Childcare is frequently advertised on community forums like craigslist newyork.craigslist.org/kid/ or in theYellow Pages, but before trusting your child to anyone's care make sure they have the proper accreditation and licensing. Verify that the center is approved by the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children - Phone : 1-800-424-2460 or http://www.naeyc.org). The Bureau of Child Care is a New York institution that regulates child care services (public and private) operating within New York City. They are an excellent reference for child care facilities (http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/ccfs_facilitysearch/ or call 311). Childcare for newborns may be more difficult to find as there are more restrictive child care rules. Law dictates that one adult must be responsible for no more than three babies.

To choose the right facility for your family, the Bureau of Childcare offers a helpful questionnaire.

Day Care

Some families run day cares from their home as they are stay-at-home moms themselves. By law, they must have a license and posses some basic CPR training. Depending on the facilities, they may have restrictions on how many children they may care for. These facilities tend to be cheaper and more flexible than bigger day cares. They usually cost $8 to $15 an hour or $40 to $60 a day. Per month costs are usually between $800 and $1400 a month. City search can help locate the day care for your family.

Pre-School

Pre-School programs are often held at public elementary schools. They provide childcare while beginning to educate. Private Daycare is also available, and is usually more expensive. Different programs may operate in half day periods or full day care. Public schools and government try to keep the costs of these programs down, but pre-school for 1-2 year olds is usually $800 to $1200 a month with older children costing between $700 to $1000 a month.

Citysearch offers local listings for pre-schools.

Babysitting

Babysitting is usually done by a neighbor or acquaintance for lower pay than a professional facility. Young women, often in high school or college, offer their services on craigslist or community boards. Prices and skill levels vary greatly along with prices, but it is best to hire someone with some CPR skills and references. Prices may range from $7-12 an hour per child.

To find a babysitter:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/kid/ offers listings, as well as refercened care from:
Baby Sitters Guild 60 E 42nd St #912
New York, NY
(212) 682-0227

 Share: 

	Sponsored Links