Need Advice Regarding Childcare

I used an in-home daycare for my youngr son and really like it. The daycare center that I used for my older son had closed after 12 years. It was not part of a chain; it was privately owned and she just needed a break.

I used to drop my child off at an in-home childcare sitter each day. She was wonderful and only watched one or two other children at the same time--he got so much attention and love. It was a better option for me than daycare and similar price. I'd recommend that option but would only do it if there are few children being watched in the home--too many is no good. Also, call references of course. The lady I used is in Wexford.

I would like to respond to your question by saying that I feel that an in-home licensed childcare is a great option. I know there are many locally and make sure to meet them ask questions and make sure you are comfortable with the person. Do not be afraid to ask questions, ask id meals are provided etc. Good in home childcare is better than a center the children do not get exposed to illness as much, they can form a bond with someone which is important at a young age, I also feel that children are in school long enough and a structured busy center is overwhelming and tiring for the child. Daily communication and making sure your childcare provider has everything they need from you to care for your child and make you feel comfortable with your decision

Before I had my daughter I was the director of a childcare center. I suggest setting up appointments with all different providers, asking lots of questions, and then go with your gut on what you feel would be best for your child/family. When looking at a childcare center ask lots of questions. Ask about staff turnover, staff training, ask if staff get breaks (very important), ask about educational programs (we even had one for our infants), make sure you go at a time when you can see the interaction between caregivers and children. You should feel comfortable during your tour and with the responses you get to your questions. I really think you will know when you find something that is the right fit for you. Oh, and NAEYC standards are incredibly high, so centers with NAEYC accreditation should be great, but you can also look into the Keystone STARS program. Centers earn stars as they make their centers better, plus STARS offers money to the centers to improve as well as pay their staff better. Good luck!

Hi P. -

I had my son in a home day care (starting when he was 3 months) & at the time it was the perfect situation because he was the only child she watched. Over the next 1 - 2 years she kept taking on more & more kids & got a bit in over her head. She would gate them in her living room while she made dinner & set them in front of the TV, she would take them all to the doctor when her own kids were sick & if she had errands to run, she would pack up all the kids into her station wagon & take them with her. I finally couldn't deal with the fact that this lady that I paid to watch & take care of my child in her home was out driving them around. Lets just say there was alot of things she did that I didn't feel comfortable with. Don't get me wrong, she loved the kids & my son loved her & all of the other kids. I debated for a long time about pulling him out & putting him into a regular daycare. The last straw for me was when she took a two week vacation & left us all hanging to find alternate child care for all of our children. That is when I finally decided to put him into a regular daycare/preschool & can honestly say that was the best thing I did for my child & for myself. After only one week I could see such a HUGE difference. I look back now & wish I would have done it earlier.

Sorry for rambling, but my point is that you have look and figure out what if best for your child. I don't think you will ever find the perfect place (no one takes care of your child as well as you). I must have looked at 20 different daycare centers before I settled on the one I chose. I knew as soon as I walked in that it was the place for my child.

Good luck to you - your heart will tell you what to do.

We tried daycare for three months and then went to in-home care for our son; however, the reason we left daycare was not due to any fault on behalf of the daycare. It was a prior agreement with a friend to do in-home care. We went into daycare expecting to be unhappy with the care provided and I have to say my husband and I were so amazingly happy. I even cried on my son's last day there! The really ironic part is that we then went into the home care situation expecting it would never live up to our daycare experience. We are now incredibly happy with our babysitter. Just be open minded. If/when you "interview" daycares, pay attention to the amenities of the center. There were many places that I walked into and immediately knew it wasn't the place for us. The center we chose was very home-y and the teachers had all been there for years, so I knew they had to be happy as well. That's a big deal because happy teachers foster happy children! Check daycare centers that are NAEYC rated, since that's the main daycare certification company. If you do the in-home care, spend a few hours with your prospective babysitter. Watch how she/he interacts with other kids and with your kids. I think people inherintly give off a baby-friendly vibe or they don't, so it'll be relatively easy to spot the care-givers that you don't mesh well with.