Evaluate Childcare Options
When you start thinking about childcare, whether for a baby or an older child, you will need to start listing the most important aspects of childcare from your point of view. A key overall issue to consider is the setting of your childcare.
Would you prefer a domestic setting where someone looks after your child in their own home, possibly with their own/other children?
Advantages: Domestic setting, potential for strong bond with carer, potential for flexibility, possible to find location that suits you.
Disadvantages: Lack of supervision, less opportunities for developmental activities, possible lack of flexibility.
Would you like someone to come into your house?
Advantages: Stability for child as they stay in own house, potential for strong bond with carer, flexibility, no need for commuting with child, no disruption if child is ill.
Disadvantages: Lack of supervision, less opportunities for developmental activities, high level of dependence on one person.
Or would you prefer a more formal setting, for example in a crèche?
Advantages: Care is more team-based so greater supervision and less dependence on one person (in case of illness, holidays, change of position etc.), opportunities for developmental activities drawing on different skills of carers/teachers.
Disadvantages: Lack of ability to care for sick child, less domestic more institutional setting.
How to find a babysitter?
Unless you have a ready supply of babysitters, you are likely to face the dilemma at some stage of who you can get to mind your child while you go out for a night. The most common way of finding a babysitter is through informal enquiries in the neighbourhood or signs in local shops. Increasingly, companies are being set up to supply babysitters as required.
Links & Resources
What to Look For
Regulation of pre-school child care services is set out in the Child Care (Pre-School Services) regulations 1996 and (amendment)1997
MinderFinders
MinderFinders is Ireland's first babysitting club that offers a booking service, which guarantees the provision of suitably experienced minders.
Irish Red Cross
Irish Red Cross have produced a handbook for babysitters and parents, which is packed with handy do's and don'ts for both babysitters and for the people employing them to look after their children.
RollerCoaster.ie
Looking for childcare? Ask what's available in your area, or search for childcare in Dublin City & County, Leinster, Munster, Connacht/Ulster.
Childcare.ie
The national online directory of child care providers in Ireland. If you are looking for a nursery for your baby or playschool for your toddler then Childcare.ie will have the answers.
Creche Directory
For a creche directory, with a list of creches from Academie d'Enfants to Treasures Island Creche, in association with the Sunday Business Post.