With the right to work comes the responsibility of finding the right childcare.
The idea of returning to work from maternity leave, the thought of letting another adult enjoy each gurgle and squirm, or witness the first walk or word, may well be far from your mind in those joyful first months of life with your new born. However, with the demands of the modern world pulling us back onto the career ladder it is better to be realistic and accept early on that the dreaded day will arrive. Choosing childcare is a difficult and challenging task. The pressure to get it right first time puts even more strain on a parent than the idea of needing it.
The Parent's Guide To ChildCare by Alison Lee is a new book from How To Books that falls on the side of the working parents and guides them through that most important decision – who will care for their child in their absence.
A childminder herself, Lee believes that parents play a critical part in achieving a successful child care experience. She recommends they do a lot of research, starting in the later stages of pregnancy, and considering all options available: nursery, childminder, and nanny in order to make comparisons and reach an educated decision.
Commenting on the book, Lee says, “The main reason a childcare relationship goes wrong is when the parents have not left themselves enough time for research. They opt for the first place that is available without being sure this is the best environment for their child. I suggest 2-3 months of looking, dropping into establishments on spec so that you get a taste of what they are really like.”
After helping the reader to examine what childcare they require, the book goes on to cover everything from how and when to search, understanding contracts and fees, and what to do when things go wrong.
About the author: Allison Lee has been a childminder herself for over 13 years and is employed part-time by her local authority as a support childminder giving help and advice to other practitioners. Allison has also written several childcare courses, all of which she tutors. She is author of Starting Your Own Childminding Business and The Childminder’s Companion.
The Parent's Guide To ChildCare is published by How To Books Ltd and is available at £9.99 in major bookshops and online retailers across the country.
Buy Other Allison Lee Books Here
January 2008 | 
30 Something and the Clock is Ticking
