I am an in-home daycare provider and at any one time I could have had up to twelve children. I had the space to provide the care and we really had a wonderful set up with a separate entrance and it was away from the main part of the house. Several times I tried to hire assistants and they never worked out. I had three different girls come in, but I really needed someone that could step up to the plate and take initiative.
With that being said, I should have NEVER had 12 children in my care! I was not licensed and I do not feel that it was safe for the children. On most days my husband would stay home until about 9:30 in the morning and then leave to go to work. He would be back home by 3:30 to help during pick-ups. But that left me alone during the most difficult transitions of the day. Learning time, lunch and naptime.
I would question how she is making lunch for all of these children and where your child is during that time? What is your child doing while she is changing diapers? What is your child doing while she is talking to parents picking up and dropping off? How is she possibly teaching your child anything if she has two infants?
The first thing that you should look for in a daycare program is whether or not your child will be safe and loved. Check. She meets those needs. The next thing is whether or not it is a well-rounded program. Ummmm. It doesn't sound like it is. A well-rounded program should consist of a combination of learning, play, socialization, learning manners, etc. If the learning is not taking place then I would be really concerned.
I wouldn't be as concerned about the fact that she isn't licensed because it is a lengthy process and a huge time and sometimes money investment if a lot of changes need to be made to the home. I would be more concerned with the fact that she will not let you in the house and that she is potentially 'hiding' something, in this case, most likely the children. I will admit, I have been there, done that and will never go back. I am smart enough to know that the situation was not ideal for the children's well-being. I was doing it to get by and pay our mortgage. I ended up quitting most of my children and now I only have three full-time, only two full-time in a week. So, I would suggest looking at a program that is similar to hers, but takes less children. Four is the magic number for the state and now I know why. I quit all of my families that had infants because it was way too hard to care for an infant the way that I feel they should be cared for and then to turn around and try to do an activity with paper, scissors and glue. It just doesn't work.
I am sorry this is so lengthy, but I think you should go with your gut feeling and look elsewhere. Utilize the Child Care Resource and Referral website to find your next provider. The providers already have a background check and are certified in CPR and First Aid. They do not vouch for the providers, but they have met all of their requirements. I hope this helps and if you were already thinking of moving your child when he was three then you should consider finding a program NOW that he can grow into.
