After maternity leave runs out, it is time to search out the perfect caregiver for your bundle of joy. While it sounds easy, finding the perfect Infant Child Care in Pittsburgh PA, can be time-consuming and stressful. Approach a childcare search the same way you would approach a job hunt.
Identify Priorities
Determine what matters most. For example, a child-care center that is just minutes away from work may be one of the top priorities. Another priority may be seeking out a child-care center that accommodates a few other children rather than a whole group of children. Before hunting for the Best Infant Child Care in Pittsburgh PA, write all the priorities down on a piece of paper and list the priorities from most important to least important. This will allow for reference to the list when sizing up potential caregivers.
Research, Research, Research
Almost everything can be done online now a day. When seeking out the perfect child-care, visit the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) website to get a list of all the accredited centers nearby. Also, The Child Care Aware hotline (800-424-2246) can be a plentiful resource. The Child Care Aware hotline will give out caregiver referrals and suggestions based on you and your baby’s individual needs. It’s also a wise idea to dig through online reviews of local child-care centers and ask for personal recommendations from co-workers, family members, and friends who are already working with a caregiver or child-care center.
Visit, Interview, and Ask Questions
Once there are 3-4 options narrowed down, pay a visit to each of the centers and give them a thorough interview. Ask the questions that need to be answered. For example, what is the child to caregiver ratio? How long has each worker been in the child-care industry? What credentials and education does each worker have? Take a tour of the premises. Is the environment clean and safe? Do the workers seem to enjoy their job and are they friendly? Do the children seem to be happy, and do they seem to be having a good time? These are all very important factors to consider when visiting and interviewing with a potential caregiver candidate.
While these three tips seem simple, they also are a surefire way to ensure your tiny tot is well cared for when he or she is away from you.
