How to Choose Child Care
When the time comes to begin looking at child care options for your children, it’s crucial to do your research. What may have worked for the children of your friends and family may not be as convenient or suitable for you and yours. There are many things you must consider – a few of which we’ve included below.
Location
Location, believe it or not, can play a part in choosing the best child care option for you and your family. If you select a facility that’s not within proximity to your home or place of business, you may find you’re spending even longer commuting than is realistically convenient. For example, if your child is in care until 5.30 pm, but you work until 5 pm, you need to ensure a commute of 30 minutes or less is possible. Otherwise, it may cause problems for your work schedule and the facility caring for your child.
Feedback
When you’re looking at various child care options, keep our ears open. Close to half of families included in an Australian Bureau of Statistics survey utilised some form of child care. Therefore, you’re bound to know several people who take their children to facilities and have feedback about them. Ask questions, find out about the environment and the teachers, and narrow down the potential options from what people have to say.
Your Children’s Needs
Not every child thrives in a busy environment with other children – whereas others do. You know your children better than anyone, so consider what’s in their best interests. Child care is available in varying forms, so you may find home-based is far more beneficial, or a facility with structure could be as well.