Childcare varies enormously in terms of quality, cost and structure. We've outlined the main options available to you here, to help you make the best daycare choice for your child and your family.

Childcare In Your Home
You can arrange care for your child in your own home by making arrangements with a family member or hiring a live-in or live-out nanny. The at-home option gives you total control over the environment and a lot of control over the type of care your child receives, too. Keeping your little one at home also means that you don't need to worry about getting her to and from a daycare centre every day, which can add considerable time and anxiety to your day. Costs will vary greatly, however, depending on whether you use a nanny or a relative and whether or not the relative wants to be paid for their services.

Employing a nanny can be expensive and you need to make sure that you have considered the costs of social security, workers' compensation, withholding tax and other issues related to having an employee. If you do decide to hire a nanny, make sure that you thoroughly check his or her background and references. There are many agencies out there that can help you find a live-in or live-out caregiver.

One of the disadvantages of having a daycare provider in your home is that you have no additional coverage if the person is ill or quits. In addition, while relatives and nannies may have extensive experience with children, some may not have training in early childhood education.

Childcare Centers
Childcare centers are licensed facilities that provide daycare to many children. These facilities are regulated by state or local laws and must meet certain standards regarding the ratio of children to trained staff, as well as the cleanliness and structure of the facility they're using. Make sure you research and visit any facility that you're considering, as the types of programs and atmosphere of their space will vary greatly. When visiting a childcare centre, ask as many questions as possible to determine whether their program will be a good fit with your child and your parenting beliefs. Be sure to ask about their staff training requirements, licensing and accreditation, too.

Costs for childcare centers range enormously depending on where you live, the age of your child, the number of children you enroll, as well as the number of hours each day that you require daycare. Be sure to talk to trusted friends, family and colleagues with young kids in your neighborhood, as they're often a good source of leads and advice about local childcare centers. Try not to be discouraged by long waiting lists - many parents put their children on multiple lists until they've made a final decision.

Homecare or Family Childcare Homes
Some daycare providers offer services in their own home and these facilities are still regulated by State and local laws. If you're considering in-home daycare, talk to other parents who have children in the facility to see if they were happy with the program and service. Before enrolling your child, visit the provider's home to observe the program and ask about the provider's training, licensing and accreditation, if applicable. Also, does she or he have a back up? One of the biggest concerns with this type of daycare is what to do if your regular provider is ill herself.

Whatever care you determine is best for your little one, make sure you have done lots of research. (Review our childcare checklist, for example.) Talk with other parents in the community, research various centers online, interview multiple nannies or childcare providers and visit as many facilities as you can. Once you've seen a wide variety of options, you can make an informed decision about the right care for your child. With lots of research under your belt, you'll also be able to effectively prepare your child for this new adventure!