You cherish your children and realize the care they receive in your absence is vital to their health and security - and to your peace of mind. Balancing your need to work with your need to spend time with your children may be the most difficult challenge you will face. Choosing child care is a serious matter because of its importance to the health, well-being and development of a child. In many families it’s a process that must be repeated as the child grows and his or her needs change. An infant may require all-day care (or evening or weekend care, depending on the parent’s work schedule). Once enrolled in school, that child will require care between the time school gets out and a parent returns home, as well as on school holidays and during summer vacation. This article is designed to help make the tough choice you face easier. While many care giving options exist, we’ll look at three of the most common:  family child care homes, child care centers and in-home child care.

No matter what setting you choose, you’ll be looking for caring adults, a safe environment, personal attention to your child and activities that are age appropriate. Beyond that, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of each option as well as the numerous other factors that contribute to the overall quality of the care your child receives. This article provides tips on questions to ask and things to look for in assessing child care providers.