Choosing Childcare for Dummies (Paperback)

~ (Author) "You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out why the search for child-care can be so frustrating..." (more)
Key Phrases: accredited nanny school, overnight childcare, major hot water, Social Security, United States, Uncle Sam (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The demand for child-care spaces is huge. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 13 million children under the age of six spend some or all of their day being cared for by someone other than their parents.

The child-care shortage is everyone's problem – for parents (whether you work outside the home or not), employers, and the children. The prospect of choosing the right childcare can be overwhelming. Put your mind at ease with Choosing Childcare For Dummies. This reference guide is brimming with practical advice to help you find high-quality childcare for the child in your life – whether he or she is a biological child, stepchild, grandchild, foster child, or the child of your significant other.

From figuring out affordability to knowing what to do if you suspect neglect or abuse, Choosing Childcare For Dummies covers it all. Inside the book you'll find out how to

Weigh the pros and cons of your various child-care options

Determine high quality childcare

Evaluate out-of-home childcare

Hire a nanny or a relative for in-home care

Get guidance on the legal issues of being an employer

Conduct a reference check

Determine if you need a "nanny cam"

Recognize the ten signs that your child-care arrangement is in trouble

Ease your child into a new child-care arrangement

Find back-up childcare

Because the United States has no countrywide child-care “system” in place, we’ve ended up with a patchwork quilt of regulations that don’t quite mesh the way they should. This is why so many child-care programs are exempt from the child-care legislation that’s intended to protect children. The bottom line? You can’t count on anyone else to guarantee your child’s health, safety, and well-being in a particular child-care setting. Like it or not, the buck stops with you. That’s why you owe it to yourself and your child to read books like this one that show you how to be a savvy day-care consumer.

From the Back Cover

Research and evaluate what kind of child-care arrangement works best for you

Discover how to cut childcare costs with tax credits and subsidies

Finding high-quality childcare is no easy task. The best daycare centers often have long waiting lists and cost as much as college! Thankfully, Choosing Childcare For Dummies will set your mind at ease with practical advice on finding reliable childcare – whether you need family daycare, a daycare center, or even a nanny.

Praise for Choosing Childcare For Dummies

"Ann Douglass latest book with its great insider tips on finding the best childcare based on your unique child and family needs will save parents dozens of hours in this often frustrating quest.

Discover how to:

• Evaluate health and safety practices
• Transition a child into day care
• Assess a childs needs for a caregiver
• Interview caregivers
• Notice warning signs

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 354 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (November 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764537245
• ISBN-13: 978-0764537240
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,037,475 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)