Choosing the “best” child care for your child is probably one of the most difficult decisions a parent has to make. You may be overwhelmed with the variety of child care choices out there. When considering your options, you may think a friend or relative would be the best choice.
A friend or relative may be beneficial, as someone you already know and trust will be watching your child. They may also share your culture, language and values and you are familiar with how they raised their own children. If this situation works out, it can be convenient, flexible and may even be cost efficient. But if it doesn’t work out it can add potential stress to relationships if you find it difficult to communicate your expectations.
Be sure to weigh all the pros and cons before making your decision. Do you know why they have agreed to care for your child? Is it because they truly love spending time with children, or are they doing it as a favour to you? Will money become an issue?
Your child is still growing and developing so it is important to have someone that will help them do so. Does your friend or relative have the resources to offer your child a variety of activities to stimulate their development at this critical stage, including language, cognitive, social, creative and fine and gross motor skills?
When choosing this route, whether it is your mother, or your best friend, you have to be able to be open and honest when communicating your needs and concerns regarding your child and their care. Communication is key component in your child care arrangement. There have been a great deal of changes in parenting philosophies over the last 20-30 years, so your mom may not think it’s a big deal to sit them in front of the TV for a few hours a day.
If it is a home environment you prefer, why not choose a regulated licensed home child care. In home child care Providers, who work with the support of a licensed agency, such as Wee Watch, have demonstrated their dedication to providing quality child care by going through a thorough screening and training process and following all of the provincial and agency regulations. They show their commitment to professional development by taking advantage of the resources and workshops made available through the agency. The Provider will not only provide a safe, loving environment for your child, but will also offer a varied programme of daily activities to help stimulate your child’s development.
You choose the Provider whose approach to childbearing best matches yours. The Provider will work with you as partners by communicating daily. The agency is always there to monitor the home through unscheduled monthly visits from Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE’s) and also to offer support to the Provider.
If a friend or relative is not an option, a licensed home child care agency, such as Wee Watch, is the next best, if not the better, choice.