Checking out child care options
By Amy Buttell Crane • Bankrate.com

Finding decent child care for your baby, toddler or preschooler is usually a recipe for a good headache. Not only do you have to spend hours vetting potential providers, you also have to figure out how the heck you're going to pay a bill that can dwarf your mortgage payment.

When you're looking for care, the best place to start is your community's local Child Care Resource and Referral Organization, which you can find at childcareaware.org, or by calling (800) 424-2246. Word of mouth is another good way to get referrals. Ask every working parent you know about their provider.

The table below provides a general overview of the types of care available, average costs and resources. Costs change rapidly, so the data below might not reflect going rates in your community, especially if you live in a large metro area.

Types of child care (in your home)

In your home: nanny In your home: au pair In your home: teenage baby sitter Accreditation/ associations The International Nanny Association has an accreditation exam and provides certification to those who pass it Regulated by the U.S. State Department None Credentials/ experience/ other issues Training ranges from six weeks to one year; Child Development Associates (CDA) complete a one-year program Look for completion of Au Pair training program; minimum of 32 hours of child safety and development training; good references and positive background check Look for hospital or Red Cross-sponsored baby-sitting classes Major upsides one-on-one interaction; child stays in his/her familiar setting one-on-one interaction; exposure to other cultures; lives in one-on-one interaction; lower cost; flexible hours Caveats High cost; lack of interaction with other children Caregiver turnover; lack of family privacy Sitter might lack maturity and experience; lack of interaction with other children Average costs From $30,000 to $60,000, depending on where you live, number of children and whether the nanny lives in or out From $12,000 to $18,000 per year, depending on which agency you use, regardless of number of children. $5 to $12 per hour, depending on where you live, ages and number of kids and experience of sitter. Find out more The International Nanny Association International Au Pair Association Red Cross Baby Sitting Resources