Beginning the Childcare Search

Parents in the bay area are often faced with the question of what to do about childcare once their work leave is over. With the shortage of childcare providers and the number of working parents in need of childcare, this can feel like an overwhelming decision.  When staying home with your child isn’t possible, what are the options available and what should parents look for in childcare?

In the East Bay towns of Alamo, Danville and Walnut Creek, small home daycares and centers that take infants are limited.  There are many preschool centers that take children as early as 18 months.  Nannies and Au Pairs are in-home childcare options that may work well for some.  Below are descriptions of each and a list of questions that may help in your childcare search.

Home daycares are state licensed and regulated childcare in childcare provider's personal residence. They have a maximum capacity of 14 children per day. Childcare providers complete training and certifications at the beginning of the licensing process and every 2 years after.  Providers must have professional experience in childcare to get a license but are not required to have an Early Childhood Education degree although many do.  When touring a home daycare here are some things to look for.

1. Is the home clean, organized and welcoming?

2. Is the provider knowledgeable in the latest early childhood education information?

3. What are the ages the daycare accepts and how are the age groups divided?

4. Is there a curriculum that allows for development at all stages?

5. What is the adult to child ratio?

6. What does communication look like between adults and children as well as to parents?

7. How are naps, meals and diapering/potty handled?

8. What are daycare closures for holidays, vacation and sick days?

9. Is the daycare a supportive environment for the whole family?

10. Does the childcare provider’s values align with your family’s?

Home daycares are smaller environments that may be right for many children.  The low ratio allows for more personal attention to each child so that they get the care and support they need at a young age.  

Childcare centers are licensed and regulated by the state and have stricter regulations around the care of children.  Centers have a director that must have a degree in ECE and teachers that have a certificate in ECE or higher.  The number of children they are allowed to have in care depends on the square footage of the center and number of teachers in position.  Centers often have higher adult to child ratios, more structured learning and policies, and have larger enrollment.  Here are some things to consider when touring a childcare center.

1. Is the center clean, organized and welcoming?

2. Does the center provide different curriculum for each age group?

3. What are the ages the center accepts and how are the age groups divided?

4. What is the adult to child ratio?

5. What does communication look like between adults and children as well as parents?

6. How are naps, meals and diapering/potty handled?

7. What are daycare closures for holidays, vacation and sick days?

8. Do the center’s hours and location work well for your family?

9. Does the culture of the center and the families there align with your own?

Childcare Centers are larger environments that may be right for many families. They are often well run businesses that are experienced in childcare and supporting families through these years.

Nannies and Au Pairs are individuals who care for children in their own home.  Some nannies work directly for referral agencies and you ,as a parent, work with both.  Some nannies are employed by the family directly.  Au Pairs are individuals who come from another country and live with the family caring for the children while there.  Both of these types of caregivers may have experience caring for children and may have early childhood education.  Both types are subject to employment laws in your local area which you are responsible for knowing.  Au Pairs are under contract for a certain time period.  Nannies do not generally have strict contracts.  Here are some things to look for in an in-home caregiver.

1. What experience do they have in caring for children, what are the ages and how long did they provide care?

2. Are they up to date with current safety certifications such as Pediatric CPR and First Aid as well as Mandated Reporter training?

3. Do they have experience with early childhood education and/or are up to date with the latest information?

4. Will they provide rich developmental opportunities for your child?

5. Are they able to perform other duties while in your home such as cleaning?

6. Is there anything in their life that may prevent them from showing up to your home?

7. Will they give you ample notice if they decide to take another position?

8. Are they willing to do a nanny share?

9. Do they have expectations of you such as providing a vehicle, lunch break, paid vacation time, etc?

10. Does the provider’s values align with your own?

Finding the right option for childcare ultimately comes down to what works best for your family.  Location, pricing, and hours are some factors that may limit your options but it is best to explore all options.  It seems to be that if you find a childcare provider that works well for your family, the rest can be worked out.

Woven Childcare is a home daycare in Alamo.  We are centrally located between Danville and Walnut Creek. We have a spacious home with a dedicated space for the children in our care.  We commit ourselves to staying on top of early childhood information and working that into every aspect of our home daycare.  We specialize in toddler and pre-school education and accept infants on a limited basis. Our small environment and low ratio allows for children to build strong connections with us and with each other allowing them to feel secure and build confidence.  Our community of families is amazing and we provide many opportunities for them to build relationships with each other.  We are a long term care option for families looking for stability, connection and a beautiful childcare experience.