Step 5: Make Your Final Choice

Make your final choice by reviewing not only the information you have collected but also the reactions of both you and your child to the settings you have visited.  Which one seems to meet your child's needs as well as being affordable and conveniently located?  Once you've made your decision, you will need to take some final steps:

• Some caregivers may have a program manual and/or written agreements concerning costs, schedules for fee payments, vacation, sickness policies and others.  Ask for copies before you sign the agreement.

• If there is no written agreement, make sure that any verbal arrangements are written down and signed by both you and the caregiver.  This is always easier to do before the care actually begins.

• Arrange the start time and ask for the caregiver's advice on how to best help your child to adjust to their program.

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