Expectant parents may want to explore the following topics both before and after the baby arrives so they can select a child care setting that best meets the family’s needs:

The Child First

What kind of baby will/do I have? What is she/he especially sensitive to? What kind of temperament does he/she have? Are there medical or other problems requiring a special kind of daycare?

Feelings Related to Outside Child Care

How do I feel about returning to work? Am I ambivalent? What is the importance to me of work versus parenthood? Who are my main supports? 

Child Care Settings

If I could design it for my baby, what would my ideal daycare situation be? Do I have any non-negotiable requirements? What weight should I give to convenience and location? Do I want my baby in a group setting? Do I want or can I afford someone to come in daily or live in my home? 

The Caregiver(s)

What is my vision of the ideal provider? What non-negotiable characteristics and qualifications should I look for? How can I best judge the past experience of the provider(s)? If I choose a center, what is the staff turnover rate? How can I determine how the provider(s) would handle my baby in a crisis? Can I visit and observe the provider or center before making a commitment? 

The Options

What type of public and private daycare is available in my area? What do my friends recommend? Is there a state-sponsored office that can supply a list of licensed daycare providers? Are there baby-sitting collectives or cooperatives in my town? 

The Timing

When should my baby begin daycare? What is the best time developmentally? How much leave time do I have? 

The Cost

What can I afford? What should I expect to pay for each of my daycare options? What are the state and federal tax laws on exemptions for daycare?

Alternative Work Arrangements

Do I have any access to job-sharing or flex-time arrangements at work? What kind of back-up should I arrange if the child care provider gets sick and can’t take the baby? What kinds of maternity and paternity leave policies does my employer offer? How flexible is my employer?