If you are
returning to work after the adoption of your child, or you need an occasional
night out without kids, consider your options and then screen, select, and
check references on sitters or programs that you may be more interested in.
Your best
resources come from other parents. Ask friends, coworkers, your doctor’s
office, your social worker, or your adoption agency for suggestions. Sources
could include your church, child development centers, newspaper ads, or other
child-care agencies, including those that specialize in nannies or au pairs.
Before you
interview a sitter or visit a daycare/ or preschool center, decide what is
important to you and prepare a list of questions. When trying to determine
which program is best for you, consider the following:
·
Is
the daycare licensed or registered per state requirements?
·
How
long has it been in operation?
·
What
are the caregiver’s qualifications?
·
What
are the admissions requirements?
·
Is the location convenient, and do the hours of operation
suit your needs?
·
Do
they charge late fees?
·
What
is the pickup and drop-off policy?
·
What
is the child to caregiver ratio?
·
Do
they have an open-door policy?
·
Do
caretakers have training in CPR or first aid?
·
Are
the premises neat and clean?
·
Are
safety features or other childproofing devices visible?
·
How
do they handle child conflict or discipline?
Labels: adjusting, Adoption Support, adoption transition, Babies, Mom's, Parenting, Positive Words, Pre-adoption Education, Toddler Adoption, Toddlers