So now that you’ve decided that private childcare is the right choice for your family, how do you start to figure out exactly what type of private childcare support you need? Maggie, The Marlowe Agency’s Director of Childcare Services, is here to talk to you about your options and how to find the exact right fit for your children.
Mother’s Helpers / Parent’s Helpers
A mother’s helper is typically a caregiver who comes to helps a stay-at-home parent as an extra set of hands. While this role is not age-based, it is typically one where the ‘helper’ is newer to the childcare field and is learning on the job. They can help with childcare, household tasks, tidying, and meal preparation. This is rarely, if ever, a role that would be fulfilled by a childcare provider with experience.
Babysitters
Wondering if you should hire a babysitter? If you need occasional, one-off care this could be a great option. In the succinct words of Ashley Trueman, a Connecticut-based nanny, sitters primarily ensure the kids are “Safe, fed, and off to bed.” You’ll remain the “childcare lead” and the babysitter is there to follow your instructions during that shift.
Nanny
As you’ll notice, we are breaking down “Nanny” into two categories. The truth is, there is no right or wrong answer when selecting a nanny, it again comes down to your family’s preference and needs.
Non-Career Nanny
A non-career nanny may be a college student, or someone with a gap year that is nannying as “something to do in the meantime,” or “until they start their career.” There are many wonderful nannies who have other career aspirations who make excellent childcare providers, but may need guidance when it comes to development, tactics and the day-to-day of child rearing.
Career Nanny
A career nanny is an individual who has chosen to make working in childcare their career. They are typically educated when it comes to developmental milestones, sometimes majoring in child psychology or early childhood education. They can often be a great resource for first time parents, as they will stay up-to-date on parenting methods and often specialize in areas such as RIE or Montessori. A career nanny is an excellent choice for a family that is prioritizing the highest level of private childcare support.
Live-In vs. Live-Out
If you have a non-traditional schedule and the space, a live-in nanny might be an option for your family. You’ll want a separate bedroom and bathroom suite at a minimum or an ADU / ‘in-law’ unit. This is great for families and caregivers with good boundaries but flexibility. Having a live-in nanny will not result in a reduction in childcare costs, as it is considered a benefit to the family to have their nanny available without a commute, especially in MA where there can be inclement weather and unpredictable traffic.
Family Assistant
This hybrid child care / household role is for busy families with older children that need support in multiple areas, but not enough for multiple full-time specialists. A family assistant will support parents in tasks such as maintaining schedules, re-stocking household goods and groceries, driving children to and from activities, and caring for pets.
Au Pair
An au pair is a young worker that comes from another country to work for a host family in exchange for room and board (and sometimes a salary or stipend depending on the terms of the work agreement). Au pairs take on various childcare and household responsibilities but typically only stay for 6 months to one year at a time. This may be a cost-effective option for families who need consistent childcare and can provide a comfortable living space for their employee.
Newborn Care Specialist (NCS)
Newborn Care Specialists are exactly what the name implies. These caregivers are experts in newborn care and typically work overnight shifts to feed and care for the baby so that the mother can rest and recover from childbirth. NCSs will usually work with a family for about four months; from the birth day until the baby ages out of the “newborn” phase. It is a temporary position and is often supplemented by a nanny who will stay on with a family past the newborn stage.
Regardless of which direction you’d like to take when finding a private childcare provider for your children, The Marlowe Agency is here to help. Contact us at [email protected] to schedule a consultation.