide. Background checks are typically available from the state if the childcare provider accepts state funding. This includes childcare providers who provide care out of a personal home.

Childcare is an extremely sensitive and important issue for many parents, especially in households where both parents work. Though it may be difficult for you to imagine trusting your child in someone else's care, for most parents, this will become a reality at one point or another. As a result, finding childcare is an extremely important task that most households will have to face. It may seem daunting, but if you approach the search correctly, you should be able to find someone great. Most importantly, trust your instincts. If someone or something does not feel right, go with your gut and move on.   

Let this page be your guide to all things childcare!

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