Home  Parenting Choosing daycare
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Picking a quality daycare Many parents have to make decisions about daycare during or after their divorce. It is an emotional time and making a good choice in daycare for your child can be tough among all the other changes going on. Here are some ideas to help you through this process
Stay at home parentsIf you were a stay-at-home parent before the divorce, this can be a difficult change. You may not have wanted daycare for your child but are forced into it by circumstances. If you have no other viable choices, then accept that you need daycare and put your energy into finding the best one to suit your child and your situation.
Where to get information
Recommendations from other parentsTalk to other parents and find out about the daycare facilities they use. Find out what they like and dislike about that facility. No childcare is completely perfect for every-one's needs so expect to hear a dislike or two. Decide if those issues raised are very important to you
WorkplaceMany workplaces have information on daycare in their human resources department. They may have a list of daycare facilities in your area and further information to help guide you in your choice.
Your doctor/pediatricianYour child's doctor may well have some suggestions for daycare and you will need to visit them anyway to ensure vaccinations are current and to have a record to provide the daycare administration.
Internet/phone bookSearching the phone book or Internet will give you a list of facilities in your area but probably not much more information to help you in your decision. It can be a place to start but will require a lot of follow up and visits.
Government information on childcareYour country or state likely regulates childcare and has helpful information including license information and helplines.
Examples:State of New Jersey childcare information
U.K public services - childcare information
Make sure the childcare service you choose is licensed and insured. You can use these websites to check.
List of U.S. state web pages
Visiting Daycare
- Make a short list of daycare facilities that you would like to visit.
- Call and make an appointment.
- Go with a list of questions prepared and written down.
- Do ask for a tour while kids are there so you can see them in action.
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