It makes me a bit sick - Day Care Questions (very long)
Geez Cindy, can you add a little more stress to your life?! So sorry you and hubby are facing these challenges!
I don't know what's best for you, but I'll share my experience. When I had my son 8 yrs ago, I had to go back to work 3 mos later. I found the perfect in-home daycare recommended by many, waiting list, etc. and then it fell through. Quickly found another, checked references and visited a few times. It *felt* all right. Not great, but I thought that was just new mommy nerves.
I called and visited unannounced the first few days. I'm glad I did. It was NOT the right fit for many reasons. If I could have hired an in-home sitter, I would have. I went with a big center that my MIL owned. She was going through chemo at the time. There are drawbacks, but in the end it was the best option.
Vermont has a governing institution called Childcare Resources. They provide details on all registered and licensed centers and in-home daycares. They have been very helpful. They work with the State to also notify you if there are any violations against daycares. They can't provide specifics, but knowing there's a flagged issue in advance is HUGE! I'm guessing most states have something similar - just check with your local offices. Word of mouth is important too. Ask other parents at the pediatrician's office, at playgroups, or at church. And I can't say enough about references and drop-in visits before and during care. Oh, and definitely ask in advance about how much TV time is allowed, what snacks/meals are provided, what the discipline policy is, what travel, if any, is done with the children, etc. The Childcare Resource group here also gives a list of questions to ask, things to consider, etc.
FWIW, I worked at home PT when Ethan was 6 mos, for a year. It was challenging and I ended up staying up late in the night to get work done, being exhausted all the time. I think you are wise to recognize that it gets harder as Cooper becomes more active.
Putting our babies in daycare is the hardest challenge for parents. There are cons for the kids, but there are a lot of pros too. My 4yo daughter, who has been home with me since birth, asks nearly every day if she can be a "daycare kid" and have me go to work outside the home. Even with playgroups and lots of activities at home, she longs for the group play she sees others experience. Go figure!
PM if there's anything I can do or if you just need to vent.
Hugs,
I don't know what's best for you, but I'll share my experience. When I had my son 8 yrs ago, I had to go back to work 3 mos later. I found the perfect in-home daycare recommended by many, waiting list, etc. and then it fell through. Quickly found another, checked references and visited a few times. It *felt* all right. Not great, but I thought that was just new mommy nerves.
I called and visited unannounced the first few days. I'm glad I did. It was NOT the right fit for many reasons. If I could have hired an in-home sitter, I would have. I went with a big center that my MIL owned. She was going through chemo at the time. There are drawbacks, but in the end it was the best option.
Vermont has a governing institution called Childcare Resources. They provide details on all registered and licensed centers and in-home daycares. They have been very helpful. They work with the State to also notify you if there are any violations against daycares. They can't provide specifics, but knowing there's a flagged issue in advance is HUGE! I'm guessing most states have something similar - just check with your local offices. Word of mouth is important too. Ask other parents at the pediatrician's office, at playgroups, or at church. And I can't say enough about references and drop-in visits before and during care. Oh, and definitely ask in advance about how much TV time is allowed, what snacks/meals are provided, what the discipline policy is, what travel, if any, is done with the children, etc. The Childcare Resource group here also gives a list of questions to ask, things to consider, etc.
FWIW, I worked at home PT when Ethan was 6 mos, for a year. It was challenging and I ended up staying up late in the night to get work done, being exhausted all the time. I think you are wise to recognize that it gets harder as Cooper becomes more active.
Putting our babies in daycare is the hardest challenge for parents. There are cons for the kids, but there are a lot of pros too. My 4yo daughter, who has been home with me since birth, asks nearly every day if she can be a "daycare kid" and have me go to work outside the home. Even with playgroups and lots of activities at home, she longs for the group play she sees others experience. Go figure!
PM if there's anything I can do or if you just need to vent.
Hugs,
Jo
DS:9 yrs old / DD:5 yrs old / DS: 1 yr old
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