Good child care encourages your young child to develop and learn, so it’s crucial to find the right childminder or centre for your little one. With the right information at your fingertips, you can prepare yourself for your kid’s first day and ensure they have a wonderful ongoing experience.

Here’s what you need to consider and some tips for finding great child care for your youngster.

1.  Decide on a date

It’s always best to start thinking about child care options about six months before you’re due to return to work. Although it may seem a long way in advance, you need to be sure that you find the right solution for your little one. You can also make some enquiries ahead of knowing the exact date you will return to employment. Get as much information as you can to help make the decision easier further on down the line.  

2. Decide on the type of child care

With so many private and public child care options available these days, it can be tough to pick the right one for your child. Once you have a date locked in, research all the different types out there and find out what is the most convenient for you. From child care centres and family day care run by an accredited in-home carer, to live-in and live-out nannies and au pairs, the list is pretty big. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it depends on what works best for your schedule and budget. There’s no right or wrong answer. Just carefully review all your options.

3. Start your research

Once you’ve settled on the most suitable type of child care, you need to delve a little deeper. Get in touch with several centres and nannies that fit your criteria at least four months ahead of time. Before you make a call or visit any of your selections, compile a list of questions you want to ask, and find out about their experience, accreditations, learning programs and teaching styles. Any good centre or childminder should always be happy to answer any questions you fire at them.

4. Do checks

If you’re considering choosing a child care centre, spend some time looking around the environment to make sure it lives up to your expectations. Do the premises look clean and tidy? Is the environment stimulating? Are there both indoor and outdoor play areas? Do the children look happy and engaged? Is the centre safe? The staff at any quality child care centre will allow you to spend at least an hour or two inspecting the premises and getting a feel for the place. Most importantly, trust your gut instincts. If you feel it isn’t right for your child and their needs, then just walk away.

5. Have a back-up plan

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Child care can be very competitive, so it’s crucial to shop around to find a few places or people that fit the bill. Plus, your first choice centre may be oversubscribed or your ideal nanny might have left the industry when the time comes. You need to have a back-up plan in place in case your original arrangements fall through. Just remember to ask lots of questions and ensure your other choices have the relevant accreditations to put your mind at ease. It’s an important decision to make, and you should never compromise on your child’s care. 

Looking for high-quality child care for your baby or toddler? Browse Yellow Pages today to find the best solution for your whole family.