What do you want in a childcare provider?

Details: Published on Sunday, 17 March 2013 16:50

I recently asked our Facebook moms:

"What do you care most about when it comes to childcare? Whether it's a daycare center, sitter, nanny, family member watching your child - whatever."

Interesting Childcare Tip: Did you know that schools require a two year college degree to work in an elementary school as a teacher aide but typically pay less than a nanny earns for private care?

cameras and kids Here are the replies:

I must be able to trust the person, first & foremost! They need to be capable of caring for a child, CPR trained, and share similar parenting beliefs as me. I need to have a good feeling about them, good vibes, whatever you wanna call it. I am entrusting them with my child, my world, they need to be 100% trustworthy. Period!

- Sandy Gram

Certified teachers, above average education for kids, healthy meals.

- Stephanie O'Malley

Stephanie - you hire certified teachers to babysit? Where do you find them? Is there a site that lists them out in your area?

- Mommy Perks

We have only used people that we know to watch our kids at this point. My husband's friend from high school and a friend of mine from church. Aside from already trusting them it has been most important to us that they try to keep their schedule as much as possible. The high-school friend watches them at our home so it is easiest for her to keep them on schedule, they are at home. When our church friend watches we just ask to the do the best they can. Our kids love being there because she has 3 the same ages as my two so napping is pretty much out of the question, it's just too fun. The people who watch my children love them like they are part of their family. We are very blessed.

- Sara Hickman

I've lucked out to find people who have just graduated from college. Also, the daycare center where my daughter attends has certified teachers who work there (not company policy, just who that center prefers to hire).

- Stephanie O'Malley

The most important thing is finding someone that I trust. I need to know that they will follow our household rules, have similar parenting beliefs as me and that they will be paying attention to my kids not just watching tv or talking on the phone.

- Jessie Marr

That my kids feel happy and confident.

- Parent Wellbeing

I would look for someone who is happy and knows how handle kids feelings with kindness! someone who knows how to have fun and play and understands child development or is willing to learn! High school or college kids who are also camp counselors are the best.

- Ava Parnass

Quality daycare is my choice. Expensive for sure but it offers me the peace of mind of a babysitter running late, calling off at the last minute or taking my kids to places I would not approve of.

- Bola Ajumobi

Experienced, trustworthy, kind, compassionate, honest. These are my top qualities, in addition to listening and complying with all of my requests. We're fortunate to have used the same childcare provider for the past 7+ years. We love her likes she's part of the family and she loves our children. She's a mother, who loves mothering all children. The kids spend the day at her home and I know all the other families she cares for. They get wholesome, home cooked meals, etc. It's definitely a family environment which I really love.

- Dawn Early Berryman