Choosing a Childcare Provider

If you're a new or expectant parent, and both you and your partner work, chances are you've been considering childcare options. With all the childcare providers out there this process can quickly become overwhelming. Between traditional daycare services, baby nurses and full or part-time nannies it may be hard to decide what choice is the best for you and your family. Luckily our guest representatives from Crème de la Crème, Olive You Nanny, Blessed Little Angels Nanny Services, and CHI Au Pair USA have answered a few common questions that parents ask when making childcare decisions.

o What kinds of programs/activities are offered for children in daycare?

- Crème de la Crème offers a diverse curriculum for your child that includes sign
language classes and newly added courses in French.

o What can expect if I hire an au pair?

- Au pairs are generally 19 to 27 years old

- You provide the au pair with room and board.

- The average weekly cost for 45 hours is $325 per family

- Au pairs can teach your children a foreign language.

o Is it possible to try out a nanny before hiring one permanently?

- Olive You Nanny offers a one day paid trial period in which the nanny and family have an opportunity to determine if the situation will be a good fit.

- Also, at both Olive You Nanny and Blessed Little Angels, an additional 60 days is allotted for the family to request a replacement nanny if the first doesn't work out.

o What about pricing? Can I really afford a nanny?

- Standard pay for a nanny is typically between $10 and $16 an hour. This can vary with number of children and expected duties.

- Depending on your needs he or she can work as much or as little as you want.

- Blessed Little Angels will work with clients in any financial situation often discounting prices when necessary.

o How do nannies get taxed?

- You can take taxes directly out of their pay.

- Or, you can give your nanny the tax form 1099 at the end of the year.

o What type of payment schedule is most appropriate for a nanny, au pair or childcare?

- You can pay a nanny or an au pair directly rather than paying the company that placed him/her

- However, CHI Au Pair USA is part of a government sponsored program, so you pay a stipend to the au pair directly, and the payment is not taxed.

- Daycare is usually paid monthly

o What kind of services should I expect from my au pair or nanny?

- Laundry, cooking, light cleaning as they pertain to primary childcare duties

o Do nannies or au pairs come with a car?

- Most nannies do have cars.

- However, many families have their nanny or au pair covered under their car insurance so that they can drive the family car(s) as well.

o Do nannies, au pairs or daycare centers have childcare professionals with any medical training?

- All parents should ask their childcare provider this question.

- Employees of Crème de la Crème, Olive You Nanny, CHI Au Pair USA and Blessed Little Angels all have CPR and first aid training

o What is the standard caretaker-to-child ratio at daycare?

- Usually 1 to 2 caretakers per 7 children

About Blessed Little Angels: Blessed Little Angels Nanny Services is a nanny and baby nurse resource that connects families searching for short-term to long-term help with professional and experienced caregivers. For more information on Blessed Little Angels, visit http://blessedlitleangelsnanny.com.

About Crème de la Crème: For more than 20 years, Crème de la Crème's Early Learning Centers of Excellence have taken the best of the best from various philosophies and combined them to develop a strong learning-to-learn foundation. Though focused on learning skills, the curriculum addresses the needs of the total child and his or her physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. For more information on Crème de la Crème, visit http://www.cremedelacreme.com.

About Cultural Homestay International, CHI: CHI has over 29 years of experience as one of the leaders in the field of international exchange programs. They have a talented and dedicated support staff with a broad selection of rigorously screened applicants from 30 different countries. CHI offers competitive pricing and promotions. All of these reasons combine to make CHI Au Pair USA the best choice for your childcare needs. For more information on CHI, visit http://www.chiaupairusa.org.

About Olive You Nanny: This unique nanny agency will find you the perfect nanny to fit your family. With their expertise they will give you all the information you will need to find, keep, and enjoy your nanny. This agency can match you with full-time, part-time, summer and even an occasional (we need an night out) sitter. For more information on Olive You Nanny, visit http://www.oliveyounanny.com.