Before you begin a child care search, you should consider what kind of care you will need, and if a combination of options is best for your family or if one specific type of care is your preference. The following overview should help you to begin to determine what type of care will best fit your family's needs.
Nannies are either live-in nannies or day nannies.
All au pairs are live-in. This type of care is provided in the caregiver's home, usually for a small group of children, often of varying ages. The primary caregiver may have an assistant. Most state regulations require a licensed child care center to provide a written statement to parents explaining their approach to caring for children. With the exception of the best age for a particular type of care, the answers to these questions are personal based on what is best for you and your family.