When deciding on different forms ofchild daycare, there are many important things to consider. I struggled forquite awhile with my daycare decision when I went back to work after my firstchild but settled on a daycare center. I like the laws that the government hasin place that public daycare centers have to follow, as well as theaccountability that the different daycare providers have to display to theircolleagues and employers.

Our children are precious to us,there's no denying that. When we have to leave them with someone while we workor go to school, we want to be sure we're leaving them with qualified,competent people. Here are some child daycare dos and don'ts to consider whenthinking about where your child will stay.

Do you have a family member that canprovide daycare while you're at work or school? This would probably be theoptimum choice if it is available. You already know that they love your childand have their best interest at heart. Your child will already know agrandparent so there won't be the regular problem of separation anxiety.

If someone in your family isn't available to care for your child you'll want tocheck out the other options - home daycare, daycare centers, personal nanny, orcompany-provided daycare if it is offered. Each one has its advantages anddisadvantages.

Of course, if your employer providesa daycare facility for their employee's children, you'll want to check into it.Most likely they will have already had background checks run on each of theworkers. They will also have made sure that each person involved with thechildren is properly trained. This may be a great option but the chances aremost companies don't offer this service.

Your next option might be to hire apersonal nanny. They will be able to care for your child in your home, so theywon't have to be taken out of the home and exposed to other children who may besick. The main disadvantage to this type of arrangement is that it can becostly. Finding a qualified, trained nanny also isn't an easy task, especiallyin smaller towns or cities.

Home daycares provide the comfort ofbeing in a home with the structure of professional daycare centers. In general,home daycares have fewer children and have more personal attention than what isgiven in larger daycare centers.

Daycare centers generally havebetter trained staff than a home daycare center, but no matter which type ofdaycare you choose, always be sure every adult caring for your child is trainedin first aid and CPR.

Check references for each person orchild daycare center you may be considering. You obviously don't want to takechances with your child's health or well-being. References will give you abetter idea about the quality and care a potential caregiver may provide.

When you've finally made yourdecision about daycare for your child, make several unannounced visits toensure you're satisfied with the care of your child and others that may beunder their care. The child daycare dos and don'ts are the same regardless ofwhich type of care you choose. Remember to trust your instincts when choosing acaregiver for your little one.