Creating a Childcare Plan You Feel Good About

Let’s talk about childcare. Maybe you’re pregnant with your 1st baby and wondering what your options are. Or maybe your leave is ending and you need to make a childcare plan ASAP before going back to work. As a working parent, finding the right childcare arrangement can be overwhelming. You want to make sure you know what the options are and you want to make sure you choose what’s right for your kid and for your family.

There are so many options and arrangements to choose from, and sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. But all it takes is a little planning, a little research, and a little help from other working parents. Soon you’ll be one your way to creating a childcare plan that works for your family!

If you can, it’s a good idea to start making a childcare plan for your baby as early as possible. We’ve all heard about the months-long waitlists, and we want to avoid them! For the most part, you can if you plan ahead. If you start early, you’ll have enough time to research your options, visit different childcare providers, and make a decision.

Here are a few things to think about as you start planning for your baby’s care.

1. Identify your childcare needs

There are a few key questions you should answer before searching for nearby childcare options. Consider the factors that will impact your child care needs. For example: your work schedule, the age and needs of your children, your budget, the type and quality of care you want. If you and your partner plan to work 9-5 jobs, you will need full-time care for your child during those hours. But if you work a more flexible schedule, you may be able to arrange for part-time or as-needed care.

Here are some questions you can ask to get started:

• When does our childcare plan need to start?
• How old do we want the baby to be when starting childcare?
• What is our maximum budget for childcare every month?
• What is our ideal schedule for weekly childcare?
• Does our child have any special needs to accommodate?
• What kind of care do we want for our child?
• Does my employer offer child care benefits or flexible working arrangements?

2. Research and compare childcare options

Once you are squared away on the details of what you want childcare to look like, now it’s time for research! To start, you can google childcare in your area. To narrow down your search, you can search for in-home care, daycare centers, nanny shares, and after-school programs. Something to note: many childcare centers will start taking babies as early as 6 weeks.

Here’s a list of the most common childcare options:

Common childcare options to research

• Daycare centers: Daycare centers provide care for children in a group setting. They are usually licensed and regulated by the state, and they provide a structured schedule of activities and educational programs.
• In-home care/nanny: An in-home caregiver, such as a nanny or au pair, provides one-on-one care for your child in your home. This can be a more flexible option as the schedule can be tailored to your specific needs.
• Family care: This means a family member, friend or neighbor will take care of your child in their own home. It can be more comfortable for both parent and child as the child can be in familiar surroundings.
• Preschools: This is similar to a daycare center but it’s usually for older kids and focused on education and socialization. Typically there is a curriculum that prepares them for school.
• Before/after-school care: These programs provide care for school-aged kids before and after school.
• Nanny shares: This involves sharing the cost of a nanny or au pair with another family. It can be a cost-effective option, but it’s important to make sure that everyone is on the same page regarding the care and expectations of the nanny.

Create a spreadsheet and list out all of your potential options with information like cost, location, schedule, and reputation. (To find out the quality of care delivered by childcare providers, you can check their reviews, certifications, and licenses.) It’s also helpful to ask other parents for their opinions and experiences! A spreadsheet will help you remember details and compare options more closely. And if you are trying to figure out different care options for different kids, this will help keep you organized!

3. Make a shortlist of caregivers and interview/visit

Once you have all the options laid out in your spreadsheet, try to narrow your list down. Your ‘short list’ should be the caregiver options who fit your budget, timing, and other needs. Your short list should be places you could really envision sending your kid. Once you have a ‘short list’, now you should really dive into the details. Try to visit and/or interview the caregiver and see what it would be like. Ask questions about their experience, qualifications, and references. Consider the structure, personalities and compatibility of the caregiver with your family and child.

4. Make a decision and create a schedule

Armed with all of the details and after getting all of your questions answered, you are ready to make a decision! Give yourself some time to think and consider if you need it; there’s no need to rush! Even if the places you are looking at have a waitlist, it’s way more important to find the right place for your child.

Once you choose a childcare provider or facility that meets your needs and budget, you can create your schedule. Work with your caregiver to create a schedule that fits your needs and the needs of your family!

5. Create a backup childcare plan

Making a decision doesn’t mean you’re quite done yet. Childcare isn’t going to be 100% covered by your provider even with a perfect plan and schedule. Things happen and plans can sometimes change. You need to plan for the days when regular childcare arrangements fall through. If your nanny is sick, or your work holidays don’t match with childcare holidays, you need a go-to plan for how your children will be taken care of.

Having a backup plan in place can give you peace of mind and less stress when plans change. This could mean creating an “on-call” list, where certain friends or family members can help out if needed. Or you may want to find a back-up daycare or nanny.

6. Communicate with your caregiver and employer

It may be helpful to create a written agreement with your caregiver outlining the terms of the arrangement, including the schedule, duties, and payment. This ensures that everyone is clear on their responsibilities and can help prevent misunderstandings.

Make sure to communicate with your caregiver about any special needs or requests for your children. Stay in touch and be available for updates on your children’s care.

Similarly, it’s helpful to talk to your employer about your childcare needs and plan. and see if there are any flexible working arrangements that can be made to accommodate them. Some employers may offer child care benefits as part of employee benefits, so it’s worth checking with your HR department to see if this could be an option for you.

7. Prepare your child

If your child is old enough, explain to them about the childcare arrangements and how it will impact their routine.This will help everyone feel more comfortable with the transition.

8. Review your childcare plan regularly

As your child grows and your needs change, be sure to review and update your childcare plan as needed. Be open to making adjustments when you need to, and trust your instincts!

Finding the right childcare can be a daunting task for new working parents. And it may take some trial and error to find the right fit. With a little planning and research, you can create a plan that really works for you and your family. Every family and every kid is unique, and what may work for one family may not work for another. Ultimately, the best childcare option for you will depend on your individual needs, your child’s needs, and your budget.