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The Capital Disctrict Parent Pages Features are cover stories pulled from our print edition. For ALL features, stories & more, pick up an issue at one of our many locations.
Bridging the gap: Finding before- and after-school care
Posted on Tue, August 4th, 2009
Written by: J.B. Baker, Editor
email: cdparentpg@aol.com
Summer is creeping to a close – time to start getting the kids to bed earlier, go back-to-school shopping and, oh yes, find before and after-school childcare.
Searching out all the options available can be time consuming, and many parents turn to the Capital District Child Care Council, a local nonprofit organization, for a comprehensive listing of registered and licensed local childcare programs. With so many options available, from private in-home providers to larger agencies, some parents discover that finding the right program can be overwhelming.
“There is only one way to find out if a program will be good for your child,” said Lynn Siebert, the council’s school age education coordinator. “You need to go the facility and visit. Your gut will tell you if the program is right for your child.”
Among the choices are programs like East Greenbush Child Care, Bethlehem’s Schools Out program, the YMCA and the Jewish Community Center that Siebert said are all registered by the Office of Children and Families and offer programs that offer options like homework assistance, drama and music and cooperative games.
Siebert said that with a branch in almost every corner of the Capital District, the YMCA’s before- and after-school programs offer a “convenience factor” for parents. At the YMCA kids can be dropped-off as early 7:30 a.m., and after-school care can last until 6 p.m. For more information on what YMCA programs are available and fees, visit the YMCA Web site at www.capitaldistrictymca.com.
“A well-run program recognizes that each child has different needs,” Siebert said, recommending that parents also contact their local elementary school office for information about in-school programs or call local government offices to enquire about town services, such as those run by the town of Cohoes and Colonie.
“They both have excellent programs,” she said. The council also can provide listings for licensed in-home providers or preschool programs, Siebert said, adding that some parents prefer their children be in a smaller group.
For more information about the council, visit the Capital District Child Care Council at www.cdcccc.org or call the referral line 426-7181 to talk to counselor or to receive a packet of information.
An alternative to fee-based providers is to form a childcare co-op with friends or neighbors. A co-op not only offers a no-cost option for childcare, but it gives parents an opportunity to form contacts with a group of like-minded parents, many of whom face some of the same parenting issues.
The first step is to identify other families or friends who have the same need. While childcare co-ops can be started with as few as two women, some have memberships as high as 50.
Ann Marie French, a local freelance writer in Greenfield, and her friend who lived nearby, just recently ended a yearlong childcare arrangement. French would watch her friend’s 5-year-old twins in the mornings and a few afternoons, getting them on and off the school bus. In return the friend would watch her children, Kaitlyn, 9, and Melanie, 7, on evenings that she had meetings or plans.
“It was a positive experience for both of us,” French said.
“She didn’t have to jump through hoops to find care in the morning, and it helped me out when my husband wasn’t available to watch the kids. It was nice that we both had our children looked after by someone we knew and trusted and who had a similar parenting style.”
French recommends that before making a childcare sharing agreement, parents discuss how they would handle issues, such as discipline problems or what to do if a child becomes ill. She said that while she and her friend didn’t have to deal with many serious issues, it helped that they had an established relationship, which made discussions about the children easier.
While the arrangement ended because of changes in job status, French said that if the need arose, she would definitely do it again.
Whatever option you choose, the time to start your search is now, before the back-to-school rush hits.
“The sooner the better,” Siebert said. “You want to find the best fit for your child.”
You can contact cdparentpg@aol.com with any questions. Also, feel free to post comments below.
Readers had this to say
Nobody has made any comments about this yet... you could be the first. Comment about this article.
Posted on Tue, August 4th, 2009Written by: J.B. Baker, Editor
email: cdparentpg@aol.com
Summer is creeping to a close – time to start getting the kids to bed earlier, go back-to-school shopping and, oh yes, find before and after-school childcare.
Searching out all the options available can be time consuming, and many parents turn to the Capital District Child Care Council, a local nonprofit organization, for a comprehensive listing of registered and licensed local childcare programs. With so many options available, from private in-home providers to larger agencies, some parents discover that finding the right program can be overwhelming.
“There is only one way to find out if a program will be good for your child,” said Lynn Siebert, the council’s school age education coordinator. “You need to go the facility and visit. Your gut will tell you if the program is right for your child.”
Among the choices are programs like East Greenbush Child Care, Bethlehem’s Schools Out program, the YMCA and the Jewish Community Center that Siebert said are all registered by the Office of Children and Families and offer programs that offer options like homework assistance, drama and music and cooperative games.
Siebert said that with a branch in almost every corner of the Capital District, the YMCA’s before- and after-school programs offer a “convenience factor” for parents. At the YMCA kids can be dropped-off as early 7:30 a.m., and after-school care can last until 6 p.m. For more information on what YMCA programs are available and fees, visit the YMCA Web site at www.capitaldistrictymca.com.
“A well-run program recognizes that each child has different needs,” Siebert said, recommending that parents also contact their local elementary school office for information about in-school programs or call local government offices to enquire about town services, such as those run by the town of Cohoes and Colonie.
“They both have excellent programs,” she said. The council also can provide listings for licensed in-home providers or preschool programs, Siebert said, adding that some parents prefer their children be in a smaller group.
For more information about the council, visit the Capital District Child Care Council at www.cdcccc.org or call the referral line 426-7181 to talk to counselor or to receive a packet of information.
An alternative to fee-based providers is to form a childcare co-op with friends or neighbors. A co-op not only offers a no-cost option for childcare, but it gives parents an opportunity to form contacts with a group of like-minded parents, many of whom face some of the same parenting issues.
The first step is to identify other families or friends who have the same need. While childcare co-ops can be started with as few as two women, some have memberships as high as 50.
Ann Marie French, a local freelance writer in Greenfield, and her friend who lived nearby, just recently ended a yearlong childcare arrangement. French would watch her friend’s 5-year-old twins in the mornings and a few afternoons, getting them on and off the school bus. In return the friend would watch her children, Kaitlyn, 9, and Melanie, 7, on evenings that she had meetings or plans.
“It was a positive experience for both of us,” French said.
“She didn’t have to jump through hoops to find care in the morning, and it helped me out when my husband wasn’t available to watch the kids. It was nice that we both had our children looked after by someone we knew and trusted and who had a similar parenting style.”
French recommends that before making a childcare sharing agreement, parents discuss how they would handle issues, such as discipline problems or what to do if a child becomes ill. She said that while she and her friend didn’t have to deal with many serious issues, it helped that they had an established relationship, which made discussions about the children easier.
While the arrangement ended because of changes in job status, French said that if the need arose, she would definitely do it again.
Whatever option you choose, the time to start your search is now, before the back-to-school rush hits.
“The sooner the better,” Siebert said. “You want to find the best fit for your child.”
You can contact cdparentpg@aol.com with any questions. Also, feel free to post comments below.
Readers had this to say
Nobody has made any comments about this yet... you could be the first. Comment about this article.