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becki777
member
Caleb is 3!
101 in 1001
Let's talk daycare
becki777
member
I'm almost definitely going back to work full time starting in a few weeks. I'm starting to research childcare options and I'm already overwhelmed! I need part-time care (about 30 hours) and a very flexible schedule.
How did you find daycare?
Do you use a center/home daycare/SAHM?
How much do you pay? Is there a daily rate vs a weekly rate?
Can you drop your LO off at different times/miss days?
What else should I consider?!
Caleb is 3!
101 in 1001 This discussion has been closed.
Re: Let's talk daycare
When I was working days and DH worked afternoons/nights, we had an in-home provider. It was difficult to find a center that was flexible for us. We paid our provider for 30 hrs a week, and I posted my work schedule on google calendars each week (a week in advance) for her scheduling. We had a system where she could accrue 'paid vacation' if we went over our 30 hrs a week--instead of paying her extra.
We found her on TriangleMommies--she was a SAHM.
I'm not much help because we put all of our eggs in one basket, and only got on the wait list at the on site center at DH's work. We didn't really look at any others. Luckily, it worked out for us.
I will say, from what I've heard from a few friends, that if you need a flexible schedule, you might have a hard time finding a center. Typically there is a structured schedule, so they probably wouldn't allow drop-offs outside of the normal drop-off time (on a regular basis), as that would interrupt snack/music/circle time, etc. for the rest of the group. Also, you'll likely have to pay the same per week, no matter if he's there one day or five. Many centers that do offer part time schedules require that it be the same days/times each week.
Like I said, I'm no expert, but I have had friends in similar situations, so I thought I'd chime in. You might want to concentrate your search on in home dcp's, or a SAHM, etc for the most flexibility.
GL!
I use a home daycare and have always done so. We are by our third daycare provider and we are very happy. our daycare is near 540 and leesville. She doesn't currently have any spots will be available once we leave in March. When I started my search I used this website. you can specify the area and type of facility. this only shows home daycare's that are licensed. send me an email if you want more info. nataliasanc at gmail dot com. (I don't have access to facebook at work
) GL
ETA: we pay 175 a week and she has a part time option but if you are working 30+ it is better to just pay the full time price.
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I went to DHHS's site and looked there. We have Wesley in a 4 star home daycare. I pay $120 per week. I think she has a part-time rate also, but I'm not positive, since I work FT.
I work M-Th from 7am-5pm and F from 7-11am. I can drop him off at different times, but I almost always let her know ahead of time if it's going to be a different time than normal, and the same with picking him up. Sometimes I have to work late on Fridays, and I just let her know a day or so in advance - she's REALLY flexible. We've also missed days, but I call her that morning to let her know he's not going to be in (mostly because he's been sick).
Sick policy, what days they are closed (holidays, etc), if you use an in-home is there a backup caregiver or do you have to find someone else to watch your child, late fees (for picking child up later than scheduled - mine rocks and doesn't charge even though she could according to the contract)
I'm not sure how much this would help you but I'll tell you my situation. We originally had an in-home daycare lined up. We only needed part-time but we had to have the days set in stone because she was going to try and fill the other days. And had to do drop-off at about the same time everyday due to the scheduling of the other kids, field trips, etc. We were paying per the day. Five days before we were supposed to start, she tells me she doesn't have enough kids and had to go back to working in a center.
So now, we are in a center. We do part-time and can bring DS up to 30 hours a week, any time of the day, any day of the week. Sometimes he goes 4 hours a week and sometimes he goes 30 hours a week. It works out great for us right now because of the flexibility we have. But, its the daycare that's for the hospital I work at. Good luck in your search; I know how stressful it is!
How did you find daycare? I used the state website to find a center, then looked by location, read reviews, checked complaints and sanitation with the state, then toured and got a feel for everything.
Do you use a center/home daycare/SAHM? We use a center that we LOVE
How much do you pay? Is there a daily rate vs a weekly rate? We pay $235 a week for full time, but our center is flexible so if we ever need to drop down to part time, they just charge by the day.
Can you drop your LO off at different times/miss days? Yes. If he is being dropped off after 10am, they ask that I let them know so they don't get him a morning snack and can plan accordingly - same with not being there a day. Since he is full time, I pay for the week and if he misses a day, I still pay. But when he goes down to part time I think it goes strictly on a days he is there basis.
What else should I consider?! What we looked for was small ratios (there are 4 - 7 kids on any give day b/c of part time, but still most places have the toddler rooms packed with 12), the education and curriculum they use, the facilities and location, and the teachers. There were some perks like webcams and speech therapy on site, but we just got a good feeling when we went there.
How did you find daycare? craigslist
Do you use a center/home daycare/SAHM? SAHM
How much do you pay? $200/wk
Is there a daily rate vs a weekly rate? No
Can you drop your LO off at different times/miss days? I am sure we could have worked something out if it was a regular thing.
From my experience, 30hrs/wk vs. 40hrs/wk - it is the same cost.
How did you find daycare? I actually found C's daycare by looking in the phonebook but it was also highly recommended after we heard about it.
Do you use a center/home daycare/SAHM? A fabulous center. We LOVE it!!
How much do you pay? $135 a week, but it's the hospital run daycare so their prices are very reasonable for hospital employees. They only take outside kids if they have a spot. Also, they provide everything except for diapers (and formula I think). Is there a daily rate vs a weekly rate? No, but the rate is reasonable enough as it is.
Can you drop your LO off at different times/miss days? I LOVE the flexibility of his center. They are so flexible because they are the hospital run daycare. I can drop him off as late as I like and pick him up as early as I like. If DH or I decide to keep him home one day we just call and let them know he won't be there. We pay for any time he misses but we do get 2 vacation weeks a year that we don't have to pay for and can use them anytime within the year that we want.
What else should I consider?! What will you need to provide vs. what they provide. Health/Quality of the meals and snacks. Sick policy. Vacation policy. Incliment weather policy. If it is an at home center, you will need to know their vacation schedule/sick policy, etc and what you will and will not have to pay for.
Check out these sites if you want to know details, ratings, etc.
https://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/general/home.asp
https://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us/search.asp?lang=English
Becky what days are you working? I am home M-Th if you ever need a back up. Not sure that I'm convenient for you, but in case of emergency if something ever came up, I'd love to help you out.
I was fortunate enough to work out a weekend schedule where DH and I would be the primary care givers. We have a few friends that could baby sit for us if we ever needed a night out or something.