Picking out a Day Care... your thoughts?

[meresal]

There are 4 separate day cares in the neighborhood area that we are building our house. We are currently looking into them, since we would need to reserve a spot for the beginning of next Fall.

A Primrose, and Montessory school, and KidsRkids, and a new place that recently opened.

We are leaning towards the Primrose, from what we have seen so far... however, I just read that this new recently opened day care, has web cams in each of the rooms, and you can log in online and watch from your own personal computer, anytime during the day.

I haven't checked to see if the Primrose school has these as well.


How big of a deal would this be to you, and your decision?

 

[fieryred33143]

If you''re asking about the video monitors, I have to be 100% honest and say it would drive me insane. Absolutely insane. I would have it up on my monitor and refresh all day yelling things at the computer like "her toy fell, why aren''t you picking it up?! She''s been crying for 2.5seconds where are you??? OMG she just spit up, she''s dying, I must go get her right NOW."

That''s just me though.

I think the concept is awesome and knowing that its available would give me comfort in the security of the daycare but it would still make me looney.

 

[Lanie]

Meresal, this doesn''t answer your question, but I know my sister went through this. Do you live far from where you work? She said she chose a daycare by where she was working so she had more time with her kids, and so she could run over at a moment''s notice in case anything happened. Just FWIW. Good luck!!!

 

[meresal]

Fiery- I was thinking the same thing. I think I might eventually get to the obsessive stage, but for the first week or two, I worry that I would just stare at my work computer and cry. lol. So sad, I know.

Lanie- Hi lady!

I work downtown and don't like my job. I worry about picking out a day care here, only to end up leaving this job (or getting laid off) and then be SOL. I love working downtown, but I am not planning on my next job being this far away from home. I would love to be very close to her, but I just have that thought lingering in the back of my mind.
I will look into it though. Right now I commute on the buses, but once the baby is here, I know that I will have to start driving in, so that might be an option.

 

[D&T]

When they are so little newborn/infant age, I like to use at home daycare, more homey feel and less people in and out less anxiety too (for both my DDs). When they get older after potty trained, I like having my DDs go to a more institution scholastic atmosphere. But if you could find those daycare providers that also has certifications in preschool teaching (our first one did) man those I love! My first DD hated the institution (La Petite Academy) I only had her there from 7 weeks until she was 15 weeks, and that was the hardest time in my life, She was also in tears everyday when I picked her up

I almost quit my job because I couldn''t bear it anymore.

 

[Mara]

lol fiery that is an interesting take on the webcam, i never thought of that but i would probably be doing that too. i used to love watching my dog on the webcams they had at puppy daycare though. i just would laugh at how she was so independent and like doing whatever she wanted.

meresal, i also started a thread called 'how did you find your child care or nanny' in FHH a few days ago, a lot of moms chimed in re: daycares and what to look for as well, you might want to check it out.

i am leaning towards an in-home care for our boy potentially til he is one, it's more expensive than a care center but i don't know i just feel better about it. but i am not totally sure. there are a few care centers near us that moms recommend but mostly for kids over 1 or 2. oh also some of the centers near us don't take kids til at least 1 or 2, it seems like a lot of them don't want infants.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I''m not a fan of the institutionalized/chain daycares. When I went to look at various preschools, I found that each room was seperate and closed off from each other (more like an elementary school - or prison!) and the director wouldn''t even let me go back there to look around. There was an entry code that the teachers typed in and they escorted the kids back.

The home place I took my kids too and a door ringer, so every time someone entered, a short ring would alert employees that someone had showed up. I signed my kids in/out and then could walk around the center freely. The place was cool. The home had HIGH ceilings giving an impression of an open atmospere.

Having a camera could be great, but like you, i''d probably obsess over it all day AND watching it would make me feel sad that I wasn''t interacting with my children while another person was.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 12/10/2009 12:03:05 PM
Author: Mara
lol fiery that is an interesting take on the webcam, i never thought of that but i would probably be doing that too. i used to love watching my dog on the webcams they had at puppy daycare though. i just would laugh at how she was so independent and like doing whatever she wanted.

meresal, i also started a thread called ''how did you find your child care or nanny'' in FHH a few days ago, a lot of moms chimed in re: daycares and what to look for as well, you might want to check it out.

i am leaning towards an in-home care for our boy potentially til he is one, it''s more expensive than a care center but i don''t know i just feel better about it. but i am not totally sure. there are a few care centers near us that moms recommend but mostly for kids over 1 or 2. oh also some of the centers near us don''t take kids til at least 1 or 2, it seems like a lot of them don''t want infants.

The center my kids were at did take infants, but only would take four of them at one time. They took excellent care of them. A lot of the time, there was two caregivers watching over them.

The prices went down as the kids grew older. One friend with twins was paying $1,600 a month for her kids. Most places will have a 10% discount for siblings, so my first was $5 and second was $4 (or abouts. . .the center had a min. of three days per week, but my kids went only two days. . .I''m pretty sure my kids were the only ones who the owner agreed to take for less hours.)

 

[meresal]

D&T- Thank you for your input. I'm not sure what I will do if LO deosn't like it, but I guess that is something else to think about now.

Mara- I will look over at your thread. Thanks for the heads up. FWIW each of the places I am looking at begin accepting kids at 6 weeks. I live in a large city, but do not live near the epicenter, so I don't think that in home day care is a "huge" thing around here, and if it is, I imaine it is far more than we can afford. We can handle the $250 a week (the highest amount around here for day care... which I completely understand is much lower than ALOT of the nation) for day care, but $1500-$2000/month would be ridiculous for us, well to clarify, it would be ridiculous for me to consider paying someone else to watch my child. If we started considering paying that much, then I would start considering just quitting my job... which I am not ready to do.

MC- It's funny how people look at things differently. I would see those measures as the day care taking all the precautions and then some for protecting my child, as opposed to a "prison" like atmosphere.
What kind of "Home" are you talking about? Is there a specific name for these types of places?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 12/10/2009 12:20:10 PM
Author: meresal
MC- It''s funny how people look at things differently. I would see those measures as the day care taking all the precautions and then some for protecting my child, as opposed to a ''prison'' like atmosphere.
What kind of ''Home'' are you talking about? Is there a specific name for these types of places?

Locking each group of kids behind glass windows seems a bit extreme to me. I felt comfortable where my kids were at as teachers always popped their heads up to check on who was entering. In the 4-5 years my kids were there, nothing bad happened. There were also two cameras aimed at the door and I noticed whenever I showed up someone had already made a call down to the lower level rooms that I had showed up. My kids were normally packing up their stuff.

The "home" is that the childcare center was a home that the owner and her daughter converted to a center (she didn''t live there). It was grouped into newborns, then toddlers up to 2, then 2-3 or 4, 4-5, and then during the summer some 6+ kids came (accepted ages up to 10). There were two teachers per group (about 2 teachers per 6 to 7 kids). The center was located on a private wooded setting with the back part turned into a play ground (that was fenced off). It combined preschool with a more gentle atmostphere. Nothing cold or harsh, but nice and cozy.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Maybe you could find at an home caregiver to watch your baby for the same price as a daycare?

I know it sounds like that would be a stretch...but you could maybe find a college student, who goes to school in the evening who would be willing to take on the responsibility. You could offer salary...meaning she/he would be paid regardless of how much they watched the baby. This would be really appealing to a broke college student who could do homework during nap time. Maybe even find a early education major.

When we were looking at hiring a nanny when I was pregnant a year and half ago, we found an agency who helped place college students with families. In our area, we were around the $700.00 per week mark...but depending on the cost of living where you are, it could MUCH less. There are some really well rounded individuals out there who need the money and are willing to work. The nice part of going through an agency is that they do background checks, finger prints and what not to insure you''re getting a normal person. You could get nanny cams and whatever else to ease your mind...

Just something to consider.

 

[fieryred33143]

Working mothers leave their children in daycares every day. If this is the option that is best suited for your family, then go for it.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 12/10/2009 12:32:50 PM
Author: Italiahaircolor
When we were looking at hiring a nanny when I was pregnant a year and half ago, we found an agency who helped place college students with families. In our area, we were around the $700.00 per week mark...but depending on the cost of living where you are, it could MUCH less. There are some really well rounded individuals out there who need the money and are willing to work. The nice part of going through an agency is that they do background checks, finger prints and what not to insure you're getting a normal person. You could get nanny cams and whatever else to ease your mind...

Just something to consider.

You can also do the background checks yourself. Not sure about how the procedure is for those located in other states, but here in WA there is a website set up where you can do criminal background checks for $10 per individual.

 

[meresal]

MC- So it was just a more personal day care? I think I understand now. Thanks for clarifying. Like you, the thing I like most about the Primrose school is that it is owned by a family who has their kids there as well. I'm going to tour today, so I'll be sure to keep some of your points in mind.

Italia- Thank you for your help! I weill get a bit more adventurous with my search.

Fiery- I was in day care my whole childhood (infant thru 6th grade) and I think I came out about as perfect as possible, DH seems to think so anyway. No permenant damage.

 

[Mara]

yeah mere there are a few places there that take infants but most of my friends have their kids in centers they LOVE but don''t take kids under 1. so its been harder to find good center recommends for me since most of my friends have 1+ year old kids.

the other thing about in-home-care (meaning my home) is it just feels so weird to think that someone will be in my house watching my child. i guess you get used to it, tons of people do it...but at first the thought seems odd.

i would LOVE to pay $250 a week for daycare hehee. but even at $2k a month i still couldn''t justify not working. it is expensive here but yep, i guess salaries are higher too, some way of compensation i suppose. i wish it was justification hahaha. i''d love to do part time or something. i might do some consulting but i am not sure...we''ll have to see.

burk mentioned on my thread she pays like $100 a week. SO jealous there.

 

[meresal]

Date: 12/10/2009 2:06:35 PM
Author: Mara
yeah mere there are a few places there that take infants but most of my friends have their kids in centers they LOVE but don't take kids under 1. so its been harder to find good center recommends for me since most of my friends have 1+ year old kids.

the other thing about in-home-care (meaning my home) is it just feels so weird to think that someone will be in my house watching my child. i guess you get used to it, tons of people do it...but at first the thought seems odd.

i would LOVE to pay $250 a week for daycare hehee. but even at $2k a month i still couldn't justify not working. it is expensive here but yep, i guess salaries are higher too, some way of compensation i suppose. i wish it was justification hahaha. i'd love to do part time or something. i might do some consulting but i am not sure...we'll have to see.

burk mentioned on my thread she pays like $100 a week. SO jealous there.

Ya, I read that! Isn't her daughter around 3 now? (Sorry, I'm not sure) The $250 a week is for infants (6 weeks up to 8 or 10 months). They price the care based on the child's age group, so once the children start getting older and a bit more self sufficient, the prices drop ALOT. I would hope to pay around $125 a week for a 3 yr old.

I will let you know the price break down here after I get the info packet this afternoon.

I am actually quite anti the one nanny, in-home, for the same "reasoning" as you. I just don't like the feeling I get, and I don't like the idea of not being the "mother" figure in my own home.

ETA: Maybe we will win the lottery for Christmas this year. Never work again!

 

[VegasAngel]

Cameras are nice but sometimes the video is lagged &/or grainy. I suppose that depends of the quality of the centers system.

My daughter goes to an older religious preschool nothing hardcore. Daycare for infants is $190.00 per week, Pre-Toddler Rates 13-18 Months $175 weekly, Toddler 5 days a week $150 weekly. Preschool is $195 per month if they go 5 days 2-1/2 hours each day, it's less if they go fewer days.

Just check them all out. make sure they are clean, the kids look happy, etc.. A lot of places here have cheap to free trials if any of the places you are interested in have that give it a try. If KidsRKids & Creative Kids are one in the same I pulled my daughter out of there after 2 or 3 days & it was located in an upscale area.

OK & this may sound bad for some but I avoided places where there workers looked like they didn't care about themselves if you know what I mean.

 

[MustangGal]

I chose to put Kyle in a homecare situation. The woman has 4 kids of her own (2 in school), and takes in children to afford staying home. She used to work for a daycare center, so is certified in CPR/first aid, and has taught pre-school. But then my baby gets at least the "homey" feel, and interacts with children of different age groups, unlike day care centers that segregate them into different rooms. I just didn''t like the thought of little rows of cribs with infants in them

. I plan on keeping him with her until he''s potty trained and ready for a more structured pre-school. This type of set-up is also more affordable than a center would be, I pay $125 per week versus the local centers charge about $175.

The webcams do sound like a great idea, but I could see the option to get addicted!

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

A great question to ask (and ask the "teachers" themselves, if you can.. not just the administrators) is how long each teacher or aide has worked at the center.

I worked at a few daycare centers through my college years, before becoming a nanny... And let me tell you... The employee turn-over rate was INSANE. There were a few teachers who had been around for some time. Most of these were older women. The majority of the younger girls, however, were serial job seekers and often not well educated. I know that sounds a bit harsh, and I don't mean to generalize all young-ish daycare workers, but I think it's important to ask about the average length of employment. I recall how upset and angry parents were when they realized *another* new teacher was caring for their children.

I don't know the daycare teacher regulations in your state, but it's worthwhile to seek out a school/center where they require at least a 2-year ECC degree for infant-preschool & a 4-year Education degree (or other bachelors with additional courses in ECC) for all lead teachers. If a teacher has gone the extra mile to gain ECC experience, she's likely to stay at the school for more than two months.

I was shocked to learn how many ladies had no real childcare experience and how many "new" teachers they'd clump together in one classroom. The blind leading the blind.

This was in Ohio, though. Where I now reside the childcare regulations are far superior... And, of course, there are plenty of wonderful childcare centers out there!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I picked our daycare based on a couple of things, and none of it involved webcams

The daycare is registered and licensed by the government, so it follows all the regulations regarding appropriate care. The ratio of caregivers to infants is 3 to 8, so there are lots of adults looking after the kids. There were also toddler and preschool programs in the same centre, so I would not need to change daycares until Hunter was in school. I visited and really liked the feel for the place. The kids looked happy, they had tonnes of outdoor safe play areas, they had nice areas to eat and to nap. The caregivers spoke respectfully to the kids. They have guidlines in place for how the kids are disciplined and treated that match my own parenting philosophies. I am doing gradual entry with my son and so I have spent many hours hanging out with the babies and the caregivers, and the kids are bonded wit hthe dcaregivers, there is rarely any crying or whining, and it is a peaceful place. So that is what I looked for.

I think one of the most important things is that the childcare philosophy matches your own so that the kids are in an environment during the daytime that somehow matches the home environment. I am very confortable leaving Hunter at this daycare because I like how he will be treated. I think you can find out a lot of stuff by meeting the staff.

But I think it is harder to pick before you have your child. His personality and needs may suggest one type of care over another. You don''t know what type of parent you will be until you try it, to a marge extent. Can you reserve spots in a couple places that differ in their set up and then choose once your kid is a little older?

 

[Burk]

He he...just saw this. Sorry I made you guys jealous!

Tayva will be 2 in January. We live in the midwest and she goes less than 25 hours a week so those things play a role in the price. She also goes to a center in our church that is not for profit so that also helps keep prices down. She started at the center at 9 months and it was $115 a week for infant care.