Mass Interaction For Everyday People

Perhaps you have a new addition to the family in the form of a baby boy or girl. Children are wonderful and having a child is one of the most joyful experiences that a person can hope to have. However, we all need to make a living and you may find yourself in the valley of decision with regards to child care. This can be further challenging if you are in an economic bracket where the cost of professional licensed child care is a strain on your income. The interpretation of what is expensive and what is cheap varies depending on many things. Generally speaking, your income bracket will influence the interpretation a great deal either temporarily or permanently.

In any case, as you explore the options that are available to you, you may find that a family member or a friend is willing to take care of your child for a fraction of the cost of a licensed facility. This can often be attractive when we are on a tight budget, but do be careful with this decision. Facilities that are licensed to provide child care are licensed for a reason. Namely, the licensed facility has met minimum state requirements that are in place for the safety and well being of the child. I do want to emphasize that the safety and well being of the child is the heart of the matter here. Your friend or relative may have children of their own and that certainly can be counted as experience, but that may not necessarily be the best care for your child. We are not saying that it is not the best care, but are merely suggesting that a parent ensure that this person is qualified by both experience and meeting of the local and state requirements for child care.

Licensed providers of child care can often provide services inside their home once the home has been approved by the state or county in addition the person passing the require application process, background check and met the training requirements deemed necessary for the caring of children. Among the training requirements are adult child and infant CPR/AED and pediatric first aid, as well as a health and safety course that covers topics that include how to run a clean and safe location for child care. These classes are not difficult, but should be taken by anyone who is responsible for the care and safety of your child. Friends and family are wonderful, but friends and family are not always “qualified” by their experience alone. As much as you may “trust” them, they should go through the states process to become licensed so that they are better qualified to take care of your child.

True friends and family would be willing to do this if requested, and if not I would reconsider leaving my precious baby with them. Yes, becoming licensed to provide child care services can be a little bit of work, but it can save everyone a lot of trouble and possible heart ache down the road if it is done. One choking episode or fall can change the life of your child and forever damage a relationship that has been build over a life time. Safety training and licensing are there for this very reason. So as you consider family or friends to take care of the baby, look into what it is going to take to have them trianed and licensed. It is worth much more then the effort.