Children & Divorce: Child Care:
Child care is most commonly used by single parents who work or attend school during the day. A tight schedule does not enable him or her to provide for the children in a manner that he or she believes is appropriate.
Be Sure That Your Choice of Child Care Delivers the Following:
Good Health and Safety Needs.
Proper Activities to Enhance a Child's Social Behavior and Imagination.
Promote the Strengthening of Parent-Child Relationships.
The Qualities That Make-up a Good Child Care Facility:
A Loving Caregiver: (the person who is in charge of your child)
He or she should have training and experience in caring for children.
He or she should understand the wants and needs of both the children and the parents.
He or she should love children.
An Ideal Environment:
Space to play and interact both inside and outside.
An area for napping and an area to snack or lunch.
Toys that are creative, fairly new, and safe.
Indoor and outdoor daily activities for children of all ages.
Different Types of Child Care:
At-Home Care: When the individual you hire comes to your home to care for the children. This is often a friend or relative, but may also be what is often referred to as a Professional Nanny.
Before and After-School Care: When the parent's schedule does not able them to be available when school begins and/or when school commences.
Child Care Centers: When a child receives care in a setting for several children. This is common with younger children and includes nurseries and preschool.
Family Day Care: When the child is cared for at another home, with other children from after school until about six o'clock in the evening. Play time exists and an emphasis is placed on doing homework.
Employer Sponsored Child Care: Larger companies often offer a child care service at the workplace in order to promote employment and the quality rearing of the employes' children.
How to Find Quality Child Care:
This is extremely important for your child's welfare, so be sure to shop carefully!
Start by making a list of services in your area. Information is available through the following:
Social Service Organizations
Churches and Synagogues
Schools and Universities
Friends, Neighbors & Co-workers
YMCAs & YWCAs
Girls & Boys Clubs
Local Women's Groups
Community Organizations
Questions to Ask the Child Care Service:
What days and hours are you available to provide care?
How much will it cost?
Are you licensed and insured?
What is your experience/education?
How long have you been in business?
Is transportation available?
Are meals and snacks provided?
Is there homework time?
Select the Best:
Choose the few (three or so) that meet your required needs.
Make an appointment to visit each one with your children.
Things to Ask:
What does the fee include and how often is it due?
How many children are there for each caregiver?
What is the experience and training of the caregivers?
What is the daily routine?
Can I visit whenever I like? (very important that you can)
What are some of the daily activities?
What happens if my children or someone else's becomes sick?
Do caregivers know basic first aid- CPR, etc.?
How are children disciplined?
Is there transportation provided and what kind and by whom?
Will anyone I have not met be caring for my children?
Things to Look For:
Current State Child Care License.
Toys and furniture appears safe and in good condition.
Electrical outlets have safety caps and heaters are not exposed.
Smoke detectors and monthly fire drills.
First aid equipment.
How clean the child care facility is.
The outdoor area is fenced in.
Each child has a space to store belongings(if any).
There is a space for rest (naps) as well as recreation and play time.
Making a Decision:
How much can you afford to pay and for how long?
Do the available times for child care meet your needs?
What is best for your child's welfare.
Which child care facility has activities that your child will benefit from.
Always Have a Written Agreement:
Costs
What will be done in case of emergencies
Daily routine
Days and hours care will be given
Caregiver's responsibilities
Parent's responsibilities
Getting Adjusted to Child Care:
Make it easier on both you and your children by talking about it.
Allow for plenty of time to get ready.
Let your children take a favorite toy or "security" blanket.
Spend some time at the child care facility with your children.
Always say goodbye to your children.
Call occasionally to see how things are going.
Get to know the Caregiver.
Have a positive attitude.
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Divorce Tip: # 33 Laws regarding payment of alimony or spousal support do not discriminate. If the circumstances warrant it, a husband can be awarded support from the wife.
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