Your Options

It's time to think about this now!

It won't be long until your new baby will be playing peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake. Whether you plan to return to work, or use a childcare center, now is the time to check out day care!

Here are some things to consider as your explore your options:
  • Licensed Home Day Care-these individuals meet a list of minimum requirements. Some are set-up for infants-only, preschoolers, school-aged children or a combination of these ages. Here, your child is in a home setting and has exposure to other children.
  • Licensed Day Care Center, here, your child will be able to interact with many more children an have more than one care-giver. These centers have met the minimum state requirements and are subject to periodic inspections. Centers may not have as flexible hours as home-care.
  • A  Private Sitter---in your Home offers a great deal of convenience for you. The disadvantages are the increased expense and there is limited contact with other children.
  • A Private Sitter---in someone else's home may provide interaction with other children, but will be difficult to monitor.
  • Drop-off centers provide convenience and flexibility. But there is no guarantee of available space for your child.  Also, your child will not have a consistent care provider.
Whatever type of childcare you choose, you need to feel good about your decision.
Here are some steps to help you get there:
  • Ask some basic questions of every teacher/center that you interview.
  • Observe the children who are being cared for.  Are they happy?  Are they playing and interacting with each other?  Are all of them sleeping?  Is the TV on?  Does the teacher keep an individual report of each child?  Is the environment child-oriented?  Will the planned activities and environment promote learning? How does the childcare provider respond to you and your child?  Does the provider try to connect with your child?  Does the environment seem safe and clean?  How many children does the provider care for at a time?  What are their ages?  Does the provider share the same philosophy on schedules, discipline, and handling ill children?

For information on licensed childcare providers in your area of Lincoln, you may call 441-8026 for a listing. You can also request a brochure of specific interview questions.

Take me back to: 7 months pregnant