Nothing is more precious to a family than their children. Family issues are the number one reason for an assignment ending early, and several surveys have shown that children are the top reason for potential expatriates to refuse an international assignment altogether. The uncertainty of childcare and finding good schools can be major issues even in a family’s home country, making the thought of attempting to raise children abroad a non-starter for many. This is especially true for families with children who are too young to enroll in international schools and thus can’t take advantage of that well-established community support.
Living Abroad understands how important it is for families to feel secure before their assignment. Under Choose a School users can find a section on preschools, with information on whether a country sponsors universal preschool, whether or not bilingual options exist, and general information on age groups and availability. In the Family Matters section, the Child Care article covers how common nannies and other hired carers are and how to find reliable ones.
Here are a few example excerpts from the types of information provided to support the family on assignment:
France:
Créches are extremely popular particularly with working parents. They typically take children from 3 months through to two years and will work with parents to accommodate their schedules. Many open as early as 0630.
Mexico:
Mexico City has several independent English or bilingual preschools, including Montessori American School, Peterson School, and Escula Sierra Nevada. Spanish-speaking families will also be able to take advantage of public preschools, as well as local religious preschools.
The Philippines:
It is customary for expatriate families in the Philippines to have live-in help. Households with young children almost always include a nanny or “yaya”. Most newcomers find nannies through other foreigners or work colleagues or via staffing agencies. Alternatives are school or church notice boards. A number of expatriate organizations – the American Women’s Club of the Philippines is an example – keep lists of domestic staff, so try them as well.
The U.K.
Childminders look after children under the age of eight in the childminder’s own home. Typically they look after several children, one or more of which may be their own child. They are usually able to offer flexible or part-time hours – for example, taking and collecting children from school and after school care.
All childminders are required to register with their local authority. Their homes are inspected once a year for safety and police checks are made on them and anyone else living in their home. Before engaging a childminder, ask to see their registration and most recent inspection report.
By providing access to Living Abroad, you’re handing your assignees not just information, but assurance. A well-rounded look at how your employee’s family can not just survive but thrive overseas can turn hesitancy about taking an international assignment into an enthusiastic yes to an overseas posting.
Written by Kate Havas, GMS-T, Content Manager
