Tips to help you find a local child care provider and or babysitter.

You've found your new dream home, you love the new neighborhood and the area is perfect.  If you are a homebuyer with children, you will probably have a need for a childcare provider for your young child if you work out of the home during the day, and before or after school care for your elementary school aged children. This is one of the first things that you have to think about after settling in to your new home.

In our Tri-Cities, Washington community (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland) and surrounding areas, there is quite a large selection of childcare providers to choose from.  I have listed a few providers that I have used in the past with my children as well as others that I have heard good things about.  My youngest child has attended Kids World Childcare in West Richland and Center Director Christy and her staff were absolutely wonderful. They truly were a blessing to me knowing that my little one was being taken care and given such great care throughout the day. I would recommend them to anyone. My older children have attended KinderCare Learning Centers (Kennewick location) as well as the YMCA summer programs and Boys and Girls before and after school programs and have had great experiences there too.

KinderCare, 306 Torbett Street, Richland, WA 99352-2604 www.kindercare.com Ages: 12 mos. to 12 Year-Olds, Open: 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM Monday - Friday

North Richland KinderCare, 2995 Einstein, Richland, WA 99354 www.kindercare.com Ages: 6 Weeks to 12 Year-Olds Open: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM Monday - Friday

Kids World Childcare, 2901 Bombing Range Road, West Richland, WA 99353 http://www.kidsworldchildcare.net/ Phone Number: (509) 967-9150 4 weeks to 5 years and up (in school)

Kids World Childcare, 814 Comstock Street - Richland, WA http://www.kidsworldchildcare.net/ Phone Number: (509) 946-1882 12 months to 5 years

Kids World Childcare, 820 North 20th Avenue Pasco WA 99301 http://www.kidsworldchildcare.net/ Phone Number: (509) 545-3379 4 weeks to 5 years

YMCA - www.ymcatricities.org The YMCA offers before and After School Child Care for all Kennewick Elementary Schools. YMCA Child Care focuses on enrichment programs for children ages 5-12 that are safe, nurturing environment and state-licensed.

http://www.ymcatricities.org/preschool.htm YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center offers full time, state licensed child care for ages 2-5. The center is located at office at 1234 Columbia Park Trail in Richland. The Early Childhood Learning Center features the YMCA Creative Curriculum for Preschool as part of a dynamic, fun filled day.  They offer child care service from 7AM to 6PM, Monday through Friday.

Boys and Girls Club www.kidexpert.org Provides Kinder Club programs (turns a half day of Kindergarten into a whole day of learning and fun) at a few local schools and before and after school care at local schools.

As for babysitters, I have learned that referrals from friends, relatives, church and coworkers have been my best source.  Definitely ask around.  Everyone will certainly have someone they know and trust to take care of their children for a dinner or night out and trust goes a long way.  I have also found that once you have found a couple of providers that interest you, check them out - get references.  A visit during the day when the kids are there and interacting with each other and the provider will tell you a lot about what really goes on after parents leave for the day.  Use a questionnaire to rate the potential provider. Here is link to a questionnaire that I have found very useful http://www.4women.gov/Pregnancy/tools/checklist.cfm.

Good luck and happy babysitter hunting!

For more homebuying and selling advice, contact Linda Garza at Cypress GMAC Real Estate (509) 205-5657lindag@cypressgmac.com.  Specializing in Tri-Cities Washington Real Estate! Real Estate Services for Kennewick, Richland and Pasco Real Estate!  Putting your family first is my #1 priority! Search for properties on my website www.lindagarza.com.