Many families still abide by the traditional family structure of a mother working at home, taking care of house and family. But more and more men and women are out in the workforce and needing childcare facilities. Daycare can also be an important tool for integrating expat children into a new lifestyle. Early learning classes are often available for children, ranging from language classes, to art activities, to sports.

When choosing a care center, check staff turnover. Consistency in caregivers is a major benefit for your child. Proximity is often the deciding factor when choosing child care. This is an important element in creating a happy situation for your child, and you. Other factors may include:

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 needed to determine your total costs.
Language
Age of Children: Care for infants (0-6 months) can be limited. Above that age, parents should have no problem finding care. Some schools require that children be potty-trained.
Service Provided: Some facilities offer "drop-in" care which you can use on a sporadic basis. Other places require a contract and a regular schedule.

In addition, caritas are a family support organization that help working families with children's illnesses, holiday activities, day care centers and integration services.
Address: 29 rue M. Welter, L-2730 Luxembourg
Telephone: 40 49 49

Cheque-Service

Cheque-service offer reduced cost of childcare outside of school hours. The amount on the vouchers depends on household income. All parents are entitled to a minimum of three hours per week of free child care in any of the childcare facilities, and 21 hours per week at a reduced rate.

To be eligible, children must live in the Grand-Duchy, be aged under 12 and be enrolled in primary school education. Parents must apply for a membership card (carte d'adhesion) from the local Municipal office. Membership is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Childcare

There are several types of childcare centers.

• Foyers de Jours: centers open to children in pre-school education. They operate outside school hours, during regular business hours
• Creches: open to children under the age of four
• Garderies or Kinderbetreuung: provide day care for children under the age of eight for less than 16 hours a week
• Assistance Parentale: System in which "host parents" take care of children, including nights. Periods of care must not last more than three weeks. Parental assistants must be registered with the local authorities
• Maisons Relais: Provide before and after-school care, as well as lunch programs and help with homework. The service is organized by the Communes and operates between 07:00-19:00 for children under 18. Usually offer the best prices.

Babysitting

Babysitters are generally employed on a temporary or short-term basis. Often a friend of the family or relative is employed for an evening to watch over the child at the parents's residence.

Usually young women are the babysitters and may offer their services as a business. A babysitter should have civil liability insurance and the babysitter's parents must be informed if the person is a minor. Only baby-sitters aged 15 or more can ask for payment.

Prices

Prices range widely with friends and family often not accepting payment, and independent sitters costing anywhere from 7-10 euro an hour, with additional children costing .50-1 euro more per hour. Price also depends on activity level. If driving is necessary, gas money is usually included and hourly rate may go up. If the children are sleeping, the price may be lower. Agree on a price before leaving before leaving.

How to Find a Sitter

Most families find a babysitter by word-of-mouth, letting friends and family know that they are looking. Parents may also try posting on bulletin boards at community centers, grocery stores, or expat hang-outs. Another great resource is to post on expat classified's, like on Easy Expat's babysitter search.

The Association Familiale et Populaire is another valuable resource for locating child care.

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