The childcare answer book / by Linda H. Connell.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Connell, Linda H.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Child care--United States--Handbooks, manuals, etc.

Child care.

Child care services--United States--Handbooks, manuals, etc.

Child care services.

Children of working parents--Care--United States--Handbooks, manuals, etc.

Children of working parents.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (306 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Naperville, Ill. : Sourcebooks, Inc., 2005.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Many families benefit from the help of childcare providers every day. With over 80,000 childcare facilities in the United States, finding the best childcare solution can be daunting, stressful and costly—both emotionally and financially. The Childcare Answer Book examines the options available and gives you straightforward, easy-to-use advice on finding the best arrangement that works for you and your child. The Childcare Answer Book makes tough decisions easy. -When should I start my search for childcare? -Where can I go to verify credentials or licenses? -What do I need to look for in evaluating a childcare provider? -How do I check the references? -How can I make the cost of childcare more affordable? -What can I do to ensure that my child will be safe? The Childcare Answer Book is y our guide to the right choice, whether you are looking into childcare for the first time or changing your current situation.

Contents:

Intro

Title Page

Copyright Page

Acknowledgment

Contents

Section I: Overview

Chapter 1: Your Family's Need for Childcare

Making the Cost/Benefit Analysis

Dealing with the Guilty Parent Syndrome

Chapter 2: Childcare Alternatives

Day Care Centers

Family Day Care

Preschools

Nannies

Au Pairs

Babysitters

Relatives

Chapter 3: The Importance of Quality Childcare

Quality of Care

Section II: Childcare Outside of the Home

Chapter 4: Day Care Centers and Preschools

Montessori Programs

Chapter 5: Family Day Care

Disadvantages

Locating Family Day Care

Costs of Family Day Care

Unlicensed Family Day Care Homes

Chapter 6: Evaluating Out-of-Home Care

Licensing and Accreditation

Checking Out Potential Day Care Centers and Family Day Care Homes

Preliminary Questions

Director and Staff

Premises

Daily Activites

Policies

Interactions with the Staff

Safety and Security Concerns

Emergencies

Miscellaneous Concerns

Section III: Childcare Inside the Home

Chapter 7: Locating Nannies

Agencies

Finding a Nanny on Your Own

Nanny Training Programs

Chapter 8: The Hiring Process

Application

Interview Discussion

References and Background Checks

Chapter 9: Employment Issues

The Employment Agreement

Nanny Taxes

Employment Eligibility Verification

Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws

Chapter 10: Au Pairs

Locating an Au Pair

Exchange Visitor Visa Providers

Cost of an Au Pair

Chapter 11: Using Relatives as Childcare Givers

Availability and Reliability of the Relative

Ability of the Relative

Family Issues

Compensation

Section IV: Occasional or Part-Time Childcare

Chapter 12: After-School Care

Day Care Centers and Family Day Care

Sitters

After-School Programs.

Chapter 13: Childcare During Summer Vacation

Summer Camp

Chapter 14: Childcare Options for the Night Shift

Chapter 15: Backup Childcare

Sources for Backup Childcare

Sick Child Day Care

Section V: Paying for Childcare

Chapter 16: Government Assistance

Tax Credits

State Tax Benefits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Child Care and Development Funds

Head Start

State Department of Human Services and Telephone Numbers

State Child Care and Development Programs

Chapter 17: Employer Assistance

Dependent Care Assistance Plans

Subsidies

On-Site Day Care

Section VI: Your Child's Well-Being in the Childcare Setting

Chapter 18: Helping Your Child Adjust

Out-of-Home Care

In-Home Care

Chapter 19: Maintaining a Good Relationship with the Childcare Provider

Out-of-Home Caregivers

In-Home Caregivers

Section VII: Handling Difficulties in the Childcare Relationship

Chapter 20: Monitoring the Childcare Situation

Visits to the Childcare Facility

Networking with Other Families

Nanny Cams

Chapter 21: Resolving Problems with the Caregiver

Philosophical Differences

When the Childcare Provider is Unreasonable or Unreliable

Chapter 22: Harmful or Abusive Situations

Preventing the Harmful Environment

Avoiding Child Abuse in Childcare

Addressing Abuse or Neglect

Child Abuse Hotline Telephone Numbers

Chapter 23: Terminating the Childcare Relationship

Put It in Writing

In-Home Care Terminations

Problems the In-Home Caregiver Can Create

Termination by the Childcare Provider

Your Child's Reaction

Set Up a Replacement

Section VIII: Additional Childcare Issues

Chapter 24: The Special Needs Child

Locating Specialized Childcare

Deciding on the Type of Childcare

Evaluating Special Needs Childcare Options.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Cost Considerations

Chapter 25: The Work-at-Home Parent

Finding Childcare so Your Can Work

Using Other WAHMs for Childcare

National Parenting-Related Organizations

Chapter 26: The Single Parent

Finding Support

Chapter 27: Transportation During Childcare

Conclusion

Glossary

Appendix A: State Childcare Licensing Offices

Appendix B: Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies

Appendix C: Websites

Appendix D: Sample Forms

Index

About the Author.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

ISBN:

1-4022-3233-0

1-281-82490-9

9786611824907

1-4237-2295-7

OCLC:

70758576