Most working parents, especially moms, have to make the tough decision of leaving their child in the hands of a stranger. When the child is about 3-6 months old, you have to look at the various child care choices available. If you know the exact date of when you’re going back to work, this process begins much earlier. You don’t have to be a working parent to consider taking your child to daycare; even stay-at-home parents need help from time to time.
So how do you know if daycare is right for your child?
This decision mainly depends on two factors; time and money. Are you going back to work full-time or part-time? What type of child care support do you need during this time? Is a nanny a better option for you and your family? Decisions, decisions!
While others might prefer hiring a nanny, you should know that most daycare centers double up as early educational centers. Experts say that early childhood education is essential for brain development in children. A quality child care program will include play, socialization, education, and nutritional elements from professional child care workers. According to psychological experts, these factors will help your child develop social-emotional skills that will benefit your child well into the future.
The truth is you don’t know whether daycare is right for your child until you try it. However, all the science suggests that the right daycare program can benefit your child in several ways. That said, the only logical step for you to take is to learn how to choose a good daycare center for your child.
What you should consider
The first thing you should consider when choosing a daycare center is your child’s age. Selecting a daycare program for an infant is not the same as picking one for your toddler. However, some things like safety, cleanliness, curriculum, and flexibility are common for both.
Secondly, what type of child care service do you need? There are many types of child care centers.
- Part-time daycare
- Full-time daycare
- In-home daycare
- Corporate daycare
Part-time daycare facilities operate for half a day, usually until noon, while full-time institutions operate for an entire day. Part-time daycare centers are a good option for stay-at-home moms who need to catch a break. In-home daycares are structurally different than traditional child care centers, but the state still regulates them.
Family-friendly organizations offer childcare services meaning you can take your child to work. Corporate daycares are the best for breastfeeding mothers as they can take a break and feed their children.
Thirdly, you need to consider the cost. Finding an affordable child care center can be difficult, especially if you are living in the city. Also, high-quality child care centers can cost you a pretty penny, almost as much as a nanny. However, many parents testify that the cost of five daycare days can cost less than a part-time nanny.
Scientifically, a high-quality daycare program is right for your child. The important thing is how to choose the best daycare. With the above tips, you have enough knowledge to begin your search today.