When pursuing two careers, you
have other important decisions
to make.
Workplace Alternatives
Many companies offer flexible
work arrangements that can help
you balance family and career
responsibilities. You may want
to consider the following options.
- A home office, from which
you work some or all days of
the week.
- Freelance or contract work,
where you work on a per-project
or other short-term
basis.
- Three- or four-day work
week, allowing you to maintain
full-time status by working
longer hours but fewer
days each week.
- Job sharing, where two or
more employees share the
duties of one full-time position,
each working part-time.
- Leave of absence, allowing
one parent to stay at home for
an extended period (during a
child’s first year, for example)
without ending employment.
Even a small amount of flexibility
at work can make a big
difference in managing responsibilities
at work and at home.
For
More
Information
For more information on flexible work schedules,
visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Work Hours Web site.
Child Care
Parents and grandparents are
often the best resource for child
care, if they live in the area and are willing.
If this is not an option, the
following general types of child
care are available for working
parents.
- In-home care, where an
individual cares only for your
children in your home.
- Family child care, where
your child spends time in
a caregiver’s home, usually
with other children.
- Child-care centers, more
formal child-care settings
specifically organized to care
for groups of children.
The best type of care for your
children will depend upon
several factors.
- The cost and location of
available child care.
- Your child’s age, temperament,
likes and dislikes,
health, interests and behavior.
- Your preferences and beliefs
about the best type of care.
When looking for child care,
remember that the caregiver will
become a significant influence
in your children’s lives. Carefully
research, interview and
observe each caregiver you consider.
List qualities you desire in
a caregiver or child-care center.
- Experience and training.
- Religious affiliation.
- Philosophy of child rearing.
- Approach to discipline.
- Availability and flexibility.
- Quality of the facility.
Trust your instincts when
considering caregivers. You are
responsible for finding a solution
that will keep your child
safe and happy in an environment
that is nurturing, educational
and fun. If you do not feel
comfortable with an individual
or program, keep looking. Take
time to make the right decision.
After selecting a caregiver,
you should sign an agreement
detailing expected duties, hours,
salary, vacation and sick leave,
as well as your obligations to the
caregiver. Periodically review
the agreement and adjust your
arrangement as needed.
Use the interview questions
in the Selecting A Caregiver
work sheet to help you in the
selection process.
When Your Child Has Special Needs
It may be difficult to find caregivers
for children with physical,
mental or other disabilities.
Ask your child’s pediatrician
for recommendations. Look for
someone who will work closely
with you and your physician to
provide a safe, supportive and
stimulating environment for
your child.
Pay Attention
- Periodically drop in on your
caregiver without notice.
- Observe the children. Do
they appear happy and clean?
Engaged in play and activities?
- Are they receiving attention
from caregivers?
- Provide a
phone number that
you will always answer if the
caregiver calls.
|
For More Information
|
The American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Boulevard
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098
(847) 434-4000
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Education
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