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MANAGING CHILD CARE

Managing child care can be just one more time consuming thing to do for a parent or provider who is already busy. Choosing the right provider however, is the most important decision many people make. To help in this, I've broken down various options as well as included some helpful information to assist in the search for exactly what you're looking for in your child's caregiver-to-be.

-BABYSITTERS

When looking for a babysitter, there are a few things to look for in the right provider.

1. CPR certification: Check with your local Red Cross and hospitals for a list of CPR certified babysitters.

2. Transportation and Driver's License: Verify the baby-sitter's car as a reliable one and verify their valid license.

3. References: Ask for and follow up on references. This is the best indication of the quality of care your babysitter may or may not offer.

-CHILD CARE

Child care will be utilized at some point in your parenting, whether by a sibling, a certified daycare provider, a nanny, or a child care facility. Do your best to evaluate each form of child care available and use whichever is the best fit for your situation and your child.

-CALIFORNIA NANNIES

To locate CA nannies, word of mouth is the best. If you do not know someone currently using a particular agency, research on-line. A few I have found are:
-http://www.gonannies.com/cali fornia
-http://www.greataupair.com (search CA for a provider and post your own specific needs)
-http://www.californianannies. com
-http://www.canannies.com

-DAY CARE FACILITIES

Day care facilities within the home of a certified provider may be a good option for those who are not able to afford the cost of child-care centers, but would like the same multiple-child environment.

-CHILD CARE CENTERS

Child care centers offer services for a range of age groups from newborns to preschoolers. Centers may provide drop-off care for temporary needs, sick-care for parents who work and have a child not at school for a day due to a minor illness, as well as full-time care for children of working parents. Some facilities are specifically for children with special needs. Some are learning centers located on Universities and overseen by Early Childhood Education professors.

-MAIDS

Hiring a maid may lesson the work of your babysitter, giving them more time to focus on the child(ren). If you need your provider to care for the children, pets and house, a nanny may be a better choice.

-CHILD CARE INFORMATION

All things related to child care information can be found at The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies:

http://www.naccrra.or g/

-CHILD CARE SERVICES

Places to get listings of child care options:
-On-line research
-SRS offices (Social and Rehabilitation Services)
-Schools
-Hospitals
-Red Cross
-Churches
-Neighbors and Friends

-NEW YORK BABYSITTING
For localized searching, try:

http://www.newyork.babysit ters4hire.com/ (search zip code)
http://www.care.com/ (search NY)
http://www.1babysitter.com/ New-York

Keep in mind your needs and expectations of your child care situation. Note your child(rens) age(s) and/or special needs and the qualifications of their provider(s). Be aware of distance and activities offered. Keep safety at the forefront of your decision making and pay attention to the level of satisfaction of both your provider and your child(ren) for the best all around results. Best of luck in your search!

Learn more about this author, Emma McFagen.
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