Back to Work vs. Daycare Dilemmas By Samantha Wilson

If you are like many new moms, deciding whether or not you “will” return to work is not an option.
Rather, the choice is “daycare or nanny?”

Whether you are choosing to bring someone into your home, or use a daycare setting, you need to know who your potential caregivers are. More, you have the right to know.

Start your search months in advance. This will avoid stress and will build confidence in your choices. If a daycare is your choice, you may find that the more popular ones have waiting lists. Don’t fall in the trap of being “grateful” for a space for your child. It is YOU that decides if THEY are worthy not the reverse.

toddler sm You should plan on having personal interviews with more than one potential applicant. Professionals
expect to be interviewed - and will even demand it.

Narrow the search to 3 - 5 potential caregivers and start with a phone call to each. Explain briefly what you are searching for, full or part time, in your home or theirs. Try to get a feel for the individual through small talk. This will help you determine if you want to go further with the interview process. Remember, you are in charge.

Arrange for an initial interview. The first meeting should ALWAYS be at their home or facility, regardless if the plan is for them to work out of your home. Your goal is to get to know them personally in a short period of time. By going to their environment, you will gain valuable insight into how they live.

Last, but not least, call references.
Ask the candidate for six references, both personal and work related. From those six, ask them to tell you who their top three references are—then call the three she did not point out.

Review your notes and choose who you feel is genuine, will love your baby and fits your parenting values. If you have any reservation at all – DO NOT hire him or her.

Selecting a caregiver for your child is the most important decision any parent will make.

Back to Work vs. Daycare Dilemmas By Samantha Wilson

Selecting a caregiver for your child is the most important decision any parent will make.

Samantha's expert advice is published in ePregnancy Magazine

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