The Perfect Day-care for our children - where, how, how much?

Vanya - posted on 09/29/2010

Carin,
Thanks for the reply! I addressed all the issues with the director (via email because I couldn't reach her on the phone) but received no reply. Then over the phone I discussed it with the assistant director and it seemed like the teachers took notice. However, I wrote on a few places he shouldn't have juice and after I made a point that twice I picked him up and he drank the whole cup of water because he was so thirsty, the teachers gave him 2 cups of juice the next day. Thank God he doesn't have allergies because it doesn't appear they read the papers we take half hour to write before the kids start their first day at the facility.
All in all, very negative experience and my husband and I can't wait to try the new place this coming Monday.
My son is not yet 2 so he cannot really express his likes and dislikes with words. He loves the kids though!

Jen - posted on 09/29/2010

I had to find a new care provider for our daughter this year. It just took a lot of hours of research, networking with local moms, and checking out every lead that looked like it might be a good fit for our family. I looked at the state's web site for licensed providers, which lists any of the visits and results of visits (violations of safety or cleanliness). I called a few stay-at-home moms that are unlicensed but came recommended by teachers (I'm an educator). I called and talked to the directors/owners/caregivers, spoke to references, and toured several promising places (both in-home daycares and centers). We settled on one close to our home that's a larger center. I never had thought of someplace like that initially, but it turns out to be what's working out for us. Ultimately, your choice will depend on a lot of factors that are specific to your child and family.

Carin - posted on 09/29/2010

Vanya,
I live in CA so I doubt my center's info is relevent to you. But, I do believe I found the perfect place for my daughter and me. She attends 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. When she gets there she is all smiles for the teachers and can't wait to go play with everyone. When I come to pick her up she is smiling and reaches for me. She is always clean and well fed. The staff are very willing accomadate any request I make regarding her feeding, nappping, and anything else. The teachers know her normal behavior and let me know if anything is out of the ordinary.
Have you tried asking your son what he likes and does not like about his daycare center? You don't mention it, but I assume you discussed your concerns with the staff and did not see appropriate action taken. You could also talk to other parents who take their children to the center your son attends. If they have "back to school night" -- as my daughter's does -- you might want to attend. You could ask some parents if their children have had some of the same experiences. They might be willing to tell you how they and the staff handled it.
But, all in all; if your son is unhappy, or you're unhappy, or the stafff is not willing to work with you-- it's time to move on.