If you are going to need child care next year,
don’t make the mistake of leaving it too late.
Quality professional child care is in high demand
and wait lists can be long. Here are the 10
things to do to get ready for child care next
year.
1. Type of child care
The very first thing you need to do is decide
what type of child care you want. Do you prefer
a child care center or a home environment.
Do you require long hours or flexible hours.
Do you want a licensed child care professional
or more of a grandmother image. Before you
can go any further you need to decide what
you want.
2. Determine your needs
Once you’ve decided what type of child care
you want, you need to determine what your
families needs are. What type of schedules
do you and your spouse have, do you travel
a lot, what will you do if you child is ill
or your day care is closed for some reason.
If your child is school age how will they
get from the school to the day care. You need
to work these out before you can start looking
for child care.
3. Availability
Now that you know what you need you need to
start shopping now! Spaces fill up quickly
and weight lists are long, especially for
affordable day care. Apply early and apply
at a few centers to make sure you’ve got yourself
covered.
4. Alternatives
If you aren’t able to get your child into
the care center you were counting on you need
to have a back up plan in place. Have at least
5 choices on your list to make sure you are
not left hanging with no child care.
5. Fees
Once your child is accepted you’ll need to
find out what items you need to purchase.
For example some day cares have requirements
for additional shoes such as a pair of gym
runners or a backpack. Make sure your child
is prepared. You’ll also need to find out
your fees and when payment is due. Pay your
deposit or first months fees in advance to
make sure your spot is held.
6. Immunizations
Make sure your child’s immunizations are up
to date and that you have their vaccination
card. Many child care services will not accept
your child until you show proof of immunization.
Don’t leave this to the last minute only to
find out you cannot get an appointment in
time.
7. Prepare
Whether your child is new to day care or returning
take some time to prepare your child for day
care. Get them into routines that are similar
to that of the day care, and remind them about
what is expected of them. This is especially
important with older children.
8. Adjustment
Younger children that have not been away from
mom or dad before should be gradually accustomed
to the separation by leaving your child with
a friend or family member for short period
of time at first, and then gradually increasing
the times. This will make the separation less
stressful for your child.
9. Enthusiasm
Perk your child interests, get them enthused
about going to day care. Tell them about all
the new friends they will make, and all the
activities they will get to do. Make it sound
like a privilege and like an outing. If they
are looking forward to going to day care it
will be easier on everyone.
10. Listen to your child
Not just listen but really listen. Even young
children are able to communicate. Find out
what they are interested in, what they are
looking forward to at day care, and what scares
them. Take them to the child care provider
before they start attending so that they can
make acquaintances and begin to feel comfortable.
Child care is a fact for most parents and it
can create anxiety and stress for both parent
and child. But it doesn’t have to. Plan ahead
so that you are happy with your choices and
so that you have time to get your child to adapt
comfortably to the change. It’s a win win for
both you and your child!
