Do you work part-time during the weekday hours? Sixty-two percent of children ages five and under who were in some form of non-parental care arrangement attended child care centers and other similar early learning environments in 2019, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). If your child is one of the many in care, take a look at what you need to know before you choose a school schedule.
Does the Day Care School Program Offer a Part-Time Option?
Most centers provide parents with a few different types of scheduling options. But this doesn't mean all centers for child care will accommodate your new part-time work hours. Before you choose a center or enroll your child in daycare, ask about the part-time scheduling options. If the center doesn't have a part-time schedule, you will need to decide whether you want to put your child into full-time care or continue your program search.
A center that does offer a part-time schedule should fit your work-day needs. Some parents need a partial-day schedule, while others need a partial week (less than five days) care arrangement. Review your weekly work hours and make sure the center offers an option that fits.
Do You Need Extra Time During the Work Week?
Your new job only requires you to come into work for half of the day or a few days each week. But the work you're paid to do isn't your only daily or weekly obligation/activity. Whether you need extra time to go grocery shopping, respond to emails, drive carpool for your older child, go to the gym, or simply take some time for yourself and relax, consider a full-time daycare option.
Is Your Child Extremely Social?
Does your preschooler beg you to schedule daily playdates with neighborhood friends? If your child enjoys the social side of the school, you may want to choose a full-time schedule—whether you work a few days each week or more.
Even though extremely social children may want more time with their new peers, toddlers and preschoolers who still need to build skills in this area may also benefit from a full-time schedule. The more hours or days your child spends with their peers and teachers, the more time they'll have to practice valuable social skills.
Do You Take Your Work Home?
What happens when you leave the office? Do you immediately stop working and switch on to full-time parent mode—or do you need to spend time connecting with coworkers virtually, answering emails, and writing reports? If your part-time in-person schedule is actually a hybrid full-time work week, a full-time daycare schedule can help you to find some work-home life balance.
To learn more information about child care centers, reach out to a professional near you.
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