There is a difference between toddler childcare and daycare, so before you make any decisions about who to hire for your children’s childcare needs, you should be sure of the differences. Daycare is usually provided by community agencies. They will come into your home or your child’s home and offer a service that is focused on a specific problem. This can include preparing meals, bathing the child, picking up the child from school, or other activities. Many times the services are free for families with kids ages three and younger.

Toddler childcare on the other hand, is more focused around the needs of the toddler. This can be anything from getting the child in and out of bed to helping with basic educational skills and developmental abilities. This is usually done through home-based programs. Many of these programs will be offered at a local community center or church.
One common misconception is that toddler childcare is a bad thing. Many people assume that because it is usually done by a licensed social worker or nurse that it is some sort of abuse. These individuals have been trained to provide both daycare and medical care to families. Daycare providers are licensed by their state to work with children. Medical care is provided only if the family or the children’s primary care physician believe it is necessary.
The first step to finding a good toddler childcare provider is to ask questions. You will want to ensure that they are knowledgeable about all aspects of infant and toddler care. They should also have experience working with children from a young age. It is very important to ask about their progress and successes, this way you can ensure that you will be getting the best service possible.
Another thing that you need to ask is how long the program will last. If you are having a hard time leaving your children with someone for a certain length of time, then this may not be a good option for you. For instance, you may live in an area where there is a waiting list for child care. Others simply do not have the available funding to pay for such services. Therefore, the best option is often to find a provider who works on a sliding scale fee.
One of the biggest questions you may have is what type of support will be offered. There are many forms of toddler childcare that you can select from. Many of them allow parents to stay home with their children while other offer weekend hours. Some toddler care facilities also offer individualized attention for each child, which may be just what you need. There are also those that are more flexible with their services.
Once you locate a company that meets your needs, then you can start contacting them. When you do make your initial phone call to inquire about rates and hours of operation, it is advisable to have the area code and the name of the facility you are looking at. This allows you to make an initial inquiry without having to wait on hold with a receptionist. You may also want to ask how long they have been in business and ask how many children they currently serve. It may seem excessive to expect such a basic service, but you need to always put a price tag on the kind of childcare you are getting.
It can be very helpful if you can get some referrals from people you know and trust. Friends, family, and co-workers may have used a specific toddler childcare provider and would be willing to help you with your search. If not, then use the internet to learn all you can about toddler childcare providers in your area. This should allow you to become even more informed about what options are available to you. Take your time when selecting a provider; this will ensure that you find the best provider that matches your toddler childcare needs.