Sara Dobson
Rachel Henwood - Freelance WriterChild care options
August 2nd 2008 23:56
As if finding work is not hard enough for mums, the other big issue facing them is finding good childcare and it is hard – so hard. The truth is, nobody is going to care for and love your darling as much as you do. I have spent the last week looking at childcare options and it can be very daunting. I always wonder about things like what are they going to do when Samantha is cranky all day, or does not want to eat because she is teething. Will they think she is just being naughty and put her in a cot for time out? The biggest worry at this age is that babies cannot talk and it seems that only mums can interpret their needs.
Maybe as mothers, we worry too much. Most childcare professionals are well trained, and understand parent’s needs and concerns. There are several different options for those looking for all day care. These are as follows:
Au Pair
The difference between a Nanny and Aupair is that an Au pair is from overseas, here on a short-term basis. They may stay with a family for a while and help with childcare and some domestic duties in exchange for pocket money. Childcare may not be their career goal, and they may have very little experience with children.
The advantages of having an Au pair is that your child is cared for in your own home, so you don’t have the hassle of getting to and from the child care centre, and they are less likely to be exposed to germs. Your child also gets one on one care from an Au pair. On the other hand, you are responsible for getting replacement care for your child if they are sick, on holiday or if they leave. There may be problems in terms of a language barrier and continuity of care, as they are here only for a few months or a year.
Nanny
Can be live in or live out. A nanny only carries out childcare duties and domestic duties related to childcare. Childcare is their chosen profession and they usually have a lot of experience regardless of whether they formal qualifications or not. Nannies can be expensive for just one child; however, some mothers often have a nanny share situation. As with an Au pair one of the advantages of a nanny is that you do not need to travel to and from childcare and your child is less likely to be exposed to illnesses. The downside is that you need to arrange alternate cover if your nanny is sick or on holiday.
If you employ a nanny or Au pair directly, you may avoid the agency fees however, you are responsible for paying all the wages, tax, and superannuation.
Childcare centres
These are great if you are working fulltime, however most will charge for the whole day regardless of what time you drop your kids off or pick them up. I was thinking I would like a job from 10am – 4.30pm (maybe I am a dreamer) but have realised that it is better to do three full days than 5 half days. The waiting lists can be long so you need to put your name down at a few.
It is the centres responsibility to replace staff that are sick or on holiday. A lot of them have structured learning activities for children of all ages. They provide all meals and nappies so you do not need to worry about packing a lunch for your child. Some of them take digital pictures, and load them onto a computer so that you can see what your child has been up to while you work.
The downside of this option is that children do not get the one on one attention that they would get if they were being cared for in the home. They are also exposed to a lot more illnesses.
Childcare centres I have looked at on Sydney’s North Shore vary in cost from $90 - $100 per day, which I thought was very expensive. I emailed my mother’s group asking if this seemed normal and I was told that it is. In fact, some of them say they are paying $110 for childcare in the CBD. The up side of this is that you get around half of this cost back from the government up to a maximum of $7000 per year, and they pay it quarterly. For more information go to the Australian Government Family Assistance website.
Family Daycares
I know several mothers who have chosen this option. Their child is cared for in someone’s private home. Carers are organised through the councils and need to be registered. Homes are inspected and modified if required. This option can be a lot cheaper than a day care centre however; you are responsible for providing all your baby’s food and nappies. There are structured activities for children, and the child to adult ratio is smaller than in a day care centre. The main disadvantage of this option is that you need to find alternate day care if the carer is sick.
To search for childcare vacancies by area go to Care for Kids – www.careforkids.com.au. For information on National Childcare Accreditation www.ncac.gov.au.
Maybe as mothers, we worry too much. Most childcare professionals are well trained, and understand parent’s needs and concerns. There are several different options for those looking for all day care. These are as follows:
Au Pair
The difference between a Nanny and Aupair is that an Au pair is from overseas, here on a short-term basis. They may stay with a family for a while and help with childcare and some domestic duties in exchange for pocket money. Childcare may not be their career goal, and they may have very little experience with children.
The advantages of having an Au pair is that your child is cared for in your own home, so you don’t have the hassle of getting to and from the child care centre, and they are less likely to be exposed to germs. Your child also gets one on one care from an Au pair. On the other hand, you are responsible for getting replacement care for your child if they are sick, on holiday or if they leave. There may be problems in terms of a language barrier and continuity of care, as they are here only for a few months or a year.
Nanny
Can be live in or live out. A nanny only carries out childcare duties and domestic duties related to childcare. Childcare is their chosen profession and they usually have a lot of experience regardless of whether they formal qualifications or not. Nannies can be expensive for just one child; however, some mothers often have a nanny share situation. As with an Au pair one of the advantages of a nanny is that you do not need to travel to and from childcare and your child is less likely to be exposed to illnesses. The downside is that you need to arrange alternate cover if your nanny is sick or on holiday.
If you employ a nanny or Au pair directly, you may avoid the agency fees however, you are responsible for paying all the wages, tax, and superannuation.
Childcare centres
These are great if you are working fulltime, however most will charge for the whole day regardless of what time you drop your kids off or pick them up. I was thinking I would like a job from 10am – 4.30pm (maybe I am a dreamer) but have realised that it is better to do three full days than 5 half days. The waiting lists can be long so you need to put your name down at a few.
It is the centres responsibility to replace staff that are sick or on holiday. A lot of them have structured learning activities for children of all ages. They provide all meals and nappies so you do not need to worry about packing a lunch for your child. Some of them take digital pictures, and load them onto a computer so that you can see what your child has been up to while you work.
The downside of this option is that children do not get the one on one attention that they would get if they were being cared for in the home. They are also exposed to a lot more illnesses.
Childcare centres I have looked at on Sydney’s North Shore vary in cost from $90 - $100 per day, which I thought was very expensive. I emailed my mother’s group asking if this seemed normal and I was told that it is. In fact, some of them say they are paying $110 for childcare in the CBD. The up side of this is that you get around half of this cost back from the government up to a maximum of $7000 per year, and they pay it quarterly. For more information go to the Australian Government Family Assistance website.
Family Daycares
I know several mothers who have chosen this option. Their child is cared for in someone’s private home. Carers are organised through the councils and need to be registered. Homes are inspected and modified if required. This option can be a lot cheaper than a day care centre however; you are responsible for providing all your baby’s food and nappies. There are structured activities for children, and the child to adult ratio is smaller than in a day care centre. The main disadvantage of this option is that you need to find alternate day care if the carer is sick.
To search for childcare vacancies by area go to Care for Kids – www.careforkids.com.au. For information on National Childcare Accreditation www.ncac.gov.au.
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Comment by katyzzz
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I'd opt for a small group situation, you'll probably find the carer does not get sick most of the time, you may need to have some time off work if she does.
It's tough on young mothers, you are very aware of things.
I didn't put any of mine into pre-school until they were three, and then into local well supervised, fresh air, kindies.
It's good for their socializing skills and does give mum a break.
Comment by Sara Dobson
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Thanks for your comments.
Going back to work is a hard decision to make. I feel I want to keep my hand in so to speak but at the time spend as much time with my daughter as possible. Which is why I am considering the part time option, with the theory I would be getting the best of both worlds.
I am investigating all the options at the moment, I am determined that I won't be one of these mums that go back to work 3 days a week and is given 5 days work os they need to take it home and do it on their day off. Whats the point in that? Good for the employer they get 5 days work for the price of three!
Early days I will only take a job if it is right for me and Sam
Comment by katyzzz
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I'm sure, whatever decision you make will be right for you.
Comment by The wonderful Peter Yang
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I recogn I work force where both men and women are working will be much healthier for the economy
Comment by Sara Dobson
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Peter
I think the government in Australia helps by a bit with the childcare rebate. Although it would be good if they can reduce the taxes on some things like petrol so it doesn't cost so much to live. Then there is the knock on effect with the cost of everything that need transporting, - which is, basically everything.
Wouldn't it be great if both partners could afford to work part time!
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
It tough....really tough. Especially when every fibre in your being is telling you that you need to be home with you baby....that's me talking
I couldn't go back. Luckily I could pursue a freelance writing career from home but if I ever wanted to go back into marketing it would be difficult because I've lost a lot of years. It really is such a hard decision.
And then once you've made the decision, then you've got to find the right type of care and then the right provider.
Surely Middle East peace negotiations aren't this difficult.
Follow your gut Sara....it always serves you right.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Sara Dobson
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Writing is something that I have also been pusuing from home, I have written a few things and had ideas. I suppose it is my lack of confidence. I liked your blog My life is Plethora, because it sums me up perfectly, infact I was wondering if you have been reading by diary?
I have one article with a parent magazine that the editor said she will get back to me in a week or two because she is on a deadline. It has been several weeks and I haven't heard either way. I am feeling too intimidated to follow up. Maybe going back to work is the easy option.
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Definitely follow up. I once got this piece of advice. If your first contact was by phone then send an email and vice versa.
As long as you're polite, editors don't mind.
I think it's a matter of getting used to it. Used to ringing people for interviews, used to calling editors, used to getting the odd rejection.....
Good luck!
Love & stuff
Mrs M