Decisions, decisions. None seem quite as important as who you choose to help assist in the care of your little one. Selecting the right one to care for your child is definitely something you want to give careful consideration to. Understanding your family’s needs and your priorities, what you value, will serve to direct you towards the best option for care. 

 What comes to mind when you think of a nanny, au pair, or a babysitter? What about group care, like daycares and childcare centers?  

It's important to know who's who, so you can know what's what, and therefore make the best choice for your child(ren) and family.

So you need assistance in caring for your young child(ren), but which option is best for you?

                     Nanny

Please note there are different types of nannies; there is the traditional nanny who provides care for children, usually in their family setting.This individual is in charge of organizing and coordinating the children's activities, preparing their meals,and keeping their rooms and play areas tidy. This nanny may have several years of college or even a degree and may have CPR and first aid certification. Nannies are ultimately responsible for the care of the children and not typically housekeeping. They may be responsible for  all aspects of child care when the parents are away for great lengths of time.

Night nanny, this  is someone who will provide assistance with the evening routine,give care during typical sleep hours, and help with the early morning routine as well. Night nanny shifts are typically between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. These nannies are an asset for families who have parents that work overnight, travel for work, have multiples or a high-needs child. They can be part-time workers and may typically work 8 to 10 hour shifts. Care can be as needed or temporary.

A travel nanny is a childcare provider who is usually utilized for temporary service to travel with a family for an extended period of time, for family vacations or work trips. They can be more accommodating and flexible to cooperate with the needs of the family.

A seasonal or summer nanny is one who will assist families with caring for children during holiday periods from school and also, summer vacation. These nannies are responsible for the care of the children and what is associated with the direct care of the children. This includes entertainment and outings, transportation to and from events and experiences, as well as a variety of other enrichment activities. These nannies typically will work 30 to 60 hours per week.

                    Au Pair

Both an au pair and a nanny provide care for children in a family. However, an au pair differs from a nanny, in that they are merged into the family’s life, kind of like a temporary family member. An au pair may come from a different country through an agency that matches providers and families. They will have a room in the family home and share meals with the family. They will receive personal pocket money, or a stipend as opposed to a salary. Whereas a nanny is considered a standard employee and is paid hourly or paid a salary.

                   Babysitter

Plain and simple, a babysitter is one who looks after a child or children while the parents are away.A babysitter is responsible for the safety and general well-being of a child in their care. They are short-term caregivers, paid hourly, and provide care for a set period of time.The majority of babysitting jobs are considered part-time jobs and can be scheduled regularly, or for special occassions

Now, daycare. This is a facility that watches over children during the day.The staff may be trained in child development or, they may possess only the minimum qualifications.You can expect your child to have play time and nap time and be fed, all in a safe environment.

Also, there are in-home daycares.These will typically be in place for children whose parents are working during the day, and require a set schedule on a regular basis.

Child care centers may include nursery schools and preschools. ECE or early childhood education is high-quality care for children, birth to about age eight years. Staff are usually highly qualified in the field and hold degrees as caregivers,along with possessing several years of experience.

In these centers, they strive to teach children and help develop them physically and mentally.

In your decision making, consider the following:

In an individual,

The person is friendly and kind, has common sense and genuinely enjoys children.

They are caring and reliable, also, are confident in their ability to handle emergency situations.

They present as mature, responsible and trustworthy.

They are patient, organized and know how to manage time.

They have experience working with children and can provide references.

They are certified in infant and child CPR and first aid.

Inquire about their training and any additional certification they may have or classes they have completed.

Pose hypothetical situations and ask how they would handle them.

Any additional skills they possess as individuals that would be beneficial in their role as caregiver for your child.

What their current health status may be;  immunizations,Covid vaccination, flu shot,etc.

*What their comfort level is with pets, if you have any.

Observe and note their appearance as well as their punctuality when meeting.

Create an opportunity for them to interact with your child for a brief period of time and note how the interaction goes, especially the comfort level of your child.

Perform a background check.

Google their full name and see if you are comfortable with what information you receive.Review their social media profiles.

Trust your gut! follow your instincts!

In Group Care

When you enter,what are your senses receiving? What do you smell, hear, see, what do you feel? Is the space clean and welcoming and inviting?

Is it safe? Are you observing covers on outlets, cribs that are safely out of reach of blinds and/or windows?  Are the stairs blocked by baby gates? Do the changing tables and high chairs all have safety straps,etc?

Are there age appropriate toys and materials for the specific age groups?

Do you observe children and their caregivers showing comfort and connection?

What is the general philosophy regarding child care for the daycare or child care center.

Is there an interesting and appropriate schedule or curriculum in place?

What is the number of children currently attending and how many children are they  licensed for? Is there a wait list?

Is the facility licensed and accredited, and if so, by whom?

What is the child to caregiver ratio?(2-3 infants:1 caregiver is ideal)

Are background checks conducted on all employees? What certifications or training or education is held by staff?

Do you experience high employee turnover? How long has the current staff been in place?

What safety measures are in place for the classroom and the center as a whole?

Is there a nurse on staff for medical care? 

Is there staff licensed to administer medicine or emergency allergy treatments?

For bottle fed babies, how  frozen or pumped breast milk or formula is prepared. Are meals and snacks provided, and if so are printed menus available for parents? How are food allergies accommodated ?

Are diapers and wipes provided or brought in by parents?Is there a potty training procedure?

Are the children allowed to sleep when they are tired or is there a set nap time for everyone? Is there a nap room with cribs? When do children move to nap mats or cots?

How are toys and materials used by the children, sanitized, and how often?

What is the daily schedule or routine and how flexible and accommodating is it, regarding the specific needs of individual children?

What does parent communication look like, how do you keep parents abreast of their child's activities and behavior?

Our photos and videos sent throughout the day? Are there monitoring cameras in the classrooms?

How is discipline and/or behavioral issues handled?

Are there periodic check-ins scheduled, to discuss the child's development and/ or progress?

What are the visitation policies; parents having a snack or meal with their child, Mothers stopping in to nurse,etc?

What is the policy on late pickups, tardies and absences?

What is the position regarding immunizations and sick child policy?

What are the hours of operation?

What is the tuition cost and fees? What is the payment schedule?

Research the daycare/ child cares license and inspections.

*use the license number to obtain relevant information*

Also, search the National Database of child care licensing regulations.

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Supporting you in your caregiver selection, call Child Care Aware - 1-800-424-2246 or visit TEXT 4B.org/092, to find high quality care. 

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Again, trust your gut! follow your instincts!