Best place to look for a child care service?

shoebox4

Hi ladies,

 I need your advice since this is going to our first born and first time parenting! What are the website you recommend to look for a child care provider in our area (zip 19320)? We haven't decided yet if it's going to be a private home care, a nursery care or a weekday nanny. But I wanted to see what the options are and how much they would cost. Also, since we're only in our second trimester-when should we start seriously looking and locking down the sitter? I plan on staying at home for 10 weeks, and then sadly it's back to work.

 

Thanks for your help! 

Angela814

I just used google maps to search for daycare close to both my house and work and then started calling places. Also ask around at work if there are any other moms that may be using child care. I'd start looking now. Depending on where you live, some places may have wait lists.

jlw2505

If you have friends, family or co-workers with kids in child care, I would ask them first.  Open the phone book/do an online search.  Most counties have a list of licnesed centers you can get for free.  As far as when to start looking/reserve a space - it really varies from area to area so ask on your local board.  I know when I was looking for care, we started calling when I was about halfway to my due date and all the in-home places told me to call back a month before I needed care to see if they had space.  The 2 centers we seriously considered both told us to come back after the baby was born to put down a deposit.  We did that when my DD was 2 weeks old and had no issue.  I know some places do have waiting lists and you need to get on the list ASAP.