by Angelica Weathersby

Created on: June 09, 2008   Last Updated: May 29, 2011

School's out, and many parents are out of luck for dependable childcare over the summer. Older kids may be able to keep themselves occupied with sports, computer games, hanging out with their friends, and even helping around the house and yard, but younger children and infants need attentive care and supervision.

More than 70% of working American parents use some sort of professional daycare provider. If you choose one of these, whether it be in a private home adapted to several 'babysat" children, or at a day care center, ask to be allowed to observe there for several hours BEFORE you make your decision. Besides looking out for roach clips, ash trays, watermelon seeds taking root in the corners of the bathroom, or mouse droppings where food is prepared, check the play environment for aging equipment and other safety issues. Pay special attention to how caregivers behave when a child becomes difficult.

For those who can't afford a commercial daycare center, check for those provided by churches, government, and other agencies. The following links are from www.workplacefairness.com .
The National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA)Works with more than 800 state and local Child Care Resource & Referral agencies to ensure that families in every local community have access to high quality, affordable child care.

The National Partnership for Women & Familiesa nonprofit organization that uses public education and advocacy to promote fairness in the workplace, quality health care, and policies that help women and men meet the dual demands of work and family.

If your employer doesn't offer on-site child care for employees, try getting together with other parents and writing a request to present to whomever makes such decisions. Do your research first, and include the results of studies that show an increase in productivity when other companies have set up on-site daycare.

Relatives
If there are none of the above options where you live, you may turn to relatives to care for your children during the summer workday. Remember, whoever agrees to help you in this way is giving up their freedom and their opportunities to pursue their own interests.

Responsibility
During the school year, you (not the school) take care of such things as your children's doctor or dentist appointments, their clothing, evening and weekend activities, etc. You should not expect your relative to take over those things just because she's providing day care. The

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>