Question for Daycare Ladies who have no family nearby

romigu · July 2011

i'm visiting day cares and I am starting to realize that the sick policy is pretty strict. Unfortunately, we have zero family here and can't count on any friends in an emergency. Sad, I know, but we've only lived here for 3 years. Plus, everyone we know has a full time job as well. We live in Austin and DH's PT school is in San Marcos and I work in Round Rock for 7 shifts in a row and then I have 7 days off in a row. Theoretically, I really only need daycare for 10 days a month but I really can't compromise on those 10 days and take off work.

Can you help me brainstorm a backup plan? I would rather not get a full time nanny because it's so expensive. Are there nannies available for this kind of situation? Any other suggestions?

kiarox2002 · July 2011

You could look for a SAHM that is wanting to make some income. Taytee and I have an arrangement very similar to what you're describing and it works out great for both of us. Or you could look into some kind of nanny-share situation if you want something more structured.

There's also a daycare (rainbow something maybe?) that does drop in care for kids that are too sick for daycare.

mcurban · July 2011

There are sitter sites that you can join for an annual fee (care dot com, etc) and there are sitters on there who specify that they will care for sick littles.

You could join, find 5-6 sitters and be up front that you would only be calling them in case of emergency (i.e., very last minute).

romigu · July 2011

kiarox2002:
You could look for a SAHM that is wanting to make some income. Taytee and I have an arrangement very similar to what you're describing and it works out great for both of us. Or you could look into some kind of nanny-share situation if you want something more structured.
There's also a daycare (rainbow something maybe?) that does drop in care for kids that are too sick for daycare.

These are some awesome ideas! I googled that daycare. Its called the Rainbow Station...that is a great back up plan. I am considering more and more a nanny share. You guys might see a post on this in the future. Wink

jennynorene · July 2011

We use Mom's Best Friend nanny service. You can all them in a bind and they will send someone on very short notice. They are all background checked, experienced, etc. We have used them over the past four years for about a total of 8 weeks. We have had a few ladies we loved, many that are adequate but not great and probably only one that we didn't care for. College Nannies and Tutors also provides a similar service.