Parents can generally choose between two types of childcare: in-home or out-of-home daycare. There are pros and cons to each choice. Location of the family home compared with childcare locations and hours of daycare needed are just two of the considerations a family needs to think about. The parents should work together to decide which type of daycare will best suit the family's particular needs.
Types
In-home child care can be as simple as having a family member or friend who comes to the house during work hours, or it can involve the hiring of a caretaker that comes to the home during the parents' work hours. It can also entail the full-time use of a nanny.
Daycare outside the home can use the services of a home daycare provider or the use of a daycare center. Both can vary in size, number of children cared for and programs available.
Considerations
There are many things to consider when making the decision between childcare choices. Does the location of the family home offer nearby local out-of-home daycare situations? If the family lives outside of town, will a caretaker want to make the drive to reach the family home?
Finances will also play a part in the daycare decision. In-home care can be expensive compared to daycare rates. If the family home is small, it might create an added challenge to have it tidy and ready for someone to come to the house every day.
Features
Daycare centers offer set hours and are available every day. If a worker gets sick, the center calls in a substitute. Parents are often charged extra fees if they can't get to the center to pick up the child by closing time.
Parents can choose their work hours and can arrange for a flexible childcare plan when they hire the caretaker. They will need a plan for the times when in-home caretaker gets sick or can't make it to the family home during inclement weather. Because the child is in his own home, the parents can also arrange for over-lap care by having a second caretaker fill in during overtime or late work hours.
Function
Daycare centers are often more regulated than in-home child care. They have routine inspections by state and city officials to insure safe practices and facilities. Workers are screened through background checks. They often offer educational programs. A parent who prefers a more laid-back day for their child might have a hard time with a fast-paced program.
Parents can do these same background checks on in-home caretakers, but the process can be time-consuming and expensive to perform, especially if the parent wants to consider several different candidates. The parent can arrange for the caretaker to do educational activities with the child or can choose to let the child relax and play at his own pace in the home.
Significance
Choosing the right childcare situation will allow a parent to perform their work duties with a significant measure of confidence and peace. If the parent is always worried about pickup times when he's needed to work late, the parent will be stressed. If the parent is worried that an in-home caretaker needs off unexpectedly in the middle of a work day, the parent won't be able to focus on the job. Safe and reliable childcare will help prevent the stress load of working parents.
