KidsDirect

Where Children are our Priority

  • BabiesDirect
    • Boys Baby Names
    • Girl Baby Names
    • Month to Month Diary
    • Ultimate Breastfeeding Guide
      • Let’s Latch On Properly
      • Suggestions for Successful Breastfeeding
      • Breast Milk vs. Formula Chart
      • Common Breastfeeding Problems
      • Breastfeeding Myths
      • Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
      • Why Breastfeed?
      • Suggestions for Successful Breastfeeding
      • Breastfeeding Techniques
  • Pregnancy
    • Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
    • Ectopic Pregnancy
    • The Trimesters
      • First Trimester
      • Second Trimester
      • Third Trimester
    • Ovulation
    • Pregnancy and Prenatal Tools
      • Pregnancy Follower
      • Pregnancy Weekly Calculator
      • Prenatal Appointment Timeline
      • Pregnancy Weight Gain Chart
    • Pregnancy FAQ
    • Pregnancy and Nutrition
    • The Trimesters
      • Second Trimester
      • Third Trimester
    • Pregnancy and Pets
    • Month to Month Diary
      • Month 1
      • Month 2
      • Month 3
      • Month 4
      • Month 5
      • Month 6
      • Month 7
      • Month 8
      • Month 9
      • Month 10
      • Month 11 (First Month after Birth)
      • Month 12 (Second Month after Birth)
    • Nutrition Serving Sizes
    • Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
    • Tests During Pregnancy – First Trimester
    • Tests During Pregnancy – Second Trimester
    • Tests During Pregnancy – Third Trimester
  • ParentsDirect
    • Email Safety
    • Fathering Section
      • Dads for the First Time
      • Dad’s Checklist for Baby Delivery
      • Dad Needs a Job?
      • Tantrums
    • Are There Other Good Websites Out There?
    • History of Child Safe Web Surfing
    • Online Assistant
    • Parent Talk Articles
    • 12 Tips for Unorganized Kids
    • Are There Different Types of Learning Disabilities?
    • Losing Your Temper: Why Parents Blow It and How to Recover
    • How Can I Keep My Child Safe from Things I Don’t Want Them to See?
    • Go To This Assistant’s Fundamental Rules
    • How Can I Keep My Child Safe?
    • Back to School Tips
    • Experts
      • Dr. Kalman Heller
        • Dr. Heller’s CV
      • Pat Sonnenstuhl
        • Pat Sonnenstuhl CV
      • Dr. Robert Naseef
        • Dr. Naseef’s CV
        • Healing Broken Dreams
        • You Will Dream New Dreams
        • Birth of a Parent
        • Families Need Help and Dignity, not Punishment
        • Reflections on Fathers’ Day
      • Dr. Daniel Ravel
    • Parents Direct Babysitter Checklist
    • Helping Your Children Return to School
    • How to Use This Assistant
    • Are We There Yet?
    • Do You Spank Your Children?
    • Excellent Links
    • 12 Tips for Unorganized Kids
    • First Aid Guide
    • Guide to Your Child’s First Birthday
    • Learning Disabilities
    • Circumcision – Decision
    • Children
  • KidsDirect
    • Age Ranges
      • Age 1
      • Age 2 – 3
      • Age 2
      • Age 3
      • Age 4 – 7
      • Age 4
      • Age 5
      • Age 6
      • Age 7
      • Age 8 – 11
      • Age 8
      • Age 9
      • Age 10
      • Age 11
      • Age 12 – 14
      • Age 12
      • Age 15 – 18

Choosing a Daycare

Will you be using a Babysitter?

Every parent, at some time, needs child care. Whether for an occasional evening out or a 40-plus-hour work week, finding the right care isn’t easy. Before starting your quest for child care, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What size environment are you looking for?
  • What care arrangement is most convenient for your schedule?
  • How important is flexibility?
  • How much emphasis do you want on social and educational stimulation, in addition to a nurturing environment?
  • What can you afford?
  • What type of commitment are you looking for?

For help in locating child care in your area, contact the state agency that oversees day-care licensing. Many cities, states and private, non-profit social service agencies also run referral services for child care.

Day-care centers usually supervise 10 or more children of different ages in a school-like atmosphere. Family day-care providers care for about six children, often including the caregiver’s own children, in a home. A nanny cares for your child in your home.

Cost is often a significant factor in selecting child care. Generally, family day care is the least expensive, although rates vary greatly and depend on the services offered. Individual care, whether live-in or not, is typically the most expensive, while day-care centers vary depending on the age of the child, the services provided and the location of the center.

With all child care, the top priority should be the safety and well-being of your child. Look for a caregiver with experience, someone who will respect your views and with whom you feel comfortable. Spend time researching the options available in your area. Arrange to visit day-care centers and family day-care providers. If you feel comfortable with your child-care arrangement, your family and your child will be happier and better adjusted and so will you.

Parents should keep in mind that each state is governed by it’s own set of rules and regulations. Prior to interviewing potential providers, consider requesting a copy of your states guidelines to assure that the caregivers are in compliance.

Prenatal Tools

  • Pregnancy and Prenatal Tools
    • Ovulation Calculator
    • Basal Body Temperature
    • Conception Date Calculator
    • Baby Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Weekly Calculator
    • Make a Birth Plan
    • Pregnancy Follower
    • Prenatal Appointment Timeline
    • Chinese Birth Chart
    • Pregnancy Weight Gain Chart
  • Boys Baby Names
  • Car Seat Buying Guide
  • Changing Diapers
  • Menstrual Cycle
  • Breast Milk vs. Formula Chart
  • Ultimate Breastfeeding Guide

Postnatal Tools

  • Breastfeeding Guide
    • Why Breastfeed?
    • Breastfeeding Myths
    • Breastfeeding Techniques
    • Breast Milk vs. Formula Chart
    • Breast Milk Leakage
    • Suggestions for Successful Breastfeeding
  • Boys Baby Names
  • Girls’ Names with Meanings
  • Girl Baby Names
  • Childproofing
  • Age 1
  • Car Seat Buying Guide
  • Circumcision – Decision
  • Day Care Info
  • Diaper Rash Decoder
  • Attachment Parenting Reduces S.I.D.S.
  • Infants and Babies
    • Newborn Babies and Pets
    • Marilyn’s Q & A for Infants
    • Month 11 (First Month after Birth)
    • Month 12 (Second Month after Birth)
    • How Do Vaccines Work?
    • Holding Your Baby Safely
    • Sleeping Habits
    • S.I.D.S.
    • S.I.D.S. and Sleeping with Your Baby
  • Kid Height Predictor
  • Vaccines
  • Safe Eating Tips

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