You've just landed that coveted job in another city, or owners have just accepted your offer on a home that is too far away for you to keep using the same provider. How do you find a quality child care provider quickly that meets your family's needs? Here are tips to help you find that next quality caregiver for your child.
Start With Your Current Child Care Provider
You picked your current child care provider because of the quality of care offered, right? Start with the caregiver/daycare you are happy with, and you might find that there are other locations or resources/connections to land you quality child care in your new situation. In-home providers often have a network of caregivers they can utilize; daycares and preschools have affiliates or numerous locations. The center direction may have a referral resource as well. Don't delay; ask today.
Contact Local School, Church, Chamber, Visitor's Bureau
Tap into resources at your new location for some direction. Consider contacting the local elementary school, church, chamber of commerce, or even the city's visitor's bureau, if there is one. Also search to see if there are links to child care off of city websites or local entertainment or child-focused ones. Remember that some school districts and recreation centers provide before and after school care. If you prefer an in-home provider, find out if there is a local association or network.
Conduct an Online Search for Quality Child Care
Your next quality child care provider could be as close as your fingertips. Use your computer to conduct an online search of quality child care in your new community. Many child care associations have searches for licensed and/or accredited centers and providers that will give you information fast.
Contact Parents, Human Resources with Company
If the relocation is due to a job, then tap into parents of like-aged children at the new city. If you don't already know some families there, contact the company's Human Resources and/or Relocation Department for starters. Chances are, they've had this request before and will be able to provide a wealth of information quickly.
Check With Your State
Many states also maintain an online database of child care options that you can search. Do searches to get to your state's family and protective services area (it may be called different titles for your particular state) and then search the database. You can also check on licensing, regulation and accreditation requirements at the same time, as these could vary between states.
Look Up Nanny, Au Pair, Babysitting Services
Check out websites affiliated with companies who hook parents up with experienced nannies/au pairs/babysitters if this is an option you wish to consider. Most companies matching quality child care providers with families have already undergone related background searches and other potentially time-consuming pre-employment checks, so the turnaround time could be very quick.
Read Up on Local Child Care and Parenting Magazines
Many larger cities/communities have free publications aimed at parents of pre-school and school-aged children to market activities, attire, and child care. These magazines are typically located in racks at grocery stores, child care center, schools, and other environments where parents of small children typically frequent. If you have such a publication in your current area, call the editor and ask for any referrals as another resource. Don't forget about looking for online news/magazines.
Consider Short-Term Care Until You're Settled
Another option is to not rush into anything, and instead opt for a short-term, temporary arrangement while you look around and get settled. Look and see if there is drop-in care options, a local daycare that you could utilize until you make a permanent decision, or whether babysitters are an option. If you're moving over summer break or between semesters, there could be high schoolers or college students anxious for work. And, don't forget about dear ol' mom or dad or other relative!
