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Important Tips for Choosing the Right Childcare

By David Dutch

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Published: 01Apr2009
Word count: 735
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Finding affordable, quality of child care facilities is a major concern for many parents. More and more families need both parents to work to be able to survive these days, especially in the uncertain current economic climate.

This process certainly does not have to be difficult, but if you want the process to go as quick and smoothly as possible and ensure that your baby is going to be safe and protected wherever you leave them, then there are a few tips you are going to want to keep in mind to help you choose the right affordable child care experience.

What is Available

You need to do your research as early as possible. Find out about the child care facilities in your area. Make sure that they are near enough for you without causing too much hassle getting to and fro. Check out the traffic problems at the time you would need to travel. Ask your family, friends and neighbours where their children go for child care. Get as much feedback as possible and draw up a short list of possibilities. Some nurseries have a waiting list so you will need to be well organized to find the right facilities available at the right time.

Make Comparisons

You will need to compare the nurseries that you have on your list. Take into consideration such factors as how large they are, how many staff members they have working there, how old are the majority of the children, the facilities they have, the quality in child care and so on.

If you are putting your baby into a nursery, you want to make sure that there are going to be other children around of a similar age. To learn properly and of course have the most fun as well, your baby is going to need to interact with other babies.

When you have gathered as much advice as possible from family and friends about their child care experiences you can also turn to the internet, your local council and other resources to read reviews on the various nurseries.

The next step would be to physically go to these nurseries to check them out and see the facilities for yourself. It is a good opportunity to meet the staff. Do the children look happy and stimulated? Are there plenty of colourful toys and games around for them? How do the staff interact with the children? Do you have a good feeling about this place? Sometimes it is good to go with your gut instinct.

Child minders

An alternative to nursery child care is to use child minders. Child minders look after babies and children in their own homes. On average they care for about 3-5 children. They have to be registered with the local authority and are police checked and their homes are regularly inspected for safety. They are a great alternative and your child will be just as safe and happy with them as in a nursery. I have found child minders to be more flexible, when the need arises, than nurseries, but that is just my personal view. You can obtain a current list of registered child minders from your local council.

Nannies or Au Pairs

Some parents are lucky enough to be able to afford a nanny or au pair living with them in the family home. Nannies tend to be more qualified and will cost you more and they care for your child in your own home. They may live-in with you or out depending on the circumstances. Au pairs are usually foreign nationals who want to study English and will live in your home and care for your child. They live as part of your family for up to two years enabling both parties to learn about each other' culture. They will be responsible for your child care as well as doing some light housework and they receive a small wage for personal use. Other expenses such as their food and travel costs you would provide.

Remember that the more research you do the better off you are going to be. After all, you want the best child care experience for your child. You need to feel comfortable with your decision so that you are not sitting at work worrying all day. But whichever child care you go for I am sure your baby or child will thrive and be very happy.

This is just one of the many Parenting articles written by David who is owner of http://purelytots.co.uk which is a website aimed at Parents and Carers of toddlers and babies The site also offers personalised gifts and toys for under 5's as well as more articles, recipes and humour to brighten up your day.

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