There is no ‘one size fits all’ when attempting to find the right childcare to suit your needs and busy schedule as working parents.
Whether you decide to go with a more formal childcare option such as daycare or an informal option, be it a nanny or live-in au pair, there are certain factors that must be considered and are paramount to either childcare option.
For many parents going back to work choosing a childcare option can be one of the most difficult decisions you’ll have to make. We know leaving your most treasured possessions in another person’s hands can be a little unnerving. However, weighing up the pros and cons of each option can help to ensure that you make the right decision based on your individual needs.
Long Daycare
Pros
- Often include an early education component to their programs.
- Staff have childcare qualifications.
- Children are not impacted if one carer is ill as there are many carers.
- Often open 7am-6pm (suitable for parents working 9 to 5).
- Children get to interact with lots of other children (socialising is important to development).
Cons
- Children don’t receive as much individual one-on-one attention.
- It’s expensive, especially in cosmopolitan areas.
- There are late fees on when you’re not on time to pick up your child.
- Children are exposed to more illness. Because it is out of home care, drop-offs and pick-ups can be stressful (especially in peak traffic or with tired kiddos).
Family Daycare
Pros
- More affordable than other options Most children are more comfortable in a home environment.
- Carers usually have their own children at home with them.
- Smaller groups can mean tighter bonds and less chance of illness spreading. Flexible hours mean you can arrange care to fit around your schedule.
- Kids interact with other kids of varying ages (but this can be a negative for some kids).
Cons
- Childcare qualifications are not required in all states of Australia.
- If the carer is ill, your family will be impacted and you will require a plan B. Education programs may not be as sophisticated as those offered in other centres.
- The range of toys, equipment and activities on offer may be limited.
- You often need to provide your child’s own nappies and food.
Nanny
Pros
- A flexible arrangement that caters to your family’s specific needs.
- Your child receives one-on-one, consistent care.
- Less contact with other kids means less exposure to common childhood illnesses. Routines do not change as your child remains in their home environment.
- No travelling for drop-offs and pick-ups. Nannies usually have relevant childcare qualifications and some help with light household tasks.
Cons
- Your child misses out on a structured education program.
- Less opportunity for your child to interact socially with other children.
- If your nanny is sick, you need a plan B; there’s a risk your nanny may leave without notice.
- If you employ a nanny directly you’re also responsible for paying her tax, superannuation, insurance and workers compensation payments.
- Can be an expensive option.
Au Pair
Pros
- A flexible arrangement that usually caters to family needs.
- Your child receives one-on-one, consistent care.
- Less contact with other kids means less exposure to common childhood illnesses. Routines do not change as your child remains in their home environment.
- No travelling for drop-offs and pick-ups.
- Au pairs are usually very affordable.
Cons
- Your child misses out on a structured education program.
- Less opportunity for your child to interact socially with other children.
- If your au pair is sick, you need a plan B Au pairs usually do not have qualifications and may leave without notice.
- Au pairs are live-in, so there is room for more problems to occur outside just childcare (privacy, living/lifestyle arrangements, varying values etc.).
Written by Mynder.
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