A very large percentage of new mothers on maternity leave while caring for their newborns have seriously considered the thought of finding a way to be financially okay without returning to work once the leave has run out. I bet the percentage is as large as 75, 90 or even higher who crunch numbers, lay out budgets and crunch the numbers once again in the vain hope that they can stay with their baby without working away from home. Unfortunately, the vast majority of them must go back to work to support the family. This ultimate realization does not come without guilt and falling tears. They are forced to select a day care center for their new baby and are determined to choose the very best one they can find.

What do the best day care centers look like? How do you find such a place? First, a decision must be made as to what type of day care center is best for your situation. A well-reputed state-licensed daycare facility provides security, the latest curriculum and modern equipment. A home daycare setting involves a local mother whom you know and you also know loves kids and will probably care for your child as if it were her own. Nannies come to your home and care for your baby in his own surroundings, making it very comfortable for him. Then there is the loving friend or relative who would just love to care for baby Nicki and no, it\’s no trouble at all. Each category has things to like and things to dislike and these must be carefully weighed before a decision is made.

A state-licensed center is monitored by the state to a degree and gives your child a staff that has passed background checks and who have taken at least some courses in early childhood development. Such a facility will provide safety and security and the legal ratio of teacher to child. The disadvantages to this type of facility is that all the kids need a Kleenex, they are crying all at once and there are not enough people around to hug them and bounce them on their knee.

The home daycare operation offers one caregiver that you trust to care for the needs of your child and often steps in as a surrogate mother. A strong bond can be formed between child and daycare provider. You have a problem, though, when this caregiver entrepreneur becomes ill or has to go away for awhile. Perhaps one of her own children becomes ill. Is it really a good idea for you to put your child in the care of someone who must take him along on errands? How will your child react if he has to be in the care of someone else entirely?

A nanny has many advantages. They come to your home where your child is most comfortable. An attachment between nanny and baby is sure to form in this arrangement as well. And once again, you must consider the nanny will want days off, may become ill or be called away on personal business.

Grandma or the loving neighbor who offered their services can also be a good deal. You do trust them, but shouldn\’t they have a life of their own? Yes, they should, and you shouldn\’t plan on them staying with your baby for very long.

In conclusion, there is no right or wrong solution to your daycare dilemma. Parents must look at every aspect, bad and good and make the most informed decision they can for their family\’s needs. There are some things to be considered that apply to all of the options, though. While cost should never be the driving factor in your choice, it cannot be overlooked. You should never, ever engage a stranger in the care of your child without having them provide airtight reassurance as to their character, whether it be strong, current references, a state-sponsored background check or a long accessible track record of excellence in the daycare field. There are many states that have child welfare agencies that will provide private parties with the results of their background checks. If a caregiver will not allow parents to drop in to the center or home without prior notice, stay away. For your older children, discuss with the center how they handle disciplinary problems and what measure they take to correct them. If your child is engaged in after-school hours at the center, find out what activities are offered to them so they can spend the hours there productively.

Preparation must be laid out to make this difficult decision correctly. Last minute choices are not an option. Feelings of guilt and a few tears will fall, but a well-honed plan will alleviate parental stress and with it the stress on the entire family.

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Category: Parenting
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