Okay all my baby loving friends. Here’s the first post in my series for you.
My first few posts here are going to be focused on some legal tips for the “planning” phase. That is the pre-baby to-do-list.
DAY CARE
From a ‘legal perspective’, I have a few important tips for you here.
You want to check that your day care is taking proper precautions to screen and vet their employees. There is no shame in asking if criminal background and drug tests are done on all employees, from the headmaster down to the cleaning crew. Besides understanding the ‘curriculum’ you want to be sure that you are doing your due diligence.
You can check out if the day care is registered with the state here:
http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/child_care.php#regulations
You can also check out care.com to read reviews on the facility.:
https://www.care.com/
While you are visiting the facility, you want to be aware and ask questions about the setup and safety precautions the school has. You will want to take notice if there are safety postings on the walls. These can be from reminders to wash hands all the way to arrows and signs for an evacuation. On that topic, you want to ask about the school’s evacuation plan and want to be sure they have one for all different situations. Plans should be detailed and in place for things like a fire, bomb threats, firearms and suspicious people on property. One last tip is to observe and ask about how teachers keep track of the kids. What methods and procedures do the teachers use to ensure everyone is accounted for at all times, especially during and after transitions or field trips.
Now, on the contract side of the house, you want to be sure you are really understanding the terms here. A lot of new parents have told me they thought they were getting 5 day a week care, but didn’t really understand what that entailed. A few helpful things to look at and ask questions about.
What are the hours the school is in session?
Do you have to pay for books, art supplies, anything else?
What are drop off and pick up times? AND what are the charges and stipulations that apply if you are late?
Is there are nap time/lunch and what does that require you do/pay? Is it extra?
What are their pick-up regulations? Some are strict, only a parents or signed note, which can make it difficult for some, depending on their job.
Are there required event attendance, or school day participation by parents? Some co-op models require parents to be in the class room on a somewhat regular basis.
How long is the contract good for? Six months? A year?
If you no longer want the child to attend, what is the course of action and are there any penalties?
HEALTH INSURANCE
Another tricky planning topic, but another extremely important one.
The first important topic here is understanding how to get your new little one(s) added. You need to ensure you are in contact with your employer or health care provider and clearly understand HOW you get your new baby added and WHEN you need to do this by. The addition of a child is considered a life event, which allows for you to update your plan. Each insurance company has terms around the window in which you can do so.
Another interesting note here is that since this is considered a life event, many insurance companies will also allow you to change your coverage. Not only to a family plan, but often your coverage and limits. As you think about adding a new little one, you may want to re-address the actual plan you are on. Maybe it’s time to drop that deductible or pick the plan with more in network doctors. You may want to stay right with what you have, but often, people don’t even realize this is an option.
Now of course, you’re going to want to figure out what insurance covers for you during the pregnancy, during child birth and after. You will want to get a good understanding of what is considered necessary vs. optional, in the eyes of insurance. A friendly hint, it’s not as common sense as you’d think. LOTs of care is not covered. Especially if you have a family history or existing health conditions that might make the pregnancy or delivery difficult, you’ll want to brush up on what test, prescriptions, services and accommodations are covered.
The last planning piece in this category will be picking your doctors and any other help/services you will need during and after your delivery. Again, make sure you are figuring out who is in and out of network and what your insurance will cover. Back to my earlier note, if you find a pediatrician you really love, but they are not in-network, it might just be time to think about a new plan.
Please, if my soon to be’s, new parents or grandparents have anything to add, please do!
As always, questions, just ask.
Next up- Parental Leave & Government Programs.
