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Introduction
Are you looking to explore some child care options this year? It is okay to seek help to care for your child. It could be for a few hours while you run an errand or for the hours while you are at work. Sometimes a live-in nanny or au pair may be needed. They are a slew of options for your choosing.
How do you find the right child care option? The right child care differs among families. While in-home child care may be perfect for you, others may need a child care center.
The four primary factors to consider when choosing a child care option include:
- The age of the child/children
- Your availability
- The distance to travel
- Your child care needs
Once of have that figured out, it is very easy to choose an option from the list. Outlined below are some of the common child care options available to you.
Child care options
- Child care centers
Child care centers or daycare centers are the go-to option for many families because of the all-round education they provide. Besides caring for the child, these early education programs are designed to aid learning and development. They employ trained child care providers to meet this goal. That said, keep in mind that this type of care is not provided in your home. Child care centers are usually designated centers outside of any of the family’s homes. Additionally, the hours vary widely. For example, while we offer day and night services, some child care centers in the area only provide day services while others are open for only specific hours.
- Au pair or live-in nanny
If you are looking to get help round the clock and in your home, you may have to go for a live-in nanny or au pair. There are certain circumstances that make it necessary to have help at all times. Thankfully, these child care providers make that possible. Child care providers under this category are typically foreign nationals who will live with you as part of your family. This ensures they are always there to care for your child or children as your needs demand.
- Helpers
Another great option for child care is your friends and family. You can always drop off the kids with your family or have a friend look after them for some hours while you run an errand. It is okay to ask for help.
- In-home family child care
In this kind of child care, the provider uses his/her home as the center. You can say this is a smaller form of a child care center. Parents drop off their kids at the provider’s home and pick them up at the agreed-upon time. Providers in this category typically have their children to care for. So, they use the opportunity to care for a few more children.
- Babysitters and nannies
Babysitters and nannies offer affordable child care by the hour. If you only need help to watch your child for a few hours or perhaps random hours or days, you will find this option easily the best because it provides some flexibility that you won’t get in other child care options. This is especially true considering the fact that the carer comes to your home to care for the child. This could be day or night, depending on your needs.
- Preschool programs
Depending on the city you live in, you should find some preschool programs designed for children that are not old enough to enroll in a formal school. These programs are designed like a school to help the children prepare and easily transition to a formal school.
- Before and after-school programs
Even with children of school age, you may need someone to look after your child before and after school hours while you are at work or busy with something else. If this sounds like you, then you should keep an eye out for child care providers that offer such services.
Takeaway…
It takes a village to raise a child. This village may include one or more child care options. Take the time to analyze the help you need and find the options that best fit those needs. It is okay to ask for help. Don’t do it alone.
