Looking on craigslist for childcare...

Starr_Mom

Before you jump me for doing this, please know that this makes me totally nervous too. I live in a newer area and there are only 3 daycare centers in the area, all of which are full with huge waiting lists. So I am looking into home care. There's a list on a referral website, but the majority of those providers don't work within the hours we need. I am bringing DH along to all of the interviews and asking a zillion questions and observing for at least 20 minutes or so. Has anyone else done this? How did you find your in-home childcare? I feel like I just really need some reassurance!

amiamish

My in home provider was a friend... my cousin's was by word of mouth. Maybe you can ask at the pedi office if they know of any. Or local churches..?

Good luck- it can be very scary.

hikerbeth

We found our nanny on craigslist and I have nothing but good things to say about her.

I did interview her for about an hour and a half (a half hour of real questions and an hour of just "getting to know her").

Trust your instincts.  Ask lots of questions.

Dougsgirl4ever

That is how I found my in-home & we LOVE her she has taught DD more than I think a regular daycare would be able to do.  You have to go into it the same as with the regular daycare asking the same questions looking at everything in the house to see if it is clean/safe etc.

alisonada

We found our in-home provider on craigslist, and she's been great. As long as you do all those things you said you'll be fine. See if you can run a background check and be sure to check their references.