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Childcare is essential for most families that need to work away from home. It is important to locate the best facility for your budget, family, and child. Ensure that you completely trust anyone you leave your child with.

It is important to find a facility that works for you and your child. Some factors to consider:
Budget: It is important to know what you are able to spend to help determine where you should look. Think about the number of hours and time to day you will need a sitter to determine your total costs.
Language: Your child may need a dual language facility if they do not speak the native language. Many schools are dual or even tri-lingual staff and curriculum both for international children and to encourage early learning.
Age of Children: Choices in childcare are more limited before 3 years old, and children over 5 years old may attend public pre-school for at least half a day. Some schools require that children be potty-trained.
Service Provided: Some facilities offer occasional care or partial care (i.e. 3 days a week), while other facilities only offer full-time.

Proximity to home or work: This is often the deciding factor when choosing a child care facility. Consider your neighborhood, or the area around your work. The easier the commute, the better the situation.

When choosing a care center, also check staff turnover. Consistency in caregivers is a major benefit for your child.

Childcare

There are private and public facilities. Daycare centers operate between 7:30 and 16:00. Unfortunately, few facilities offer extended hours. Fees range from 185-280 USD.

How to Find Childcare Facility

Meeting local moms is a great way to determine availability and options. Meet at a park, playground, or children's group. Also be sure to visit different care facilities to find one that works for you.

Facilities

• Happy World School - Gawharet El Shorouq, El Sherouk City, Cairo; Tel: 02-26874010, 02-26876350
• Kid's Corner Nursery - 22 El Mokades El Kabary St, Cairo; Tel: 24012480
• Tip Top Nursery - villa 12, street 76, Maadi; Tel: 010 141 5894
• AUC daycare center - operates on the AUC New Cairo Campus and gives priority to AUC employees.

For more daycare options, consult these local listings.

Babysitting

Babysitters are available on an as-needed basis in the home and typically cost more per hour than a nanny or daycare. Egyptian babysitters are considered domestic workers and can be located in the same manner as nannies. The typical fee is 5 - 7 USD per hour, per child.

Be sure you have recommendations and are comfortable with the person you leave your children with. Background checks are one of the benefits of going through an agency.

Look for babysitters through services like EasyExpat's Job Listing and share recommendations and information on the forum.

Au Pair

It is common to hire household help and there are multiple au pair services. For complete information about au pair services, consult the section under "Find a Job".