Day Care (I guess it's long)

annasi83

A previous post made me think to ask this.  My DH and I are really struggling with what to do about daycare, so maybe you all will think of something we haven't.

I am a cop, and I work 12 hour shifts.  It's either 6am-6pm, or 6pm-6am.  Either shift, I have to leave by 5 to get there on time.  The one good thing is that I only have to work 3 or 4 days a week, (it alternates).  This includes one day of the weekend.

My DH is a Golf Course Superintendant.  He needs to leave for work by 5 at the latest, and we never know what time he is coming home.  Especially not in the summers.  It varies from 3:30pm to as late as 8pm.

As far as I can tell, the best option, at least economically, is for me to work the midnight shift and have someone come to the house at 4:30 in the morning so DH can get to work.  When I come home by about 6:30am, I will go to sleep for a few hours, and they can leave sometime midday.  This part seems like it will work out.

The big debacle is in the afternoon.  If DH isn't home yet, I will need to have someone come back to the house at 4:30 or 5 and stay until he gets home. 

If anyone has any ideas, I would LOVE to hear them.  I am able to choose either shift, but DH is not flexible at all.  There are NO day cares open as early or as late as we would need them. Trust me, I checked everywhere.

 I appreciate your help!

Shandie_725

What about asking a family member who lives nearby as that afternoon person, if needed?

SoldiersGreenBean

You could also do the day shift and hire a nanny.  That actually seems more reasonable to me than the night shift and having to have someone come back in the afternoon.

mysticporter

Do you have any options as far as an in-home provider that might have more flexibility on times?  My first thought would be you work days, and either you or DH drop the baby off on the way to work (still early, obviously, like 5:30 am) and whichever one of you gets off first picks the baby up on the way home (latest would be 6:30 or so, when you got off?).  It still might be a struggle to find someone who can do those hours, but for someone who works out of their home (or yours as a nanny) it would probably be easier to find someone who would agree to a single potentially longer shift rather than a 4:30-midday shift and a possible hour or two in the late afternoon (sort of like people who work 4 10's as a shift).  Plus, then you and DH might get more time together, as well.

r&s12*1*2007

If NoVa's Northern Virginia, and you're somewhat close to DC, https://capitolhillchildcare.com/ is a 24/7 daycare that was created specifically for parents with unusual working hours. 

Otherwise, I would look into Nanny Poppinz or Sitter City and try to find a college or high school student for the afternoons who could be flexible about DH's varying arrival times. 

annasi83

thank you, these responses are great. 

I do have a sister in the area who would most likely be willing to help, but I am not sure how regularly.

 

annasi83

r&s12*1*2007:

If NoVa's Northern Virginia, and you're somewhat close to DC, https://capitolhillchildcare.com/ is a 24/7 daycare that was created specifically for parents with unusual working hours. 

Otherwise, I would look into Nanny Poppinz or Sitter City and try to find a college or high school student for the afternoons who could be flexible about DH's varying arrival times. 

Yes NoVa DOES equal Northern Virginia!

I think I am in love with you!!! I can't believe with all of my searching I didn't find this. 

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

 

r&s12*1*2007

Ha ha, you're welcome! I didn't find it looking online either. DH walked by it the other day and was like, "Hey, why haven't you mentioned this place it all? It looks perfect!" I hope it works out for you!

rissa06

SoldiersGreenBean:

You could also do the day shift and hire a nanny.  That actually seems more reasonable to me than the night shift and having to have someone come back in the afternoon.

I agree . . it might be easier for you to work the day shift and hire a nanny or au pair to watch your little one. .  i think it going to be hard to find someone who is going to start working at 4:30 am . . and also have to find someone to come back if needed . . i would also think that DH's hours changing that it is probably at the last minute .  how would you find someone?  you would need to keep someone on call . .

MrsBalletStar05

Your schedule sounds exactly like my DH's (he works at the jail) 6-6, 3 or 4 days a week. 

 

My best suggestion is to have you work during the day, if that's possible.  It would be best to have both parents on the same sort of schedule.  I would definitely check into the one daycare that was suggested.  Also, google Department of Human Services for your state.  Find the site and there should be an area to search for all licensed daycares.  You can even filter results by when they are open, and maybe that will give you more options.  Home daycares will be listed as well.  The only problem I see you possibly encountering is I *think* daycares may only be allowed to watch your child no more than 10 hours a day, but be sure to ask.  I may be wrong and if you're not working 5 days a week, that may factor in as well.  Maybe it's just 50 hours a week or something. If they can't watch DC longer than 10 hours at a time, that would be the time to get a nanny/babysitter to pick him/her up a couple hours before one of you gets off to watch them.  That should only be 3 or 4 days week with your schedule.  If DH is off on the weekends, he can watch DC that day you have to work.  If not, some daycares are open and if not, the nanny-babysitter would have to watch him/her that day as well. 

Or forget that whole plan and just find a nanny   That can be expensive, but maybe if you find the right person it could work.  

gmugrad9

I would definately do the day shift and consider having a nanny.  It seems like a better option.  Also there might be some at home places that will aloow early drop off.