| The decision to hire someone to care for your | | | | work, or will you commute farther for that |
| child can be difficult, if you want someone you | | | | perfect caregiver? What if you can not find that |
| can trust, and someone your child will be safe | | | | perfect Center in your Area, but you have found |
| with. Before you actually go out and choose a | | | | one that is some distance from your home? This |
| Daycare, Preschool or Kindergarten, you'll want to | | | | should be considered. |
| ask yourself some important questions. If you | | | | · What do you think a typical day should |
| take the time to really think about your answers, | | | | look like? Are you looking for a program with a |
| you'll have laid the groundwork for finding the | | | | structured curriculum, like a preschool, or |
| Right Daycare, Preschool or Kindergarten for your | | | | something with a more casual, unscheduled |
| child, and you'll thank yourself later, plus you will | | | | routine? How old is your child? 3-5 yrs would |
| be armed with some questions to ask the | | | | mean that you could be looking for a Preschool. |
| Daycare provider or the Preschool teachers. | | | | · What are your goals for your child in |
| · Determine the reasons why you are | | | | regard to childcare? Do you want your child to |
| looking for childcare. Do you need someone to | | | | become more social, to learn to read, or simply to |
| care for your child while you are at work, is | | | | be in a secure, fun environment while you're at |
| childcare filling a social need for your child, or do | | | | work? Again, the age of your child could have a |
| you just need some time to yourself? Whatever | | | | bearing on the type of Facility you would enroll |
| the reasons, it's important to determine that up | | | | your child in. |
| front, so you can target the right kind of care. | | | | · What is your budget? Sit down and |
| · What kind of atmosphere is right for | | | | decide what you can afford before you even |
| your child? Consider your child's personality and | | | | start looking at programs. Many families find out |
| needs. Does your child like small, intimate settings | | | | that with the high cost of good childcare, it |
| or larger environments with more activity? Does | | | | sometimes makes more sense financially for one |
| he/she have special needs that will require more | | | | parent to stay home with the child and work |
| one-on-one attention? | | | | part-time. Some states may provide financial |
| · Take a look at your schedule. What | | | | rebates if your child is enrolled in a Childcare |
| types of hours are you looking to fill? Are you | | | | Facility. You would be best served to contact the |
| looking for full-time care? This is known as | | | | Local State Governments for any details on these |
| Long-Day Care, or just a few days or hours each | | | | possibilities. |
| week? It's important to find a program that can | | | | Once you've organized your initial thoughts, goals, |
| work around your schedule to avoid frustrations. | | | | and priorities, you're better prepared for Choosing |
| · How far are you willing to travel? Are | | | | a Preschool Daycare or Kindergarten. Next step is |
| you looking for something close to home, close to | | | | to ask the tough questions at the interview. |