Talk to me about Daycare Centers

wmarley

So I'm moving LO from an in-home daycare to a daycare center. Partly because I got a new job and partly because I had issues with his current DCP. I did a trial run the other day and he didn't nap while he was there (the first half of the day) which I suspected since he is used to a quieter environment. Will he ever adjust? I just picture him being miserable the whole time. Also, the ratio is 1 teacher per 4 kids which seems fine but there were 12 babies in there. Even though there are 3 teachers, it seems like chaos! How does he get attention or make friends with that many children? Does anyone have a good experience with a large daycare center? I'm just nervous and wondering if I'm making the wrong decision

wmarley

SailorTink said:

It feels chaotic but it just takes an adjustment! DD didn't sleep much the first month we started DC and now she's taking 1.5 hour naps twice a day. And she has a "best friend" in the group. They give the teachers a hard time, testing escape routes and moving things around the room.

12 babies is a lot of babies but that's why they have the ratio. I used to work in a center and the only times it gets overwhelming is the rare time your four babies have a synchronized poosplosion. Otherwise, they all get a groove and things run pretty smoothly.

Give it some time. You'll know if it's a good fit after a little adjustment period!

ETA: also keep in mind we are there are pretty busy times with drop off and pick up. When I go to get her early or if she is sick the room is much, much calmer.

Thanks, that's exactly what I was hoping to hear. So where you worked was each teacher in charge of 4 specific babies, or was it more of a zone defense where everyone just roams?

thesportsgal

When we visited for LOs "orientation", it was a ZOO.  I left in tears.  All the kids were crying at the same time and I was freaking out with the same questions in my head that you have.

I will say that I have NEVER seen it like that since (of course) and once your LO gets used to it, he will be great.  Like @sailortink said, we are now averaging about 2 hours of naps a day since she has gotten used to it.  I brought a sound machine (the same one we have at home) and they turn it on for her when she naps.  Now they also use it for the other kids too, which is great.  It was hard for me to wrap my head around the environment but I just kept telling myself that it's all in place for safety reasons.  Even though I'd love for her to nap in a dark, quiet room by herself, all of their rules are in place because it's what is safest for the babies.  So I'll take it.

I thought she would be miserable there too - how could she possibly have fun without me?    Turns out, she loves hanging out with the other babies, they do tons of activities and she loves her caregivers (smiles and starts laughing every morning at drop off).  They send me pictures of her throughout the day while she's painting and doing crafts and all sorts of fun stuff.

It's hard but both of you will get used to it and hopefully, maybe even enjoy it. 

ETA The one thing I really like about our center is that they do whatever I ask (as long as it's in line with safety rules).  I don't have to explain myself at all.  If I say "I'd like for her to try and get a longer nap in the afternoon" or "Can you try to feed her at these certain times" then I have confidence that they are trying to do what I ask as best as they can.  Sometimes that can be a good thing about a center vs a family member.

wmarley

This is such a relief that you all had the same thoughts at first! I should ask if I can bring his music machine, that's a great idea. They said they don't allow blankets in the crib but I'm going to see if they'll give him his giraffe lovey thing.

thesportsgal

wmarley said:

This is such a relief that you all had the same thoughts at first! I should ask if I can bring his music machine, that's a great idea. They said they don't allow blankets in the crib but I'm going to see if they'll give him his giraffe lovey thing.

Ours doesn't allow blankets either but they can have a lovey.  And a lot of the kids sleep in sleep sacks. 

ETA Scratch that...I'm not positive if they can yet.