Choosing Childcare For Dummies

The demand for child-care spaces is huge. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 13 million children under the age of six spend some or all of their day being cared for by someone other than their parents. The child-care shortage is everyone's problem – for parents (whether you work outside the home or not), employers, and the children. The prospect of choosing the right childcare can be overwhelming. Put your mind at ease with Choosing Childcare For Dummies. This reference guide is brimming with practical advice to help you find high-quality childcare for the child in your life – whether he or she is a biological child, stepchild, grandchild, foster child, or the child of your significant other. From figuring out affordability to knowing what to do if you suspect neglect or abuse, Choosing Childcare For Dummies covers it all. Inside the book you'll find out how to Weigh the pros and cons of your various child-care options Determine high quality childcare Evaluate out-of-home childcare Hire a nanny or a relative for in-home care Get guidance on the legal issues of being an employer Conduct a reference check Determine if you need a "nanny cam" Recognize the ten signs that your child-care arrangement is in trouble Ease your child into a new child-care arrangement Find back-up childcare Because the United States has no countrywide child-care “system” in place, we’ve ended up with a patchwork quilt of regulations that don’t quite mesh the way they should. This is why so many child-care programs are exempt from the child-care legislation that’s intended to protect children. The bottom line? You can’t count on anyone else to guarantee your child’s health, safety, and well-being in a particular child-care setting. Like it or not, the buck stops with you. That’s why you owe it to yourself and your child to read books like this one that show you how to be a savvy day-care consumer.

When choosing a nursery, playgroup or childminder, what should you be looking for? Assessing the alternatives is crucial but time-consuming and it's easy to overlook key issues in the process. The options and the issues can be puzzling. Choosing Childcare will help you make your choice by outlining options, and their merits and demerits, helping you make an informed decision about the right childcare for your child.

Leaving your child in the care of others can be extremely stressful. But knowing that your choice in childcare is right for you and your child makes a huge difference to how you cope with juggling work and home life. Essential reading for anyone wishing to make an informed choice about childcare, the book covers all the different options, both inside and outside the home. It includes the pros and cons of each type of care, key facts such as hours, cost, and qualifications, plus helpful advice on what to look out for and how to interview a carer.

Presents advice to parents on evaluating child-care facilities.