Childcare Options for the Working Mom

Every working mom has the difficult and critical decision of who should watch their little ones while they are at work.  And the inevitable guilt that comes with that decision.  Let's get this out of the way - chances are there is no one better suited to raise your child than you. In a perfect world, there would be no need for moms to sleep and we'd be able to work our 8, 10, 12 hours (earning money, challenging ourselves and fulfilling our personal desire to have adult conversation) while the kids were sleeping, and be a stay at home mom during their waking hours.  In reality, sleep is unfortunately necessary (to me at least).  So I will skip over the many reasons why you do need to work or why it's ok to work.  I will simply say (in this post), that if you are working, it's ok and there are many others like you.  And we all need childcare.

Here's a breakdown of the options, many of which I've tried.

In home daycare
We had my first child in an in-home daycare for the first 14 months of her life.  My sister was the daycare provider so I had a little extra confidence from that perspective (love my big sis!) but the concept is the same.
Licensed: 
Basically if possible it's best to use a licensed in home daycare provider. In my state, there is a listing on the state's website of providers and their phone numbers. So you could start there. The state usually has annual classes that the licensed provider needs to attend (child nuitrition, safety, etc), your provider will be first aid and CPR certified, and the state probably does inspections of the home to ensure all their guidelines are followed.  This will vary by state so be sure to check your state's requirements. There is an extra level of confidence in a licensed in home daycare provider, in my humble opinion.
Pros:
First aid / CPR
State regulated
Many meals and snacks are probably included and nutricious (be sure to check with individual provider)
Lower ratio of children per provider
More personal attention
Loving environment (hopefully)
Cost is usually reasonable / lower than a traditional daycare center
Cons:
Hours may be restricted and less flexible
Occasional closure on short notice due to family emergencies etc
Some small increase in germs (compared to staying home)
Child may be taken places with the provider such as grocery store, doctors office etc.

Un-licensed
In home daycare that is not licensed by the state is also an option, and usually one of the lowest cost options available.  In general, there are plenty of excellent providers who are not licensed due to cost, time, or other reasons.  However, I suggest that extra caution must be exercised when using an unlicensed center.  You would want a clear view of all the spaces where your child would be playing and resting. You will want to reassure yourself of the safety of those spaces the same as you have at home (cabinets locked, outlet covers, gates for steps etc) as well as the cleanliness of the home. I would also want to observe the provider in action before bringing my child. Try to visit at a time when the other children are there.  Does the provider greet children by name and with enthusiasm?  Are the children acting normally?  How many children are there? Is there adequate space etc.  Personally, I would not like an un-licensed center unless I knew the provider.  But with research and careful attention, there are good options available.
Pros:
lower cost option
Lower ratio of children per provider
More personal attention
Loving environment (hopefully)
Cons
No oversight by the state
Less likely to be formally educated on nutrition, safety, first aid etc (you will need to question and observe on these)
Hours may be restricted and less flexible
Occasional closure on short notice due to family emergencies etc
Some small increase in germs (compared to staying home)
Child may be taken places with the provider such as grocery store, doctors office etc

For more info on choosing an in home provider
http://www.babycenter.com/0_signs-of-a-good-home-daycare_6031.bc

More to follow soon...