What Do You Moms Want Most When Looking for Quality Childcare

Healthy food!!! I try to give my daughter organic, whole foods, and I cannot find any daycare providers that provide this.

hi,
well as a parent that at one point took my oldest to an in home child care provider! i didn't like it wen the asst did all the wrk and the actual provider just kind of hang out and chilled cause i didn't interview the asst i interviewed her. as a provider i liked having my set up as a actual class room, my planner as a class room, ( I even did the field trips) doing so it gave them an open idea of their next educational path therefore the transition is easier. my hrs were flexible, my fees were flexible (i had this thing about you should not have to had over you pay check to make sure i took good care of your child while in my care, healthy fun food

My son is in an in home day care and my first and foremost is that he feels safe and loved there. I know he does cause he runs in and gives the sitter a hug! There are other kids there his age so he has someone to play with. Also the sitter does crafts and activities with him. He has learned his numbers and colors there.
Good luck!

Hi Marcia,

I have been a stay at home mom for 5 years. I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old. I am now going back into the work force just part time. I am lucky enough to have my husband be home one day and my mother the other day however I would look for
a safe environment
calmness...discipline with talkng, times out...not yelling
planned activities not all day free time
a loving atmosphere

good luck
R.

Hi Marcia,

My daughter has been in daycare for about 10 months now. I have actually switched daycare facilities in the past month or so because I was getting fed up with it all. Unfortunately I am not able to quit working yet so I have had to grin and bear it so to speak.

Anyway, I probably gave you more than what you wanted to know there. Here are the things I look for:

1. Clean facilities

2. Do the other children seem happy?

3. What is the schedule like for the kids? Is it a busy schedule that is strictly followed or is it flexible depending on the moods of the kids?

4. For babies, how are the bottles heated?

5. Is there a daily sheet that is filled out and given to me at the end of each day that tells me what she ate, when did she nap, when was her diaper changed, etc

6. What kind of foods are offered? Is there a good variety?

7. When a baby is starting solids, how do you handle it? Do want the parents to supply the food?

8. What is the outdoor area like? Is there a fair amount of space/activities for all ages?

9. Are the teachers certified?

10. Does it seem like the teachers genuinly (I know that is spelled wrong. Sorry) care for the kids they are caring for? Do the kids act like they respect their teachers?

Things that I have had issues with in the past:

1. The daycare introduced an entire solids meal (they added a breakfast) when I told them that my daughter was able to have lunch there. (pureed foods that I supplied) She was still quite young then and we didn't want her to have 3 solids meals a day yet as we had not introduced a huge variety of foods to her yet. We were also supplying food because we wanted our daughter to eat organic foods. So the breakfast they were giving her, was not organic, and they were foods we had not introduced yet. Thank goodness she had no allergic reactions!!

2. I also had a problem with my baby and other peoples babies being put in things like swings, bouncy seats, exersaucers while the teachers cleaned the rooms at the end of the day.(I noticed that the teachers were trying to get the place all clean so they could leave early.) My daughter hated being in these things and would usually be crying when I picked her up at night. Unfortunately, it took us threatening to leave to get that situation fixed. (I'm not saying to never use them, I think that the child should only be in them if the child wants to be in them.)

3. Not being able to see the types of toys the kids can play with. (this is a current situation. and I'm trying to figure out if its my control freak nature that is bugging me or what. LOL) When I drop my daughter off to daycare and when I pick her up, I rarely see any toys out for the kids to play with. I know they have bins and bins of toys, I just never see them. I have been reassured a few times that yes, they get to play. I think I would just feel better actually seeing the children play with stuff.

Goodness, this has gotten long. I hope I have given you some help!

I want to know my kids are learning something and are safe. It needs to be clean and she needs to feel comfortable there. If she cries when I drop her off (more than just fussing) than I would want to know why. I like to know the 'teachers' are really certified teachers, have had a background check and know CPR/first aid.

Hi Marcia,

Here's my short list:
1. Flexible hours
2. Adequate supervision.
3. Disposition of the other children.
4. Care provided is gentle and loving.

Hope this helps!

S.

Hi Marcia,

I'm glad you posted this question.

I have two babies (one almost 3 and the other just turned 1)and they mean the world to me. I will soon be a SAHM. (Will be quitting on May 18- Just waiting for my works bonus). I'm giving up >$60K/year to raise my babies. My story may be insignificant to most but as a mother I believe you would understand.

1.) Children should not be begging for food. - This is what made me quit my job and pull my kids out of daycare. I walked in an hr late from my usual pick up time but still during the day care hrs and my 2 1/2 year old was asking for an apple. Her response, "Oh yeah she's been asking but I figure you were coming" She knew I have some distance to cover to get home. And I don't bring food in my pocket. I understand that meals & snaks are scheduled but there should be room for exceptions.

2.) Do not promise what you can not deliver. When you say you disinfect the toys every night then do it. It does not take that much time to spray them with lysol and keeps the kids healthy. Even little things like, "We brush our teeth after every meal" & then don't do them.

3.) When you have you own children in your care, do not afford preferential treatment during daycare hrs. Example: She gets to eat a cookie/ice cream while the rest of the kids watch. (My daycare lady's kid favored my kid and always shares with her but that does not make me feel any better when I see the other kids not getting same treat.

4.) Suggestions for discipline. I personally like conflict resolution. Where the children involved can discuss their differences with the caregiver as a mediator but can only talk in turn by using a talking stick. If the kids are too young I suggest a cool down tent. Kids usually misbehave because they're tired or want to be left alone. Get a tent and put a coloring book, paper safety scissors and crayon. The child will take some time to cool down without being humiliated like in a time out chair.

5.) Learning through play. Children have an amazing ability to absorb things. Fuel their imaginations with pretend play & story times. Introduce free play as well circle time.

I can do this all day... Sorry it's a little long.
Good luck on your venture & Godbless!