Using an Agency to Find Individual Child Care
If you use an agency to help you find an individual care provider for
your child, first find out details about the general policies and requirements.
Ask about:
- The application process. Find out what methods are used to match
caregivers and families. For example, some au pair agencies provide the host
family with a list of available caregivers. Other agencies assign an au pair to
a host family.
- Your responsibilities and expectations. Confirm when
the caregiver will be paid and how much. Find out if you will be responsible
for other expenses, such as benefits, meals, or transportation reimbursement.
If you are selecting an au pair, make sure you understand the requirements for
his or her living quarters and time off.
- The level of support you
will receive through the duration of your arrangement. Agencies vary in the
amount and kind of support, training, and assistance they
provide.
- Others' experiences. Either get references from the agency
or ask people you trust about an agency's reputation.
A national nonprofit organization, Child Care Aware, may be a good
place to start. The organization provides detailed information about finding
and selecting child care in your community. They also provide information about
potential sources of financial assistance. Call 1-800-424-2246 or visit their
website at www.childcareaware.org.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
| Last Revised | September 14, 2012 |