Seeking Mom's Who Use Daycare Centers

My biggest reason for using a daycare "center" was the educational aspect. My mom runs an in home daycare, and while she keeps the kids busy and they have fun, she's really not TEACHING them anything substantial. I could have had free daycare through her, but chose to go the "center" route and pay for the educational aspect. Also, in at-home centers, if the sitter is sick or has some sort of emergency, what kind of back up is available. NONE?? Which means I'd be missing a lot of time from work. At a center, there are so many people that can fill that void, so I never have to worry.

If you can come up with a way to alleviate these couple of issues (providing a documented educational plan and have a reliable and parent approved back up for sick days and emergencies) that will help your business take off.

I would think a large classroom and small number of kids. I looked at a very large center... licensed for 220 kids.. they did 16 to a room (up to 2.5 years...) it was crazy.. 16 babies or toddler in a room with 4 teachers..

There will be less fighting and problems if the kids have room to spread out.

My day care is in a school so they have a gym and a second large motor room for indoor exercise..This is great for kids in the bad weather.

Hi S.
The most important thing for me would be the security of the center. Can people just walk in, or more importantly would it be possible for kids just to walk out.
Staff levels are also important but I know there are legal stantard ratios of adult to child.
I also like when the daycare centers break the building into areas for different age groups.
Good luck.

S.,
First of all, good for you for thinking about taking on this new venture. I wish you lots of luck.

I have been exposed to 2 day cares. The first was with my daughter and I liked them but there were a couple of things that I really did not like. One was that there seemed to be a disconnect with the owner and staff communication. The biggest thing that stands out in my mind is that on my daughter's last day of day care, the staff that cared for her told me at the end of the day that they didn't even know she was leaving. That really concerned me as she has been part of their "family" for six months and the owner didn't even tell them she was leaving??? It gave me a real sense that she was all business and did not really get involved in the "care" end of it.

The other issue was that as much as we loved the day staff, there was a lot of variation in the afternoon staff. Many of them were young adults who really liked children but had little or no training. I remember one girl who literally kissed my daughter on the lips once and I cringed and let the owner know that I felt it was crossing the line and she spoke to her about it. After that, she had sort of an attitude towards me. In other words, there was a level of professionalism that was lacking on the second shift.

My son's day care experience has been way different. We LOVE it there. I am so impressed that even the program manager who works with another class can tell me my son's progress. The other day she even approached me and asked if it was okay if my son was napping because he was saying he was tired. First of all, I was so impressed that she was totally aware of this even though she really didn't work with him much. Secondly, I respected her greatly for consulting with me and not just assuming that whatever they did was fine (like the other day care did).

For that reason, I DO trust their judgment and know they will do what is best for my son. Also, they have more of a learning structure where they teach on different things such as weather, colors etc. They also really foster parent involvement in the learning process and send home letters weekly about that week's topic as well as the next so parents can add to discussion at home.

Lastly, even the afternoon staff who I don't believe are degreed, are very professional and make good decisions with my son. They are not just young kids in college or on their way to college. I don't mean to be discriminatory, as I do think that young adults can be great if they are properly trained and mature enough to be professional.

So, that has been my experience. Hope it helps!

S. where are you located with your in home childcare

The most important thing to me would be degreed teachers and assistants.
I know this is hard to come by because of the low pay and the high turnover rate. But as a parent, I'd want to know that an educated and experienced caregiver was with my child when I couldn't be.
I personally would look for a center that had NAEYC accreditation.

of course security, teacher certification, and structure are all important. i also think it's important to develop a relationship w/ the main caregiver/teacher...i want someone who actually cares for my child and can tell me cute stories or specific details throughout the day specifically for my child...

i switched from a small center to a large center for a few weeks and was very disappointed! they worked in shifts and when i picked up my daughter the only person i could talk to only had her after her nap for about a half hour! i couldn't actually talk to the person that watched her that morning...and the notes sent home were imcomplete...

i didn't care what they served for lunch, i wanted to know if she actually ate it & how much...i want to know the times she slept each day, not what nap time is...they also used masking tape on their backs to identify the children...i thought it was because she was new, but asked when she still had it after a couple weeks...they said it was for security...i felt they couldn't bother learning her name!! it was insulting!

also sending art projects home...the large center only allowed to the toddlers to use water!! it was terrible...they didn't want the mess and said actual paint was reserved for the older kindergarten class!

i want someone who actually pays attention to MY child...i switched back to the smaller setting that didn't have the certifications and indoor gym, but they actually care for my child...and i know this because i can actually ask questions and hear the details of my child's day!!

S.,

Wow, that is a loaded questions. I guess one thing is security...that is the reason I would never us an in home center...I worry that there is really no way to no who is coming in and out or has access to the children. Most centers have a locked door with an access code.

Second, the school my kids are at now employees only degreed caregivers. Everyone teaching 4years old and up has a 4 year degree and teaching certificate. Everyone teaches under 4 years has a 4 year degree in a child related field, not all teachers, but for instance my daughter (17mos)'s teacher has a physcology degree and is working on a masters in children's art therapy.

Third, structure and content. My son is in pre-kindergarten, he has a structed curriculum from 9-3, including phonics, math, science, music, gym, etc. He has detailed worksheets and homework. My daughter also has a scheduled, although more flexible day that includes music, art and sign language.

Fourth, facility. My chidren's school has a large gym, a cafeteria and a gross motor room. The rooms are large as well.

Fifth, atmosphere...this is harder to put a finger on, but I know everyone loves and cares for my kids. The teachers are enthusiastic, helpful and go out of their way to be helpful.