hello ladies- new to board

melissarad · July 2009

hi ladies- this is my very first post to the board. I would really appreciate any info about any childcare in the camp hill/harrisburg area. I would like to keep working after the baby arrives, for a bit, just to have a little more of a cushion in these unpredictable economic times, but cannot believe that some of these daycares charge over $200.00/week to watch an infant??????? When I supply the diapers, etc and I am going to be the only food source. Are the costs directly proportionate to the care that your baby will receive, or is there some other way, like a sitter watching the baby in their home and who do you know who to trust???? sorry so long, 37 1/2 weeks and way too many hormones and pain! thanks so much for your time!

rlthomas7 · July 2009

First, welcome! Can you provide some more details so that maybe we can help you better? You said Camp Hill/Harrisburg but that is a pretty big area. Most of us who searched for childcare did pretty specific searches and we can help you if we have a better idea what you're looking for. $200 a week is actually pretty standard for full-time at a center, though, so are you looking for an in-home provider? Where in Camp Hill or Harrisburg? For example, my search was for centers in the Mechanicsburg/Camp Hill area with easy access to Rt. 15. I chose Children's Family Center in Mechanicsburg, which is part of Messiah Village. I pay more per day because I do part time, but it's $40 a day.

Also, I see you said 37.5 weeks, so many centers might be full by the time you need to use them. So you really might only have in-homes as an option. I hope that doesn't scare you, but I wanted you to be prepared, since they do fill up very quickly. When I was looking, which was VERY early since I needed part-time, one center said they had a waiting list of over a year. When I helpfully pointed out that those babies hadn't been conceived yet, they said that was right. Scary.

But good luck! Hopefully you'll get some great suggestions!

Megan.10.06 · July 2009

I don't have any advice regarding childcare, but wanted to say Welcome!

psuash7 · July 2009

I actually found my sitter from Craigslist. She actually is a recently certified foster parent through my agency (so I feel very comfortable with her and she used to work at a local "child learning center") and is only 2 blocks form my office (in Mechanicsburg, right off of RT 15)!! I suggest looking on Craigslist and Pennlive for an out of home childcare provider if that's the route you want to go. Most out of home providers charge bewteen $100 to $150 a week. Although, beware as there are some good and some not so good ones out there, make sure you ask for clearances (Childline, State Police, and FBI (if possible) and get a good feel when you visit them. Also, ask to see reference letters. GL!!.