Well Baby Well Mother Article #2
November 15, 2000
RETURNING TO WORK AFTER PREGNANCY
By Lisa Fohey
Has it really been six weeks? How would you have known that your maternity leave would go by in a wink, and that you would be re-entering the work force with such feelings of unease? Seven weeks ago you were hugging your co-workers goodbye, checking lists of responsibilities, and feeling that no one could do YOUR job as well as you. Now you may be wishing that that person would continue and you could stay at home and gaze at your new little baby. The reality is that many families just can't exist on one income. You and your partner have re-budgeted, pared down and still come back to the same realization. You must go back to work. The big question is "Who will care for my child?" This question is the same no matter how old your child, how much money you make, where you live and who you are. How do you find quality, affordable childcare?
You may ask yourself many questions. Be very honest as you take a long look at what kind of situations will work out best for you and your family. Start with easy questions like, "Does my child have any special needs physically or emotionally?" "Will this child care situation match my work schedule?" "Can I afford this provider?" By answering these questions, you will be able to narrow down your choices. Are you going to use a homebased childcare provider, a daycare center, or do you have a relative or friend that might be able to help? Now it's time to do the real homework. Ask around. Who takes care of your sister's kids? Is there a daycare facility that you pass on your way to work? Is there a community resource that can give you a list of accredited daycare facilities near you? These are all good places to start. Make sure that the facility is clean, and has age appropriate toys. Do they serve meals/snacks that have a nutritious base? Are the children occupied and happy? Are you greeted when you enter, what is the child/adult ratio?
Now that you have found the site that you will most likely use, there are a fewissues that should be clearly mapped out for any parent interested in enrolling their child.
1) Daily schedule
2) Background of center and its staff
3) Parents‚ role and responsibilities
4) Health policies
5) Activities and Outings
6) Philosophy of care
7) Holidays and closings
8) Fees and how are they accessed
Is your child an infant or a toddler? Specific needs in term of feeding, napping, and activities will be very different. Does your caregiver care for both age groups, or just one? It is quite common for a home daycare to have children of varying ages. You must feel confident that your child will get the same kind of nurturing and stimulation that you would expect from a competent caregiver no matter what the ages of the children in her care. If you have a gut feeling or are just not happy with what you have seen during your visits, go elsewhere. If you don't feel good about your childcare situation it will show in your work once you do return. The overall goal is to slip back into your job feeling like you are a great Mother, good employee, and have your child in a great caregiver's hands where he/she will grow and learn.
Questions for childcare provider
1) What qualifications do teachers/staff members have?
2) Do staff members have current infant/child CPR certification?
3) Do staff members have first aid training?
4) Are there smoke detectors?
5) How many children are you licensed to care for?
6) How many are currently in your care?
7) At what age do you start to discipline? How would you discipline a 6mo.old? 12 mo. Old? 2 yr. Old?
8) Are meals provided?
9) What are the procedures for someone other than parents picking up a child?
10) What would you do if a child in your care needed immediate medical attention? Who would be notified? What would happen to the other children in your care?