| For many mothers, it seems that about the time you | | | | of the other kids. It also indicates that your child will not |
| get the hang of caring for your baby, it is time to return | | | | receive as much personalized attention. |
| to work and hire someone else to care for him during | | | | The good news is that sickness and vacations will not |
| the day. This can be a stressful process for many | | | | affect your ability to leave your child in his care setting, |
| new mothers, since moms typically will think, "No one | | | | which means less days off of work for you. There |
| will take good care of my baby the way that I do." | | | | are many centers that will take good care of your |
| The good news is that by using a process in selecting | | | | baby, and others that might not do such a good job, so |
| the right day care for you and your child, you can | | | | it is important to shop carefully when selecting a day |
| greatly reduce the amount of anxiety you feel in | | | | care center. |
| leaving him with someone else while you go to work. | | | | Before settling on the center that you think will take |
| How to Choose a Day Care Center | | | | good care of your baby, visit a few in person to |
| The first step in determining who will take good care | | | | witness the staff and children in action. Determine that |
| of your baby is to decide whether you prefer to hire a | | | | the environment is safe and clean, and that the child to |
| nanny to come into your home, or to take your child to | | | | teacher ratio is low enough that every child gets |
| a day care center every day. A nanny or home day | | | | sufficient attention. Ask about the activities and |
| care provider has the advantage of offering | | | | schedule that are offered throughout the day and |
| one-on-one attention to your child, in the comfort of | | | | make sure that the center is accredited with a national |
| your own home. | | | | organization. |
| The disadvantages to asking a nanny to take good | | | | It is also a good idea to get familiar with the center's |
| care of your baby include that fact that accountability | | | | policies regarding how to teach children, and what |
| is limited, since your child and the nanny might be the | | | | disciplinary measures are taken. These policies and |
| only ones at home during the day. The other | | | | philosophies should be close to your own if the |
| drawback to a nanny is that if she gets sick or goes | | | | relationship between the two of you is going to work. |
| out of town, you do not have anyone else there to | | | | By taking the time to select a day care situation that |
| care for your child. | | | | you believe will take good care of your baby; you will |
| A day care center will provide plenty of opportunity for | | | | greatly reduce the anxiety involved with leaving your |
| your child to socialize with other children. This can also | | | | child with someone else while you are at work. You |
| mean that your baby might get sick more often from | | | | can rest assured that your child will be receiving the |
| the many germs that can come into a center from all | | | | best care while you are not with him. |