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The Quest for
Quality Care WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA TALSMA
The journey of parenthood is filled with heart-melting milestones, from the first smile to those wobbly first steps and, of course, your little one’s first word. Yet, amidst these joyous moments, there is one thing that most parenting classes and books fail to mention, and that’s the quest for child care. With 90% of brain development occurring between birth and 5 years, the importance of choosing quality care is paramount. However, this process can be overwhelming, with long waitlists and the challenge of securing your preferred choice. This article aims to offer guidance for new and expecting parents to hopefully make this quest a little less stressful.
For more info or to make an appointment, call 406.222.3541 or visit LivingstonHealthCare.org
Be Proactive: The key to finding quality child care lies in starting your search early and gathering pertinent information along the way. Start by addressing some fundamental questions about your family’s needs, such as work schedules, family leave duration, values, preferred child care settings and location preferences. This self-reflection will serve as a foundation for making informed decisions later on. Understand Your Needs:
Once you have a clear understanding of your family’s unique child care needs and 16
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preferences, you can embark on the search. Luckily you aren’t alone: Your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency is ready and available to help you explore resources and can provide a tailored list of child care providers that meet your specific criteria, making the search a little easier. Montana residents can find a list of local CCR&R agencies and how to contact them at [www.dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/ChildCare/ ChildCareResourceandReferral].
Connecting with Providers: Use social media to connect with legally operating child care providers, nannies and early childhood educators. Engaging through these platforms enables direct communication and allows you to gain insight into their approach to child care.
Understanding Costs:
Be mindful of the costs associated with securing child care. Many facilities charge a fee when adding your child to their waitlist, and some require a deposit to hold their spot. Inquire about these fees up front and factor them into your decision-making process. Deposits may vary, so understanding the financial commitment beforehand will help you plan accordingly.
