Dear Dorie, I’m trying to find child care for my toddler but I don’t need full-time five day a week care. Most of the places I call are already full or don’t offer part-time. Who should I be calling?
Care Concerned Dear Concerned, Finding the right child care scenario is one of the most difficult aspects of parenting young children. While you have the legal right to obtain information about a facility, the effort involved can be prohibitive when you are at home with your child.
Most of your child care questions can be directed to our local resource and referral agency, “Connections for Children” at 310- 452-3202. You can also check them out at www.connectionsforchildren.org. CFC will provide free child care referrals to parents for licensed child care providers in our area. In your case, make sure that they know what days and times interest you and let them peruse their database.
Your other alternative is to ask the parents around you what they do for part-time care. In most instances, this will be a babysitter or nanny that comes highly regarded. Be prepared to pay $10-15 per hour in cash on an as-need basis. Good luck.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 3, 2007. Read the original PDF.