Where Do I Begin? At Dallas Area Education Guide, we understand that finding childcare is a daunting task, especially if this is your first child. However, knowing what to look for when you're trying to find care is something you can learn - quickly and easily. Priorities Identifying your specific needs will help point you in the right direction… and narrow the scope down to something much more manageable! Before you begin your search, ask yourself these four questions: What type of care is best for my child? How does my child's age affect the care I choose? How much care do I need? What are the cost considerations of finding care?

Types of Care   Child care is usually divided into two main groups: in-home care and center-based care. "In-home care" refers to anyone who comes into your house to care for your child. This could be a nanny, an au pair, a babysitter, or even a family member. For more information on in-home care, click on the following subjects: Considering a Nanny?, Guide to Au Pair Care, Tips on Finding a Babysitter, All in the Family - When Relatives Provide Care. "Center Care" can refer both to child care centers and family day care. Child care centers often employ a full staff of teachers/caregivers, while family day cares are operated out of a caregiver's home and have one primary caregiver (and occasionally an assistant). Child care centers care for children in groups. All states require centers to be licensed. The definition of licensed child care varies by state or territory. You can check out your states licensing requirements by clicking here. Licensing does not insure quality but it does set minimum health, safety and caregiver training standards which centers must maintain. All states inspect centers at least once a year.

Amount of Care Assessing the right amount of care for your family is perhaps the easiest part of the child care search. If you work part-time, you need part-time care. Be sure to identify exactly what your schedule is before you attempt to find care that matches your needs. Be aware that the cost of part-time care may be almost the same as full time if you choose to place your child in a child care center. This is often because you are paying for a "space". Centers must employ workers according to the number of children they will be serving. Cost The "cost consideration" can be one of the most difficult aspects of finding quality child care. Daycare costs are by no means "cheap" and nor should it be. People in charge of our children should be well educated and well compensated. However, we all need to consider the costs involved and weigh the costs against the income received from working outside of the home. Things to think about: Daycare Expenses: Transportation Expenses: Lunch Expenses: Clothing/Dry Cleaning Expense: Dining Out Expenses: Now enter the expected NET monthly income: Total income after expenses: If working is the logical choice, many experts recommend that you put the cost factor aside when initially evaluating care providers, and then use cost as a deciding factor between two equally qualified care options.

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