For moms who have put their kids in day care... or not...

... In Jan. 2011, hopefully, I'll be doing full time study in the form of clinicals *crosses fingers crosses fingers*. My eldest daughter will be 5 and in preschool, my youngest will be almost 3. I'll have to put my youngest in day care. That's hard for me, I always wanted to remain a stay at home mom but I can't put my studies on hold any longer - I really need to carpe diem. I love my girls so much and I'm thankful for the time I've had and the next year and a half... but I'm reallllllllly looking forward to tangibly working toward my career.

So anyway... what is day care like? What times do they typically open? What do I look for... what do I DO to find a good day care? What questions should I ask and how early should I go in to see them and get a slot?

It all depends. I've been a working mom for about 3 years. I have had my kids in about 6 different daycares during that time, only 2 of them were for an extended time. (granted some were for only like a week) I would say go with your gut on this one.

What is daycare like? Different for different types of daycare. Centers are usually very structured with some sort of curriculum and several "teachers", they usually cost more. Home daycares vary widely. I, personally like home daycares better because they are more flexible with payment, start and end times, and it's more like a home setting.

What time do they open? You can find daycares that open at all times. Even overnight daycare. My daycare's hours are 6:30 to 6:00, but I think in general they don't usually open quite that early.

Where do you find one? Here in Washington state they have the child care action council that will provide you with a list of licensed day-cares that meet your criteria. Try to find a government program like that.

How early should you start looking? at least 3-4 months, if you can.

What questions should I ask? Anything and everything. Be sure they are licensed. Check with the licensing agency to see if they've had any complaints or reports filed. Be sure you feel 100% comfortable with everything. One thing that I like to look for is if it has very much structure. If my kids don't follow a routine everyday they come home cranky. Also one of my pet peeves is what they feed the kids. I was at one daycare that they fed my kids doughnuts, capri-sun, cookies and just general crap food all the time. It only lasted a week before I yanked them outta there. After you've chosen one and your kids have been there a week or so talk to your kids about it. What was it like? Do they like it? What happens when one of the kids get in trouble? What did you have for lunch today? Did you play outside or watch t.v. all day? (of course not all at once otherwise they will feel like they are getting interrogated)

Good luck. I hope my advice helps.

Aside from all the useful things amanda mentioned:

There are private home daycares and private center daycares

Centers might be less expensive, but the child will receive less individualized care. Whileas home-run centers are done by a mother just like you, who may or may not give individualized care. You'll have to interview them.

The basic idea is that daycares, when not abusing children or being unlicensed, are pretty good. Statistics say that daycares give about the same attention or more to babies as their mothers will.

The best thing you can do is thoroughly interview and spend time at the place as you can. They might be annoyed at some point, but it's for the best.

My mother ran a home daycare center for about 20 years. The basic facts that you need to accept are that these people aren't mothers, they're caregivers. They can never give to your child what you can, all they can do is keep them safe and moderate their interactions.

Likely, your child will benefit from the wide interactions offered at nearly any daycare. The only thing to avoid is probably a daycare with only your baby.

In any case, good luck, and make sure to make use of Google.

1. Make sure that each and every person who is coming into contact with you child is certified through the state/county to be a child care provider and is currently certified in first aid, INFANT and CHILD CPR and knows where the closest hospital/fire department/police station is
2. Make sure that every person who works there has a criminal background check available for the parents to see. If it is an inhome day care then make sure that everyone, including the spouse/roomie/children of the provider has a BG check and they aren't on a sexual offender list.
3. See if there are video cameras in the rooms, and inspect the rooms yourself. If anyone gives you any grief over it, then that isn't the place for your child.
4. The child- provider ratio should be stated in the contract, and ask what there procedures are if they go over the ratio.
5. If they are a nationally accredited child care center/provider they will be more expensive, but they will be the best trained providers.
6. When you do choose the provider/center you want to use, drop by unannounced and just observe your child in the environment. It may be the best center that money can pay for, but your child might HATE IT!
7. Find out what day's they are closed, and if they will comp you for those days. Also, if they are closed and you need child care see if they have a list of recommended back up providers. It's always a good idea to have one or two back up providers lined up, just in case.
8. Find out what there policies are on fighting/hiting/biting.  Kids are going to get bumps, scratches and smacks in daycare. There is no way around it. Its either self inflicted or the poor darlings get a smack over a toy or something like that. ( I saw my 14 month old son straight push a little boy down and take his toy. I was shocked, but also laughing at the same time because little guy tripped over his own feet and bopped his chin on the very toy he took!)

Thankfully I use the Child Development Center on base, and Ethan LOVES going to "cool" (school). Kids will pick up on the parent's "vibe" so if you approach this with excitement your child probably will too.  

I work at a summer camp/ day care. We are in the process of getting licensed. Our program is M-F 830- 1. You choose the days your child will be there and pay for those days.

They usually have early/ after - care if needed. (Usually starting at 7 am and ending at 630 pm) I would start looking now. Depending on the program they may have spots reserved already. Especially since your starting in Jan. as opposed to August (when public school starts.)

My advice:

• Start looking early.
• Check to see if they are state certified. (some church programs are not)
• Meet with the director and your child's teacher.
• Ask if you can bring your child in early (maybe October) for a trial day to see how the program is run and if she likes it.
• If you know of any discipline problems be sure to let your child's teacher know. Especially if they will respond better to time out vs. having a toy be taken away.

• Ask people at your job where their children are going for daycare. Find out what they like (or don't like).

• Ask them their procedures for feeding chidlren (lunch or snacks), times, etc. Some places are not allowed to heat up food for your kids, so be aware of that if you pack them a lunch.
• Also, make the director/ teachers aware of what you expect your child to accomplish. Most are more than willing to help. For example, "I'm hoping that Susie will be able to tie her shoes/ be potty-trained/ be able to read by the end of the school year." It lets the teacher know what goals to help your child to work towards.

Good luck!