One of the challenging life transitions you might face is returning to work from being a full-time stay-at-home parent. In such cases, most parents get anxious about who will take care of their children and whether they will be safe. So, if you're planning to go back to work and have this dilemma, perhaps a good starting point would be to explore all the options open to you in choosing a childcare provider. Here are some options you should explore.
The Daycare Providers
Daycare is an arrangement where you drop off a child in the morning at a childcare facility and pick them up in the evening or after work. You should know that traditional daycare centers are formal and structured environments where you can drop off and pick up a child at specific times. In most cases, they specialize in infants to preschool-age children. Further, some centers have an arrangement where they can pick up the child from your home and drop them off in the evening. Note that these are excellent for toddlers. That said, if you pick such a facility, ensure they meet regulations and accreditation requirements.
The In-home Care Providers
The other option you should consider is in-home care providers. In such a case, the arrangement involves taking a child to a home-based childcare professional. Typically, they take in a group of 5 to 10 kids and look after them as the parents work. Then, the parents pick up the children in the evening. Note that a great benefit of this plan is that the kids are in a home environment that is more comfortable than the school. Secondly, the home care provider can extend their hours, freeing you to attend evening office parties and other engagements after work.
Getting a Nanny
Another arrangement is hiring a nanny to take care of your children. In this case, the nanny reports to your house every morning or lives with you and ensures the well-being of the children while you're away at work. If considering this option, you can hire a nanny locally or get one from the au pair programs. Note that nannies are excellent because they give you a child one-on-one attention. However, they might cost more than other arrangements.
Getting a Babysitter
You can also get a babysitter if you need someone to care for the child at specific times. However, note that babysitters charge per hour, but they are an excellent arrangement because they can be affordable if you only need them a few hours a day. More importantly, they will ensure your children don't harm themselves while you're away on important business.
With these options, you can choose the best childcare option based on your needs. With the help of professionals, you can go back to work and chase your dreams as the children enjoy education and excellent care.
To explore additional options, contact a childcare service in your area such as Seattle Nanny Network Inc.
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