In the decision-making process of what type of childcare is required, parents consider their feelings about having a childcarer, ideal location of care, financial affordability, career changes, developmental needs of the child and duration of care. Children with a disability may need special childcare arrangements. All these factors need to be taken into consideration.
In general, there are approximately four types of childcare that present benefits and also concerns. These childcare options may include:
Care by a relative, friend or neighbour
The benefit of having a trusted relative, friend or neighbour care for a child is that the child may already know the person and it also may be a more cost-effective option. The transition for the child into being cared for by someone other than their parent is easier and the child may feel less “separation anxiety” from being away from the parent. Sometimes this setting allows children to be cared for in their usual home environments or at the person’s home that they are familiar with.
Concerns over this type of care may be that the child isn’t getting the benefit of socialisation and learning with others in a centre or nursery care setting. The relative, friend or neighbour’s lifestyle or health may change requiring parents still to have to find alternate care. The relationship between the parents and the caregiver may also change due to concerns that place stress on the care being given and the “friendship” or “family bonds”. For example, if there is an accident involving the child in their care.
Family child care
Family child care is when a child is cared for in their usual home setting by a family member, such as a sibling, partner or grandparent. Family child care may also refer to a childcarer who offers a home setting to care for a number of children from different families. The feeling of “homeliness” can be an advantage and children also learn socialisation skills in a smaller setting. Usually such carers are qualified and registered as carers in their locality. Children can still get individualised care and the caregiver may have an assistant that helps out with the children. There are often planned activities for children to aid their development and parents are given more flexibility that reduces stress.
Concerns over family care may also be that parents need to have alternative care arrangements in place if the family carer is sick or goes on holiday. A few children may be cared for by one person whose attention and focus is split, raising the levels of risk. Being in an environment with other children may also facilitate spread of illness.
Day care centre or nursery care centre
The day care centre or nursery care centre operate on a larger scale to a “family child care” setting and the location may not be in a home as they operate as businesses in business premises. There is usually also more trained and qualified staff on hand with planned activities for child development, nutrition and care.
Similar benefits and concerns arise as with family child care. These settings also offer children the sense of what it may feel like to go to school, but initial transition to day care or nursery care can be hard for children at first due to separation from parental care that they are used to; although some children may find it harder to adapt to this more rigid approach. Times, however, of day care centres or nurseries may not be that suitable for all parents and costs may be higher.
Nanny or au pair
The childcare provided by a nanny is based in a private home, seeing to the needs sometimes not only of the child but also the family. Nannies are employed on different terms depending on the family’s needs. The hours of work vary from full time, or live in, and part time, or live out. Depending on the age of the child, some nannies may be there for maternity care while others are there for the toddler. Nannies are involved in different aspects of care that ranges from preparing children for activities, bathing, accompanying children on outings or to school, cleaning in the home and preparing meals.
The benefits of having a nanny is that the nanny is employed on your terms and is usually flexible to meeting the needs in the home. Nannies should have qualifications and references. The concern may be if the Nanny is not experienced enough, gets bored, or lacks the flexibility needed by the family.
The difference between Nannies and Au pairs is usually rates of pay, frameworks for working (especially if childcare agencies are involved), training, and so on.
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