The Difficulties of Finding Childcare: How AmbiMi Helps
Navigating the world of childcare can be a daunting task for any parent. Whether you have a full-time job, are a stay-at-home parent, or somewhere in between, finding the right childcare solution is a significant decision. Each childcare option has its difficulties, making an already hard process even harder.
Trying to find childcare that meets your family's unique needs in an already competitive hiring market may feel like an overwhelming and impossible situation.
That's where AmbiMi comes in to help. In this blog, we will explore the different types of childcare options and their respective difficulties.
The Childcare Shortage
Finding childcare in Canada has become a challenging task due to the impact of the pandemic. Poor wages and benefits have discouraged many childcare professionals from returning. Employment among childcare staff decreased by 21% a year after the pandemic hit, compared to total employment, which only decreased by 3%. Between childcare centers closing and many parents working from home, there weren't enough jobs for nannies. So, many of them chose different careers.
Even though we’re now a couple of years back to ‘normality,’ the number of childcare professionals has not bounced back. As a result, the shortage of available caregivers has made it difficult to find childcare.
Your Childcare Options
We'll go over the four types of childcare you can hire:
Nanny: Personalized, one-on-one care in your own home, on your schedule.
Daycare: Group childcare in a regulated facility with a structured schedule.
Montessori: Group childcare centers that use a non-formal method of education using children's natural interests and activities.
Family or Friends: Using your family or friends as your main form of childcare.
Nanny
Nannies are a great option for personalized care for your family. Your children get one-on-one care with the ability to set up schedules that are best for you. Unfortunately, finding a suitable nanny isn't always an option for everyone. On top of high demand and labour shortages, many nannies now only want two to three longer shifts per week. Which often doesn't align with parents who need full-time or after-school care. The high demand has led to some parents hiring nannies without proper work permits. This is not a recommended method, as it can lead to negative legal consequences or safety concerns.
Finding a trustworthy nanny is complex. Nanny searches involve personal vetting and interviewing unless using a platform or agency to handle it. And, if you use an agency, you're often charged for subscriptions and placement fees, which will add up quickly.
Another challenge of relying on nannies is the potential lack of backup options. Families that depend on one nanny can face disruptions if the nanny is sick or has other unforeseen circumstances. Then, your family may need to scramble for last-minute childcare or have to take a day off.
The Good News…
With AmbiMi, we can help you solve each of these issues. Here's how:
Issue #1: It's Hard to Find Nannies
All you need to do is post a job and list your requirements on the AmbiMi app, and we'll match you to suitable, vetted nannies in your area.
Issue #2: Scheduling Conflicts
When you post a job, you set the schedule that you need. Then, we'll only match you to available nannies to avoid the back and forth on their available times.
Issue #3: Pre-Vetted Nannies
In AmbiMi, all the vetting is done for you. Each nanny you see will already be pre-vetted before being able to apply to or accept your posting. Plus, we use skill-based job matching, so you only see those who meet your skill requirements.
Issue #4: Expensive Subscription Models
Unlike many agencies, our platform is a cost-effective solution with no subscription fees. You only pay a low-cost booking fee starting at $29.95 and a markup starting at 10%. You'll only pay when a nanny completes their shift, so you’ll never see extra payments charged to your account.
Issue #5: Dependency on One Nanny
If your nanny becomes unavailable, all you have to do is post a job in AmbiMi, and we will help you quickly fill your role.
So, what are you waiting for? Find out how to hire nannies with AmbiMi!
Daycare
Daycare gives your children social interactions in a structured environment. But daycares are not easy to find. With limited openings and a shortage of childhood educators, the biggest drawback is the time to get a spot. We called 70 daycares in Metro Vancouver, and of the 30 who responded, the average time it takes to get your child into a daycare is 16 months. Additionally, wait times ranged from six months all the way up to three years. If you enroll your child when they are one, by the time they're accepted, they might be ready for higher-level education.
The chances of your child getting into a daycare near your house or job can be slim, causing long commutes. Daycares also have less focused attention on each child due to a higher staff-to-child ratio.
Montessori
With limited locations, Montessori's can be more difficult to get into than daycares. This makes admission highly competitive. Like daycares, Montessori's can have long commuting times and a higher staff-to-child ratio, and they usually come at a higher cost.
Family and Friends
Family and friends can be attractive as an affordable (or often free) method of childcare with someone you trust. There are difficulties with this method as well, especially with your relationship. It can be difficult to set boundaries, creating tension with differing views. Family and friends may also be less reliable than paid help or might not be available for full-time care. Additionally, you could start feeling guilty if they are providing free labour. People you know are harder to fire if necessary, and it can affect your everyday life afterwards.
All in all, every method has its potential downfalls, and it’s up to you to decide the best option for your family. AmbiMi aims to help simplify your search by combatting many of these difficulties, allowing a quick and easy nanny search.