Source: http://www.languageintelligence.com/blog/post/american-daycare-primer-expats/

American Daycare: a Primer for Expats

Posted: September 1st, 2015 by Celeste Schantz in Culture Training

Are you an expat parent living in the U.S.A., considering professional daycare services for your

child? If so, read on…we’d like to share some information which will guide you through the

basics.

Expats know that it’s stressful to begin a job in a host country. Having very young children can

add to the responsibility of finding safe, nurturing care for little ones while you’re at work. True,

some families are fortunate enough to have a spouse or relative who can stay at home during the

day to watch your young children, but if you need professional daycare services, where do you

turn, and what do you look for?

There are numerous programs available country-wide in everything from office buildings to

Church basements to private houses (which should be licensed by the State: check HERE to see

if a specific daycare program is licensed in your state)

Source: http://www.languageintelligence.com/blog/post/american-daycare-primer-expats/

Here’s a summary of daycare types to help you to make the best choice:

Types of childcare facilities:

1. Onsite/offsite at an HR-approved daycare facility. Some employers provide daycare in a

room onsite where you work, or offsite at an authorized facility. Check with your human

resources department to see if your employer has on or offsite daycare, or has a favorite they

work with, refer to and pay for.

The Pros: This can be a cost savings and as well you know you can appeal to your HR

department if there is an issue. Additionally, your little ones will be part of a community of peer

work families, which can encourage social opportunities with coworker families.

The Cons: Onsite daycare, while convenient, may not be as comprehensive as it would be in a

business strictly devoted to daycare; if it’s a small room with limited staff, it may not be

enriching or active enough for your child.

2. Daycare chains. Some daycare facilities are “chains”: businesses with multiple locations

across the city, state or nation. They’re similar in each location, but of course it’s advised to get

to know the staff at the one your child will be attending.

The Pros: These daycares must pass fairly rigorous legal requirements to operate and are usually

closely regulated.

The Cons: They can be very commercial and are sometimes more focused on the “business”

aspects of childcare than on the benefits of early childhood development or your child as a

unique individual. There may be a high turnover of staff.

3. Private commercial daycare. Some daycares have one or more local locations, and operate

out of commercially zoned buildings in plazas, strip malls or other buildings.

The Pros: See #2.

The Cons: See #2.

4. Private daycare in churches and schools. Many local neighborhood schools, churches and

temples offer daycare for young children.

The Pros: Often these programs are quite good and provide a wide variety of music activities,

art materials and creative play opportunities for your young one. Often they have access to use

an area playground or gymnasium. Some even offer daycare in a native language; for example,

“Chinese daycare” where Mandarin is spoken and Chinese culture is blended with American.

The Cons: You may need to live in the neighborhood or belong to the denomination in order for

your child to attend.

Source: http://www.languageintelligence.com/blog/post/american-daycare-primer-expats/

5. Private childcare in someone’s home. In-home care providers, such as nannies and

babysitters will take care of your child in their home.

The Pros: Opportunities for your child to play in an environment outside of the home; chances

to socialize with other children.

The Cons: If in the babysitter’s home, in-home care providers do not fall under any official

regulation requirements unless they receive child-care subsidy payments. So be very careful

whom you choose to watch your child. Get references from colleagues or friends and do not

leave your child with a stranger. Find out if they are accredited. Get several referrals from other

parents and prior customers. Visit the residence several times. Refer to this checklist.

6. Babysitters or aux pair. A babysitter or Nanny who comes to your home.

The Pros: If the babysitter comes to you, your child will remain in his or her usual, familiar

environment and you may feel that you enjoy more control and greater flexibility that way.

The Cons: Your child will most likely not receive as much playtime or exposure to other children

and thus may be a bit isolated.

7. Themed camps. Some daycare programs focus on a specific theme of development for your

child, such as arts, music or language. These tend to be more limited in terms of when they are

offered, and while they may be available during the summer months, many shut down after

August. However themed camps can be enriching and worthwhile, if temporary.

Visiting daycare providers in the U.S.

Safety is your first consideration. According to the National Resource Center for Health and

Safety in Childcare, it’s a good idea to visit several different child care programs, either centers

or family child care homes, before you decide which one is best for your family. Call each child

care program and schedule an appointment for your visit. Once you are there, stay for at least an

hour to watch activities, check the surroundings, and ask as many questions as you wish. It’s

even OK to visit a second time for a few moments unexpectedly, just to get a sense of how the

facility runs when staff aren’t expecting you or preparing for your visit. Just say hello, ask for a

brochure or business card, and take a glance around.

The main consideration is obviously to insure that it is a healthy place for your child. Your state

or county may have guidelines to help ensure health and safety in child care programs.1

And don’t forget- if you’re working with a good language instructor or cultural immersion

coach, they should be happy to assist you in your search, too, and may even accompany you to

the site to help field questions if there’s a language barrier. They may also have access to

information about duel language daycares and help you to obtain and understand business

references from other parents.

Footnotes:

1. http://www.internations.org/usa-expats/guide/16294-family-children-education/childcare-in-

the-us-16282

http://www.nrckids.org