Choosing the Best Childcare Option for Your Family

When it comes time to choose a childcare option for your child, there are two primary options to consider: hire a nanny to come to your home, or choose a child care provider outside your home. Both options have pros and cons, but either option will provide the peace of mind of knowing your child is well cared for while you are working. Below are two options to be considered suggested by Pop Up Nanny , a local nanny agency in Brisbane.



Choosing a Childcare Provider

Pros:
- Your child will learn and socialise with other children and learn concepts of sharing, waiting your turn, and working with others.
- Daycare centres often have a defined structure within each age group, so the children learn what to expect each day. Children are separated by age and skill level.
- Daycare centres must meet certain regulations and are usually heavily monitored. Things like teacher-to-child ratio, food, sleeping environment, and security are regulated.
- Since daycare centres have a lot of kids, they are able to offer many more resources, such as games, books, craft supplies, and outdoor play equipment that a single home cannot provide. Teachers organise crafts and activities that your child may not get to do at home.

Things to Consider:
- Quality daycare is expensive. The centres have to pay to hire teachers that meet educational standards for childcare providers , plus comply with all of the necessary regulations.
- Centres have hours of operation that you need to make sure work with your own schedule.
Your child may get sick more often as germs are easily spread in group environments.



Hire a Nanny

Pros:
- You have more control over your child's day because you can direct your nanny in the care and daily routine of your child.
- Childcare is performed in your own home. Your child will get to sleep in her own bed and eat familiar foods and have the dietary requirements you want for your child.
- A nanny may provide other services for you, such as light cleaning. You can also have contractors come to your home while you're at work because you know the nanny will be there to let them in.
- A local nanny agency can provide you with a list of nannies that meet the standards of that agency and who might be a good fit for your family.
- Having a nanny will provide one-on-one attention that your child won't get in a daycare centre. The nanny becomes like an extended family member that your child will learn to trust.



Things to consider:
- Nannies do not have the same regulations and oversight that daycare centres have. If you hire a nanny from an agency, the agency may provide some oversight.
- A nanny may be considered a household employee, which would require you to pay employment taxes as an employer.
- When your nanny is sick or goes on vacation, you will need to find alternative childcare arrangements or adjust your own schedule.
- Another option is to find a babysitter. A babysitter will also watch your child in your home, but for a much shorter time frame. Perhaps a babysitter can watch your young children when they get out of school.

Final Thoughts
The final decision for childcare for your family ultimately comes down to what works best for your family. It's ok to try one option and decide it doesn't work for your family and try something else.

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