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Childcare -- Part III
If you're planning on returning to work or just want some time to yourself, getting an early start on childcare arrangements will well serve you - and your family's bottom line. Among the challenges you will face as a new mother lies in finding the very best childcare for your new baby.
"Best" means a situation that is safe, affordable, nurturing for the baby, and comforting to your psyche. What will this cost you? According to Ramana Bodepudi, co-founder of the online daycare center search service edaycare, the average monthly fee for full-time childcare is $400 - more in metropolitan areas. Infant care costs are highest because state laws require a lower worker-to-baby ratio than for older children.
There are a number of options in addition to traditional daycare centers. These
include family daycare establishments and in house care (nanny/au
pair). Here's a list of your choices and the pros and cons
of each:
Day Care Centers
Daycare centers should be licensed and staffed by trained caretakers. The center can be part of a chain or individually owned; connected to a church, school, or community center. Or you may be fortunate enough to work for a company that has its own center. In the latest list of "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers," compiled by Working Mother magazine, 60 offered some on-site daycare.
- 1. Pros: Parents are free to drop in and visit any time. The flurry of activity can be stimulating and entertaining to babies and young children. There are typically several caretakers working at a time, which should assure adequate care and inhibit inappropriate behavior among caregivers.
- 2. Cons: Daycare centers are usually closed during holidays. There may be a high turnover of workers. Harsh fees for early drop-off or late pick-up can apply, as much as $1 per minute. And if your child gets sick, you've got to take a sick day yourself.
- 3. Approximate Costs: $400 to $1,000 per month and varies by both city and state. For a listing of accredited daycare centers call The National Association for the Education of Young Children at (800) 424-2460.
Family Day Care
A family daycare establishment is an operation where the caregiver takes children into its home. Like a traditional daycare center, these facilities should be licensed and staffed by trained and certified caretakers.
- 1. Pros: Since they are run at a residence, family daycares tend to be conveniently located and inexpensive.
- 2. Cons: Practices are not standardized, so see to it that the owner's ideas about caring for children match yours. Elicit their views on napping, feeding, playing, and discipline. Check references and background information both for the caregiver and for other family members who live there.
- 3. Approximate Costs: $300 -$400 per month and varies by both city and state. For a listing of accredited family daycare arrangements call The National Association of Family Child Care at (800)359-3817, or visit www.nafcc.org; or visit www.edaycare.com.
Nanny/Au pair. Whether live in or not, both nannies and au pairs care for your child in your own home. Qualified candidates can be found through agencies, other moms, your doctor, or schools. One helpful organization is AuPair in America: 800-9AUPAIR; www.aupairinamerica.com
- 1. Pros: Your child gets one-on-one attention in the safety of your home. You don't have to go through the hassle of getting your baby up and out of the house for daycare each morning. Housecleaning can be part of her duties as well.
- 2. Cons: It is expensive. You are now an employer, so if you want to be above-board (and it's a good idea), you'll need to withhold money for taxes and pay Social Security, unemployment, and whatever else your state laws demand. You may also have to cover worker's compensation; check to see what your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy offers. Hiring an au pair usually means paying for her flight to your city and providing a rent-free room. You'll also need to arrange some back-up care in case the nanny or au pair gets sick. The service of nannies or au pairs is also unregulated.
- 3. Approximate Costs: $1,500 to $4,000 per month, plus insurance, traveling expenses and, in some cases, tuition costs. Some au pair agencies charge one-time administrative fees of up to $5,000. Again, these costs vary depending on the city and state in which you live.
Continue to: Part IV: Banking
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