TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST CHILDCARE
Finding reliable childcare, whether it is a babysitter, a childminder, an au pair or creche for families is key. Particularly when the plan is to return to work following maternity, paternity, or adoptive leave. While every family has their own needs and preferences, when you do decide to begin the search, it typically comes down to what is important to you, what is in the best interests of your child, their age, their needs, the practicalities, and of course the financial aspect.
Many families choose their preference, whether that is a childminder, creche, an au pair or family. I recently ran a poll with my Parent Support Community to see what kind of childcare they have, 42% said a childminder whereas 58% said creche. In another poll, when I asked who had an au pair, only 2% said yes and 98% said no. It is different for everyone so once you know what you want for your child/children and for your family needs, it’s then about searching for options.
In this blog I will share
What is important for families when searching for childcare
The challenges of finding the right childcare options
Top Tips on what to look for in childcare providers
Additional Resources
Tips for finding the best childcare
“The quality of any early years care and education setting is hugely important for babies and young children, and it is essential that your decisions about where your child is cared for and by whom are made with quality, not just practicality and cost, very much in mind”
What is important for families when searching for childcare
This will vary from one family to the next, whether you have gone through a childminder or creche previously with older siblings or it’s your first time researching, what is important for your family and what will work for your family dynamic is what counts. When I reached out to my Parent Support Community many of the same values applied with the top 10 listed below.
10 things to look for when choosing a childcare provider:
They are trustworthy and reliable
That they offer good care
The range of activities and play options for the child
Flexibility with drop offs and collections
Friendly and kind staff
Competent and qualified staff
Good range of nutritious food
The child’s happiness and safety
That it is a childcare service with a good reputation and good references
That it is affordable
All of these elements matter, because it allows parents and guardians to make a more informed decision about choosing the best babysitter, childminder, au pair or creche. Returning to work or whatever your circumstances are, you need to feel sure, trust your instincts and most importantly consider what is in your child’s best interests.
The challenges of finding the right childcare options
When families are searching for childcare, they can face several obstacles which have been amplified nationwide since Covid 19 which is putting a lot of extra pressure and stress on parents and caregivers in their search for childcare.
Some challenges that families have encountered include:
Availability and long waiting lists
Cost
Finding a service that aligns with parenting approach
Location near to home or workplace
Reasonable opening hours when parents do shift hours
Flexibility from the childcare provider
Parental guilt and anxiety
A need for part time but only full-time places are available
Check out How to Balance Work & Home Life in 8 Steps
While some of these challenges are out of your control, what can be really helpful is considering what you are able to influence and make decisions on, as well as looking at what the top tips are when searching for childcare.
11 Top Tips on when looking for childcare – creche or childminder
Before you start the search know what is important for you and your child – follow your gut when deciding, you know your child best.
Start considering options early, this feedback has come from many parents that have experienced searching for childcare.
Research each service in your area.
Ask family and friends about the services they know about or have used previously – a personal recommendation and word of mouth can be so helpful.
When considering options, ask for their most recent Tusla inspection report and early childhood reports. These are available online via gov.ie
Interview a few childminders, visit several creches, pending availability of course
Visit the facility or service, this will allow you get a feel for the place, observe the children and the set-up, meet the person/staff that will be caring for your child
For a babysitter or childminder, meet them in person, preferably in their own home if that’s where they will be minding your children, make it an informal chat, but cover what you can that will allow you to gain as much information as you need. If you can bring your child with you on a second visit, this allows you to observe or get a feel for how they are with your child and how your child is with them.
It is important to check references for any potential creche, childminder or babysitter.
Persevere, search until you find the right service or childminder, avoid settling if it doesn’t feel right. Each one will vary, they won’t be all the same.
Spend some time putting together your own questions to ask so you have everything to make an informed decision.
What questions can I ask to help make my decision about a childcare provider?
Settling in
What will be the settling in process for my child, what is the parental involvement and what will be done to help my child overcome separation anxiety?
Routines
What is the daily routine for my child’s age group, how will this align with their current schedule in terms of naps, milk feeds and mealtimes?
Ratios
What is the carer to child ratio, how can you ensure my child will be responded to quickly if needed for example if they are crying or have a fall?
Nutrition
What are the food options available for my child’s age group, how do you cope with picky eaters, intolerances or allergies?
Toilet Training
What do you do to support Toilet Training?
Playtime
How much time is dedicated to play and exploration for the children? How many times can they go outside to play? What outdoor facilities do you have? What type of play areas are set out for the children? How do you promote safety for the children and the adults?
Illness
What happens if my child is sick? What is your policy and procedures on illness and infectious diseases?
Medical
What procedures are in place for medical emergencies? Can you administer medicine if necessary? Do you or your staff have basic first aid training?
Privacy
What is your GDPR Policy? How is confidentiality dealt with in record keeping, storing and sharing of information? Who has access to my child's file and for what purpose?
Identity
In what ways does the setting promote a strong sense of identity and belonging for everyone?
Relationships and conflict
What approach is taken to helping children in getting on well with each other and resolving conflicts? For example, physical behaviour towards each other, like biting? Are parents informed?
Progress updates
Is there an opportunity to review how my child is getting on? Will I be kept informed if there are any concerns regarding my child’s development behaviours and or wellbeing while in your care?
Additional Resources
gov.ie - Childcare (www.gov.ie) ;Covering affordable childcare, childminders, inspections & qualifications
Barnardos Ireland free eBook
Quality Early Years Care and Education - What to Look for in an Early Years Service
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help with your childcare costs
Childcare options are part of many family’s decisions during their children’s early years, however once they move on to school, you may still need an afterschool service or rely on a childminder or even a babysitter when you need a bit of ‘you’ time! The same principles apply – you know what’s best for your child, you know what feels right and be confident that whatever decision you make is the right one for you and your children.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or facing challenges with your children, I am here to help. I offer tailored 1 to 1 parent support sessions or corporate parenting talks. Get in touch with me today at aoife@parentsupport.ie, I offer eLearning Parenting Courses on Positive Parenting and Managing Screen Time & Device Use which will help support you in the challenges you may be facing.