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 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.
There are several types of childcare centers.
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.
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.
15/04/2011