About De Ann Sicard

So you just found out about the blessed event. You think you have months, before you need to start worrying about child care. You may think this but you’d be wrong. Finding child care for an infant takes a long time and may be one of the hardest things you’ll do as a parent.

Finding a day care provider who accepts infants and happens to have an opening when you need one may take awhile. The sooner you can begin the better your chances are of finding a provider that not only has the opening but can also be compatible with your parenting style.

Now with the child care issue at the forefront of your mind you need to start thinking about how you want to handle your search. As you prepare you'll need to make a couple of list. Not only will you need a number of questions to ask the prospective provider, but you'll also want a list of needs that you and your family may have.

Once you have a good start on your list take a few minutes to ask yourself a few questions. Do you need full time, part time or even child care for only part of the year? Do you want the child care to be closer to home or work? The location though may be one criteria that you can be flexible on. Don't stop there think about how you want to handle your day to day child care needs.

If you are lucky and find a few providers who not only take infants but are willing to save a spot for your little one right away. Be prepared to pay a deposit to hold that spot though. The provider you chose will be losing income to keep that spot for you weeks maybe even months.

Now, where to begin your search? How do you find these providers? What resources are available to you? If you have special needs how will you locate a provider who will meet those needs? Depending on where you are located, you may find many options available to you in this part of you search.

Your first stop should be your Human Resource office, ask if they have a child care provider list or if they offer assistance in finding providers. Many large companies are willing to do this for their employees. Next you should contact the elementary school in the area you hope to find care for a list.

Also consider searching the internet. Some child care providers are listed with online provider services like DayCareMatch.com. Also the number of providers with personal websites are increasing each year. By using either the online services or a provider's individual site you will be able to find out about their openings and whether they are licensed or registered. This can decrease or increase the number of providers you'll want to interview. Many times their website will have descriptions on how they handle day to day activities and information about their child care viewpoints.

After researching the internet, you may chose to contact the child care licensing agency in your area. Many times, if asked, they will consider mailing, faxing or even e-mailing you a list of providers. If you live in a large metropolitan area you may only get a list for a general area. If your family's special needs list includes financial help for child care, seek out the county agency that over sees this type of program. They will not only help you with child care assistance they usually have a list of providers willing to except assistance based families. To get the numbers you will need to contact these agencies call your county government's information line.

Let's not forget the referral agencies. Many times these agencies are part of another program, such as the CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program). Also ask friends, co-workers and family for their referrals.

By giving yourself the time to seek out the best provider for you and your family you will be easing your fears and the uncertainties about how and where your bundle of joy will be cared for without being stressed over last minute details. Finding child care can be a long and hard process but it is also very rewarding.