| I'm sure we can all agree how important choosing | | | | are happy and learning useful skills. However, you |
| a reliable, affordable childcare provider is. It's not | | | | still have to take into consideration if the "perfect |
| always a simple task though! To help out, here | | | | childcare" is perfect for you. |
| are some pointers for choosing a childcare | | | | You shouldn't have to make too many sacrifices |
| provider that's best for your child's happiness and | | | | to fit it into your life, like driving 4 hours a day, |
| development: | | | | spending more money than you can afford or |
| 1. Know what's important to YOU | | | | being put on a one year waiting list. In the end, it's |
| Math Monkey may produce the human calculators, | | | | up to you to decide if it's worth it, so make the |
| while Shichida may churn out the baby geniuses, | | | | right choice. |
| but is that what you really want? Don't get | | | | 3. Do your homework |
| blinded by all the marketing hype! Sit down with | | | | And I don't mean just properly researching your |
| your partner and make a specific list of what you | | | | options. Once you know what your options are, |
| BOTH expect from a childcare provider. | | | | you have to try them out as well. Bring your child |
| That way, the next time you're hunting for "the | | | | in for trial visits to see how she feels about the |
| one" and the owner brags that the kids have won | | | | place. |
| awards for their toilet paper origami, you can | | | | Also, check if the childcare provider is willing to let |
| quickly check your list to see that toilet paper | | | | you see how the place runs, without someone |
| origami's not there, and save time by saying | | | | watching over you. This lets you see the place in |
| thanks but no thanks. | | | | a more natural state, in addition to giving you a |
| 2. Great place, but does it suit you? | | | | good chance to talk to staff and other parents |
| Sometimes it's obvious you've found a great | | | | without the awkwardness of the owner standing |
| childcare provider. The place has a good | | | | right beside you. |
| reputation, is full of vibrant energy, and the kids | | | | |