Top 10 Things To Do To Get Ready For Child Care Next Year

If you are going to need child care next year, don’t make the mistake of leaving it too late. Quality professional child care is in high demand and wait lists can be long. Here are the 10 things to do to get ready for child care next year.

1. Type of child care
The very first thing you need to do is decide what type of child care you want. Do you prefer a child care center or a home environment. Do you require long hours or flexible hours. Do you want a licensed child care professional or more of a grandmother image. Before you can go any further you need to decide what you want.

2. Determine your needs
Once you’ve decided what type of child care you want, you need to determine what your families needs are. What type of schedules do you and your spouse have, do you travel a lot, what will you do if you child is ill or your day care is closed for some reason. If your child is school age how will they get from the school to the day care. You need to work these out before you can start looking for child care.

3. Availability
Now that you know what you need you need to start shopping now! Spaces fill up quickly and weight lists are long, especially for affordable day care. Apply early and apply at a few centers to make sure you’ve got yourself covered.

4. Alternatives
If you aren’t able to get your child into the care center you were counting on you need to have a back up plan in place. Have at least 5 choices on your list to make sure you are not left hanging with no child care.

5. Fees
Once your child is accepted you’ll need to find out what items you need to purchase. For example some day cares have requirements for additional shoes such as a pair of gym runners or a backpack. Make sure your child is prepared. You’ll also need to find out your fees and when payment is due. Pay your deposit or first months fees in advance to make sure your spot is held.

6. Immunizations
Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date and that you have their vaccination card. Many child care services will not accept your child until you show proof of immunization. Don’t leave this to the last minute only to find out you cannot get an appointment in time.

7. Prepare
Whether your child is new to day care or returning take some time to prepare your child for day care. Get them into routines that are similar to that of the day care, and remind them about what is expected of them. This is especially important with older children.

8. Adjustment
Younger children that have not been away from mom or dad before should be gradually accustomed to the separation by leaving your child with a friend or family member for short period of time at first, and then gradually increasing the times. This will make the separation less stressful for your child.

9. Enthusiasm
Perk your child interests, get them enthused about going to day care. Tell them about all the new friends they will make, and all the activities they will get to do. Make it sound like a privilege and like an outing. If they are looking forward to going to day care it will be easier on everyone.

10. Listen to your child
Not just listen but really listen. Even young children are able to communicate. Find out what they are interested in, what they are looking forward to at day care, and what scares them. Take them to the child care provider before they start attending so that they can make acquaintances and begin to feel comfortable.

Child care is a fact for most parents and it can create anxiety and stress for both parent and child. But it doesn’t have to. Plan ahead so that you are happy with your choices and so that you have time to get your child to adapt comfortably to the change. It’s a win win for both you and your child!

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