Ideas to help with daycare search

scmichael

My husband and I are expecting our first child this fall and I am planning to return to work in January. At that time we will need a daycare provider for our 3 month old. I have spent some time searching online for area daycares (Buffalo Grove) but I don't feel as though I'm getting anywhere with my research! It seems as though most parents find childcare through word of mouth but sadly we don't know any parents in our area to ask for referrals. I'm open to both child care centers and in home daycares. I was hoping a parent who has been in my shoes or a daycare provider might have some advice for locating a good daycare in the area.

berh2001

Try care.com. My niece nanny's for a couple families and she found all her jobs thru that website.

MamaDaraChicago

If you need help finding childcare, feel free to contact me at dara@sharpmamas.com. I've been down this road a few times and am happy to talk with you! Its such an intimidating process! 

CateOfChicago

Try sittercity.com

cecilia1898

Most of my co-workers and neighbors used nannies (which I couldn't afford) so I did a google search for daycares in the various areas I was interested in and tried to do as much research on them (there was very little available).  Eventually I just started to call around and make appointments to visit the facilities on a day off.  I would recommend not visiting while nap time is happening- it does not give you a good sense of what the facility is like during regular hours.