Many families benefit from the help of childcare providers every day. With over 80,000 childcare facilities in the United States, finding the best childcare solution can be daunting, stressful and costly—both emotionally and financially. The Childcare Answer Book examines the options available and gives you straightforward, easy-to-use advice on finding the best arrangement that works for you and your child.
The Childcare Answer Book makes tough decisions easy.
-When should I start my search for childcare?
-Where can I go to verify credentials or licenses?
-What do I need to look for in evaluating a childcare provider?
-How do I check the references?
-How can I make the cost of childcare more affordable?
-What can I do to ensure that my child will be safe?
The Childcare Answer Book is y our guide to the right choice, whether you are looking into childcare for the first time or changing your current situation.
Section I: Overview
Chapter 1: Your Family’s Need for Childcare
Chapter 2: Childcare Alternatives
Day Care Centers
Chapter 3: The Importance of Quality Childcare
Chapter 4: Day Care Centers and Preschools
Chapter 5: Family Day Care
Chapter 6: Evaluating Out-of-Home Care
Licensing and Accreditation
Section III: Childcare Inside the Home
Chapter 7: Locating Nannies
Chapter 8: The Hiring Process
Chapter 9: Employment Issues
Chapter 10: Au Pairs
Chapter 11: Using Relatives as Childcare Givers
Section IV: Occasional or Part-Time Childcare
Chapter 12: After-School Care
Day Care Centers and Family Day Care
Chapter 13: Childcare During Summer Vacation
Chapter 14: Childcare Options for the Night Shift
Chapter 15: Backup Childcare
Section V: Paying for Childcare
Chapter 16: Government Assistance
Chapter 17: Employer Assistance
On-Site Day Care
Dependent Care Assistance Plans
Subsidies
Section VI: Your Child’s Well-Being in the Childcare Setting
Chapter 18: Helping Your Child Adjust
Chapter 19: Maintaining a Good Relationship with the Childcare Provider
Chapter 20: Monitoring the Childcare Situation
Chapter 21: Resolving Problems with the Caregiver
Chapter 22: Harmful or Abusive Situations
Chapter 23: Terminating the Childcare Relationship
Chapter 24: The Special Needs Child
Chapter 25: The Work-at-Home Parent
Chapter 26: The Single Parent
Finding Support
Chapter 27: Transportation During Childcare
Conclusion
Glossary
Appendices
