Best Childcare Near Me: A Guide For Beginner Parents

 Are you thinking about enrolling your child in childcare? Congratulations! However, the journey has just begun as you need to identify the best childcare near you. Failure to do so could land your child in the wrong childcare centre which could then affect their growth negatively.

Many of us unfortunately rush this process, not knowing that the end result is a decision we more often regret. Others begin the search well only to give up when it turns out to be overwhelming. 

You do not have to suffer the same fate as a beginner parent. Our guide below will let you know where to start and how to identify the best childcare centre that matches your child’s needs.

Learn About The Different Forms Of Childcare

Childcare in Australia comes in many forms which  you have to explore to find out which one best fits your child and situation. The most popular include:

 Daycare

These are state-approved child care providers complete with an early childhood education program and fully trained educators. They follow strict schedules and have many activities alongside class learning, aimed at improving your child’s growth and development. Well-established daycare centres have solid policies which makes them fully accountable for all the kids placed under their care.

 In-Home Care

Also known as family day care, this option allows you to leave your child at a caregiver’s home for an agreed duration. This caregiver has to be recognised by the state despite operating from their own home. In home care, the recommended number of children is seven, including the caregiver’s.

Au-Pair

It is not unusual in Australia to find a person from another country residing with a local family solely for babysitting purposes. You can have such an arrangement where you host the foreigner and they watch your child in return. An Au Pair can be a student, a tourist or even someone who is surveying with an aim of opening a business.

Nannies/Babysitters

When you want your child to remain home and have no one else to watch them as you work, a nanny or babysitter might be the best option. These are people who watch over your child and take care of some of their needs like hygiene and feeding. 

A babysitter comes in when you need them and only minds your child. A nanny, on ther hand, can operate on a daily basis or be a live-in. You can as well have them do other tasks in your home that do not necessarily concern your child. Shared nanny childcare is an option within this form where the nanny serves two families.

 Relative Care

Just like with nannies and babysitters, relative care is carried out at your home, but by a close relative. You could negotiate charges with your parents, siblings, cousins or even partner to watch over your child when need arises. This are not necessarily qualified caregivers and only have the benefit of familiarity. The only catch is to ensure your chosen relative relates well with your child.

Best Childcare Near Me: Things To Look Out For

Knowing the form of childcare your child requires is only part of the job. Next, you have to select the most ideal childcare provider for your child. To do so, these are the things you need to consider: 

 The Type Of Programs Offered

In order to promote your child’s growth, childcare providers combine different programs. These include early childhood education and other activities known to boost development. Since no facility is similar to another, these programs vary from one place to another and you need to understand them well in relation to your child’s needs.

The Quality Of Caregivers

Child-minding is not an easy task, given how needy young children are. For you to be at peace, you have to know that your child’s caregivers are qualified to handle little kids and have proper training in matters of childcare. They should also be compassionate about children and demonstrate the patience required to walk your child through the growth stages. A background check is necessary as your child will be with them for a long time.

 Health, Safety And Security

Top childcare providers understand the need to keep children safe and will go an extra mile to make their facilities child friendly. 

On top of that, they have put in place measures to eliminate accidents, including providing adequate supervision to keep children from straying into unwanted spaces. 

In their facilities, harmful substances are kept out of reach and there are safety precautions posted all over their walls. They also keep your child from leaving with unauthorized persons by giving you unique door codes.

 Costs

If not approached with care, childcare costs could end up as your biggest expenditure. Take time when comparing the costs to find the best childcare that is offered at a reasonable cost. Childcare providers offer different prices based on factors such as the quality services they offer, location, your child’s age, among many others. Before committing to pay, ensure your child will benefit from the services offered.

With this guide, you can now confidently search “ best child care near me” and evaluate the availed options until you find the one that best suits your needs. Set aside time to visit or talk to childcare providers in order to understand their services. Use the tips discussed above as a checklist and your search will be much easier. 

All the best.