I Need Help!! - Rockville,MD

I found a wonderful home daycare by using Monday Morning Moms of Montgomery County. http://mondaymorningmomsmcmd.com/
When I first called them, they had only had 3 providers with openings for infants, but they took me to each location, introduced me and I got to look around, ask questions, all that good stuff. (They also helped find providers based on where I lived and where my office was, so I wouldn't be driving super far out of the way.) My son has been with one of them for almost 2.5 yrs now and just loves it! Since your child is 2, there will probably be more options available.

definitly use the link that Julie K provided, all those in the list are licensed providers. at the mdchildcare.com site, you can also find a list of questions and things to look for when at an interview. I am a licensed provider in MD, but in the Columbia area. Out here, rates will vary and Bethesda is a VERY expensive area and you could be looking at $250 or so per week. Good luck!

I am not from that area, although I have friends that are (and I used to live in DC)...you may want to check either your local church or synagogue, and or the local paper. I understand it is a tight community and people are helpful. You can also try posting an ad in a local community center or supermarket bulletin board.

GL

When it comes to your kids you should be very picky! When you find one you like ask for references from Moms of kids in your care. They should be able to give the name of every parent. A lot of places advertise in local papers so that is a way to look. Good luck!

You could try Grandma's Family Day Care, which is located in North Potomac, MD (just north of Rockville). The woman who runs the center is an assistant teacher at my daughter's school and comes with glowing recommendations. The number is ###-###-#### and e-mail is ____@____.com free to send me a personal message if you have further questions.

Here's a link with my blessings:)

http://www.mdchildcare.org/mdcfc/for_parents/finding.html

I am in GA and use in-home care for over 7 years. You can NEVER be too picky with whom you are trusting with you children! I have interviewed at least 10 with each "move" and it was worth the effort for the enrichment of my children's lives. It's a wonderful extension of my own family, cost-effective, more friendly-child-oriented, and better for children that cannot talk than a child care center:)

The only "tips" I could provide: 1) do a drive-by of their home before your meeting -- might disqualify; 2) be sure licensed and posted publicly; 3) see the children will sleep, eat, play, basic "schedule" -- too scheduled or sleeping all in one room on floor is yucky; 4) how will they handle potty-training, and their own adult needs/schedule = do you need an alternate or will they provide and who is that = meet them too; and sneaky tip... 4) ask to use the restroom when you're there -- very telling:)

I've payed from $110 to $165 per week for in-home, versus $160 to $195 a week in a center for my children.

Good luck in your hunt -- it's so worth it:)