Finding a good and affordable day care is hard!

Lynette - posted on 06/18/2011

I am an Early Childhood Teacher and I know what you are saying. My best advice to you would be that you can only do what is possible for you at the time. My children went to a cheap childcare when they were young and it was very poor quality but all I could afford as a solo mum. They were not there for long (9 months) and I felt terrible the entire time but they actually enjoyed it there. They did not get all the extras I wnated for them and the environment was not very flash but they were well cared for and grew up to do very well at school. I would suggest that as Mother's we worry too much. Good luck and try to enjoy this precious time all we ever realy need is loving care.

Laura - posted on 06/06/2011

Well, depending on her age, I would probably look for a "good" home babysitter. You might even be lucky enough to find a person that has no one else at her home. I would not look in a newspaper - I would go to my church. If you are not affiliated with a church, then, at least ask at such places because sometimes there are individuals that are capable of taking care of 1 child only, would do a good job, but they are not advertising their services.

User - posted on 04/20/2011

I know how you feel. I am a Mom of a Preschooler and I am a Preschool Teacher. Luckily I have an awesome babysitter. In my own experience, I think that knowing what you know, you will make a very good choice of where your child will go to. However, the other side is knowing what you know no matter where your child goes to, you may find things you don't like plus things you love wherever your child goes to. The key is to trust your gut feelings, make educated choices and watch your child's reactions if she likes going to the daycare you choose. Good luck:)

User - posted on 04/20/2011

I know how you feel. I am a Mom of a Preschooler and I am a Preschool Teacher. Luckily I have an awesome babysitter. In my own experience, I think that knowing what you know, you will make a very good choice of where your child will go to. However, the other side is knowing what you know no matter where your child goes to, you may find things you don't like plus things you love wherever your child goes to. The key is to trust your gut feelings, make educated choices and watch your child's reactions if she likes going to the daycare you choose. Good luck:)

Carrie - posted on 04/20/2011

Our church based daycare programs are also unlicensed and many fall through the cracks of what minimal care & "education" should be provided.

Carrie - posted on 04/20/2011

I agree with Dara; keep looking and voice what your expectations are while interviewing with perspective daycares. Don't lower your expectations or desires for a daycare.
I believe that all states have a local resource & referral agency. You should try to find yours. I know that in Indiana, we have several voluntary certifications such as Better Baby Care, Paths to Quality (state wide rating system). Both of these offer training and mentoring to providers to improve the quality and increase the standards of care. I'm sure many states have similiar. If nothing else, they should be able to give you names of programs in your area that are providing care for the age and type of care desired.

Trish - posted on 04/20/2011

I did look at some church day cares and they were just crappy compared to what I know at the high end private day cares. In our state they are exempt from State Licensing laws because they are church based, they don't have teachers with degrees, they have completely outdated curriculums, some we would have to bring our own food! I asked one if they did baby sign language and she (the director) said "no, most people like their babies to TALK so we don't teach that" that was a totally uneducated comment and response for a so called director to make! In my area the church day cares are not up to par to the private ones. I'm glad you have a good one.

Colleen - posted on 04/13/2011

I work for a "church Daycare" and we have the best chidcare system in our city. we offer a faith-based curriculum from infants on up and our rates are pretty reasonable. you should look more into the church chilcare centers, you might surprised!

Trish - posted on 03/22/2011

Thanks, we did find an in home sitter that used to be a teacher and lives close to us. Today was her first day there and she is doing well!!! I am happy.

Dara - posted on 03/21/2011

Keep looking! I am a teacher but have decided to run a private day home in my home while my kids are young, and I do a lot of stuff with the kids I babysit that I would do as a teacher in school. If you find the right person, and communicate your expectations, you can feel satisfied about the care you are receiving. For myself, I have been very flexible with parents and changing the way I do things to the specific needs of the kids. There are good ones out there, but you really do have to look. I wish you the best of luck!