Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Childcare shopping experience:
1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Childcare offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Childcare at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.
2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about
3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Childcare? Wrong! If the Childcare is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.
4. Questions - Got a question about Childcare then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....
5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Childcare? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Childcare and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.
6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Childcare wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.
7. Feedback - happy with your Childcare then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.
8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Childcare site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site
9. Contact - got a question about Childcare, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.
10. Payment - ready to pay for your Childcare, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.
For the United States United States Department of Agriculture nutritional program with a similar name, see Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Childcare (also written
child careBoth
childcare and
child care are common, acceptable spelling of the word.
Child care is the preferred spelling in accordance with
AP Style. and babycare) is the act of caring for and supervising Minor (law)
children. (In Australia, daycare is referred to as "childcare"—cf.)
Childcare roles
It is traditional in western society for children to be looked after by one or both of their parents, but the need for two-job households means that childcare is often delegated, at least part of the time, to
childminders or
Day cares.
Most Western countries also have compulsory education, and during the time that the children are at school, the school will act
in loco parentis. This latin term means "in lieu of parent supervision".
Where parents are missing or dead, or unable or unfit to care for children, state agencies such as social services may take on the childcare role.
Wealthy people who prefer the services of professionals may delegate the parental role almost completely to nanny.
In the United States, childcare in a child care or day care setting is lead by teachers who often have the
Child Development Associate credential.
The childcare debate
For many, the use of paid childcare is a matter of choice with arguments raging on both sides about whether children suffer or not.
There is no doubt that the first few years of a child's life are vitally important to form a basis for good
education,
morality,
self-discipline and social integration. Consistency of approach, skills and qualifications of careers and ownership have been shown in many studies to improve the chances of a child reaching his or her full potential.
For example a recent study in Australia2006, Rush, The Australia Institute http://www.tai.org.au/documents/downloads/DP84.pdf concluded centers run by corporate chains provided the lowest quality care when compared to community-based providers and independent private centres.
The challenge of childcare
In many families (and almost exclusively so in some communities), the childcare role is taken on by the
extended family. One of the challenges for parents who choose to use other sources of childcare is finding and affording qualified providers.
Some jurisdictions require licensing or certification. Parents may also turn to independent rating services, or rely on recommendations and referrals. Some places develop voluntary quality networks, for example in Australia most childcare services are part of the national Quality Assurance system which ensures they provide good developmental programs.
Many organizations (in the developed world) campaign for free or subsidized childcare for all. Others campaign for tax breaks or allowances to allow parents a non-finance driven choice. Many of the free or subsidized childcare programs in the United States are also Child Development programs, or after school programs which hire certified teachers to teach the children while they are in their care.
Most countries have laws relating to childcare, which seek to prevent and punish child abuse. Such laws may add cost and complexity to childcare provision and may provide tools to help ensure quality childcare.
Finding childcare providers online
The
Internet has become a tool for parents and childcare providers to connect.
Online classified ads allow parents to post job offers and childcare providers to post resumes in hopes of connecting with each other via cyberspace. Such postings allow anyone to post almost anything at any time with little monitoring. Services dedicated to matching parents and childcare providers have evolved from for-profit, nonprofit and governmental organizations. Such services generally offer greater screening, than general listing services.
Notes
See also
External links
- A Place of our own, TV show site with resources for people who care for children.
- Better Business Bureau Video Series or free online childcare resources at www.BBBvideo.com
- Child Care Quality: An Overview for Parents - From the ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
- Child Care Safety,from UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences
- Helping Your Child Adjust to Child Care,from UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences
- Information and Child Care Courses From National Institute of Childcare and Education, UK. A range of useful information about UN Convention on Rights of the Child; why training is essential in the Child Care environment; and how to check the quality of the childcare your child receives.
- Quality Child Care From University of Florida/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Factors in choosing quality child care.
- Child care checklist from Seattle Children's Hospital.
For the United States United States Department of Agriculture nutritional program with a similar name, see Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Childcare (also written
child careBoth
childcare and
child care are common, acceptable spelling of the word.
Child care is the preferred spelling in accordance with
AP Style. and babycare) is the act of caring for and supervising
Minor (law) children. (In Australia,
daycare is referred to as "childcare"—cf.)
Childcare roles
It is traditional in western society for children to be looked after by one or both of their parents, but the need for two-job households means that childcare is often delegated, at least part of the time, to childminders or
Day cares.
Most Western countries also have compulsory education, and during the time that the children are at school, the school will act
in loco parentis. This latin term means "in lieu of parent supervision".
Where parents are missing or dead, or unable or unfit to care for children, state agencies such as social services may take on the childcare role.
Wealthy people who prefer the services of professionals may delegate the parental role almost completely to
nanny.
In the United States, childcare in a child care or day care setting is lead by teachers who often have the Child Development Associate credential.
The childcare debate
For many, the use of paid childcare is a matter of choice with arguments raging on both sides about whether children suffer or not.
There is no doubt that the first few years of a child's life are vitally important to form a basis for good education, morality,
self-discipline and social integration. Consistency of approach, skills and qualifications of careers and ownership have been shown in many studies to improve the chances of a child reaching his or her full potential.
For example a recent study in Australia2006, Rush, The Australia Institute http://www.tai.org.au/documents/downloads/DP84.pdf concluded centers run by corporate chains provided the lowest quality care when compared to community-based providers and independent private centres.
The challenge of childcare
In many families (and almost exclusively so in some communities), the childcare role is taken on by the
extended family. One of the challenges for parents who choose to use other sources of childcare is finding and affording qualified providers.
Some jurisdictions require licensing or certification. Parents may also turn to independent rating services, or rely on recommendations and referrals. Some places develop voluntary quality networks, for example in Australia most childcare services are part of the national Quality Assurance system which ensures they provide good developmental programs.
Many organizations (in the developed world) campaign for free or subsidized childcare for all. Others campaign for tax breaks or allowances to allow parents a non-finance driven choice. Many of the free or subsidized childcare programs in the United States are also Child Development programs, or after school programs which hire certified teachers to teach the children while they are in their care.
Most countries have laws relating to childcare, which seek to prevent and punish child abuse. Such laws may add cost and complexity to childcare provision and may provide tools to help ensure quality childcare.
Finding childcare providers online
The Internet has become a tool for parents and childcare providers to connect.
Online classified ads allow parents to post job offers and childcare providers to post resumes in hopes of connecting with each other via cyberspace. Such postings allow anyone to post almost anything at any time with little monitoring. Services dedicated to matching parents and childcare providers have evolved from for-profit, nonprofit and governmental organizations. Such services generally offer greater screening, than general listing services.
Notes
See also
External links
- A Place of our own, TV show site with resources for people who care for children.
- Better Business Bureau Video Series or free online childcare resources at www.BBBvideo.com
- Child Care Quality: An Overview for Parents - From the ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
- Child Care Safety,from UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences
- Helping Your Child Adjust to Child Care,from UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences
- Information and Child Care Courses From National Institute of Childcare and Education, UK. A range of useful information about UN Convention on Rights of the Child; why training is essential in the Child Care environment; and how to check the quality of the childcare your child receives.
- Quality Child Care From University of Florida/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Factors in choosing quality child care.
- Child care checklist from Seattle Children's Hospital.
ChildcareLink For National and Local Childcare information
Government site providing information on local and national childcare.
ChildcareLink - Childcare for Preston
ChildcareLink provides details of local childcare providers in England and Scotland as well as general information about childcare.
BBC - Parenting - Childcare
Your options when choosing childcare, plus help when paying for it. ... Finding it, paying for it and settling your child. Most parents have to use childcare at some point, but ...
HM Revenue & Customs: Childcare
Childcare. This page provides links to information and guidance about tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) on employer-supported childcare.
Scottish Childcare - Information Services to help you find childcare ...
Scottish Childcare: Your one-stop shop for childcare information in Scotland. Local and national information on childcare, pre-school education, support for parents, funding and ...
Early Education and Childcare in Hampshire
Early Education and Childcare in Hampshire The Early Education and Childcare Unit. The Early Education and Childcare Unit (EECU) is a part of the Children's Services Department ...
Childcare : Directgov - Parents
Advice on choosing childcare and information on childcare benefits available for parents returning to work. Advice on choosing childcare and information on childcare benefits ...
Child Care magazine
Child Care is the practical monthly magazine which is essential reading for childminders and childcarers.
Surestart, Early Years and Childcare Service
Lancashire County Council is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites
Childcare Careers
Provides information on careers and training opportunities working in early years, childcare and playwork. Includes case studies and links, with contacts in different regions.
