Since Jane Eyre was written, child care workers – especially nannies -- have been both glamorized and demonized in books, television and movies. But for dual-income households with a young child, the job of finding quality, safe child care, is one of the most important and daunting tasks of early parenting. And it may be overwhelming, unless family members or friends are able to help, or unless one parent is able to work from home in order to take care of the child.
There are some helpful considerations for parents that may ease the decision-making process and offer the best child care fit for their family:
Start as early as possible in researching child care. It may take some time to sift through all of the viable options; and the best child care centers may have a waiting list. With an early start, the process of choosing a child care situation may be pleasant instead of stressful.
Begin with a budget and a break-even point in mind. If you know what you can afford, you will not waste time pursuing leads on child care options that are financially prohibitive. Also, by recognizing the dollar amount of child care costs that would exceed the income of the lower-salaried parent, decisions can be made regarding whether it is feasible for that parent to leave their job and remain at home with the child.
Gather recommendations from friends, co-workers, and the pediatrician. The names of some child care providers may pop up more frequently than others; and the list of potential caregivers may remain manageable. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services offers a clearinghouse of child care information, including local referral information at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
Visit the child care facilities at the top of your list and speak with a knowledgeable member of the staff. Ask questions regarding fees and payments, teacher credentials or certification, activities and schedule, meals, staff background checks, hours of child drop off and pick-up, holidays observed, and policies regarding sick children. Also, tour each facility, including the bathrooms, and note the cleanliness and environment in which your child may spend so many hours.
Minimal educational requirements are needed for entry-level employment in the child care field -- either a high school diploma or an associate’s degree in early childhood education. Though low wages and minimal benefits are offered by most day care centers, the positions of child care worker, child care assistant and teacher assistant offer valuable experience in working with children, and are a training ground for those who desire to remain employed in related fields.
Those who wish to pursue more competitive jobs in the child care field should consider obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education with a business emphasis to qualify for higher-paying positions in the administration or management of pre-schools.
Caring for young children is a noteworthy profession; and the presence of competent, diligent individuals in this field is a gold mine.
