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Daycare searching tip from a coworker

uagirluagirl member
in Alabama Babies

A coworker's wife works for one of the larger daycares in town.  He asked her about waiting lists, tips for looking, etc.  She said to never call a daycare before I come by for a tour.  Calling gives them a chance to make sure everything is perfect, just showing up means you see typical day to day operations.  If they don't like it that you just showed up, you probably don't want your baby there.

Why didn't I think of that?

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m/c 05/2009
DD born 8/9/10
TTC #2 since 8/2012
CP 12/2012
dx MFI 10/2013
Surprise BFP 11/6/2013  EDD 7/19/2014
Beta #1 15 dpo HCG 355 Prog 30.9
Beta #2 22 dpo HCG 8147 Prog 18.8
Beta #3 29 dpo HCG 44580 Prog 29.8

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Re: Daycare searching tip from a coworker

  • aubie96aubie96 member

    this is VERY true.  And the one we are going with encourages you to just come whenever for a tour.  They never schedule them as they want you to see them "in action".

    You want to see what typically goes on so you can make your best decision based upon that.  If you called, they would go above and beyond and you would know it.

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  • kc0721kc0721 member
    I've definitely thought about that.  I'm planning to show up on Friday morning to one that I'm looking at and see how they deal with drop offs and getting the kids situated.  This situation is similar to  calling a restaurant and telling them that the health inspector is coming. 
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  • lwebsterlwebster

    as a previous daycare worker I can attest to the TRUTH in this...

     

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  • uagirluagirl member

    imagekc0721:
    I've definitely thought about that.  I'm planning to show up on Friday morning to one that I'm looking at and see how they deal with drop offs and getting the kids situated.  This situation is similar to  calling a restaurant and telling them that the health inspector is coming. 

     We're planning to do the same thing, but at pickup time.  Most state workers get off at 4:30, so we plan on showing up around 4:00.

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    BabyFruit Ticker

    m/c 05/2009
    DD born 8/9/10
    TTC #2 since 8/2012
    CP 12/2012
    dx MFI 10/2013
    Surprise BFP 11/6/2013  EDD 7/19/2014
    Beta #1 15 dpo HCG 355 Prog 30.9
    Beta #2 22 dpo HCG 8147 Prog 18.8
    Beta #3 29 dpo HCG 44580 Prog 29.8

    Report Reply
  • aubie96aubie96 member
    imageuagirl:

    imagekc0721:
    I've definitely thought about that.  I'm planning to show up on Friday morning to one that I'm looking at and see how they deal with drop offs and getting the kids situated.  This situation is similar to  calling a restaurant and telling them that the health inspector is coming. 

     We're planning to do the same thing, but at pickup time.  Most state workers get off at 4:30, so we plan on showing up around 4:00.

    that's what we did and it was great b/c we got the tour and then watched pick up, and we were able to see friends who's kids go there and talk to them more.  This actually reassured DH b/c he was like, if all our friends kids go here, then that's a good sign.

    I asked about other places too where other friends kids go.  One place that Amy is using just didn't work for us b/c of their schedule and it's out of DH's way.

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  • ricejlricejl member
    I've called 3 daycares so far and only 1 has told me to drop by whenever. That is the one we are leaning towards the most and we are already on the waiting list. The other one said that we need to call ahead so they can have one person to give us the tour and another to answer phones or if parents come in. Maybe we will just call when we are on our way.
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  • lisap_30lisap_30

    imagericejl:
    I've called 3 daycares so far and only 1 has told me to drop by whenever. That is the one we are leaning towards the most and we are already on the waiting list. The other one said that we need to call ahead so they can have one person to give us the tour and another to answer phones or if parents come in. Maybe we will just call when we are on our way.

    I would steer clear of anyplace that makes you call first.  I called several at first and asked them my list of questions.  When I asked about visiting, they all told us just to come whenever. 

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  • sdkrlmsdkrlm

    However... it is nice to call ahead so they are not busy and can take the time to show you around.

    I called ahead for our tours but then did some random drop bys with extra questions before making the final decision.

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