
photo credit: René Ehrhardt
Many people claim it is difficult to find a good daycare provider, while other people will say that it is even harder to find a in home provider. Now this may be very true for you if you work a second or third shift or if you have a child that requires special care.
Before the interviewing process begins, you want to write down what you are want in a provider. You may be looking for a provider that comfort your child , or even carry your child around. Or you might be looking for someone that would not mind working around your schedule.
Knowing exactly what you want before you begin your search could possibly help exclude some providers that do not fit just what you want, in the long run this will save you not only your time but also energy.
There are many different ways to find a provider. You could always ask other parents who they would recommend. There are also online resources that you could look into some internet sites that provide services in helping find child care . You could also cal a local college and see if you could place a listing maybe even a student that is studying early child development.
From the beginning make sure that you discuss money and also how the provider would like to be paid. Being upfront about money makes sure there are no surprises later on.
Also make sure that you find out if they are going to take a yearly vacation or want some time off during holidays. Also make sure you ask how sick days should be handled.
Make sure you always ask the provider for references of their previous jobs or previous clients. By talking to some of their past clients you will better find out how the provider will handle your child or children.
Narrow the list down to just a couple of really good providers that have the qualities you want and need. Then ask these providers if maybe they would be willing to do a week trail so that you are able to see how your children interact with the provider and how your provider interacts with your children. They might not come right out and say you are happy, but you should be able to tell by their demeanor.
As with everything else you may end up going through a couple different providers before you find the best fit for yourself and your children. And I know that can be time consuming but it will all payoff in the end.




I’ve had really good luck finding sitters through Care.com. The site is very easy to use and has a lot of good articles and advice too. They also do background checks, and all sitters are screened by a group of mothers. I got a discount on joining by using the code CLUBMOM. Good luck!