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Name: Steph
[ Original Post ]
I am looking for a job. My husband don't like the idea of our toddler to go to daycare because he's been with me every day since he was born. I want to know about it. I need advice!!
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Name: Raina | Date: Feb 2nd, 2006 4:13 PM
Hi Steph. My 4 year old is in daycare and has been going full time since she was 2-1/2. Like most parents, we were full of anxiety about it at first, but felt more at ease once we fully researched the daycare she's in. Here are some suggestions that might help you and your husband feel more at ease.

We only looked into daycare programs that were referred to us by other parents, so you may want to start by asking friends in your area.

Interview the daycare administer and be sure you are comfortable with the staff, including the requirements needed to work there. Also the ratio of staff to children for you child's age group.

Check with BBB or local authorities to find out if there have been any reports against the daycare.

Tour the daycare during working hours to see how staff interacts with kids, the cleanliness of the facility, where the kids nap, etc.

Ask what a typical day looks like in terms of activities, nap time, outside play, snack time, lunch, etc., and decide if their program is what you would like for you child.

Ask about the meals and snacks, and if you're not comfortable with the types of food they serve, find out if you can pack your own lunch and snacks. You will likely get a reduced rate if you send your own lunches and snacks.

Find out what disciplinary actions they take with the kids - you don't want any surprises here.

Perhaps other moms on this forum will have more suggestions on questions to ask. The more information you have from potential daycare providers the better you will feel about whichever decision you choose to make.

I hope this helps! 

Name: Steph | Date: Feb 2nd, 2006 6:02 PM
thank you 

Name: holomatic | Date: Feb 2nd, 2006 9:16 PM
would you consider working nights?? (evenings) 

Name: Angie | Date: Feb 5th, 2006 3:53 AM
Raina has some EXCELLENT advice. I also wanted to add my own advice. DO all of the things that Raina suggests, but also pay attention to your child. He will let you know if he is not happy there. It usually takes 1week for transition period and for your son to become adjusted to the new enviroment. But if your son doesn't seem happy going into 3-4 weeks, maybe try a different center. Once I found the right center, my son is happy. (I only went through 2 centers before finding the right one. Yes, the deposits are expensive, but I couldn't put a price on my son's well being and happiness) Dropping him off doesn't always go well everyday, he is 2 after all, but most days he is fine and he is never crying when I pick him up. He is always playing and seems happy. He has made some friends, and it is too cute to see him wave and say "bye friends!" There are pluses for daycare as well as negatives as always, but some of the pluses I think are - 1) most children go to some type of daycare center now days. If I stayed home with my son, would he be behind the other children socially and academically? 2) All the wonderful art projects that my son brings home! What a treasure! 3) What a surprise it was to hear my son counting to 10 and spouting off his colors when he was coloring. I am not saying that I would teach him these things if I were home with him, but it just shows me that the school is working with the kids and everything. One of the negatives, is if your child hasn't really been exposed too much to other kids, your child will become sick quite a bit. Better to get that over with now, because otherwise they will get sick quite a bit when they hit kindergartin and is around all the germies for the first time. 

Name: Agnes | Date: Feb 5th, 2006 4:48 AM
Ask your local daycare regulating agency for a list of home daycares. It's easier to send a child to someone's home where there are only a couple of kids. It feels more homey. It's good for your child to get out and be around other kids before they start kindergarten. 

Name: bev | Date: Feb 11th, 2006 11:29 AM
I was raised by a stay home mom- yet my children have been in daycare since they were a month old. I truly believe there is postives and negatives in both situations. I had a hard time starting school because i was never around other kids and i didnt know how to interract with other children. I was sheltered in a way because I did not know life outside of my home...but at the same time i had the security of knowing my mom was always there to take care of me and that my dad was always taking care of us. However, my children, they are very outgoing, but I had a wonderful babysitter. I wouldnt suggest commercial daycares at that age because the turn around of workers is so great and most of the workers dont even want to work there- its just a job for them...an in home daycare is what i would suggest. The lady that babysat for me was wonderful- she had 6 children from all ethnic groups, she had exercise class, she had a little library where the kids could check out books , just like a real school, they had music lessons, and she taught them a bible verse each day. I was very blessed to have her- she truly loved children and thats what you want for your child if you do need to put her in childcare. 


Name: Melissa | Date: Feb 12th, 2006 2:45 PM
hello, steph, me and my husband had that same problem, and i found a job that was able to work around his schedule, so when i work hes with the kids, and when he works, im with the kids, so we never have to find a sitter. so hopefully you can find a great job like that. 

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