Community› The Bump Message Boards› Working Moms
Working Moms
New Discussion

Need to find first daycare - HELP!

firstinfamfirstinfam
in Working Moms

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I can't seem to find it so forgive any duplication. I'm expecting my first, but from a family of no-children or stay-at-home moms and the first of my friends to enter motherhood, and as a result struggling with how to go about finding "the right" daycare.

I've have been directed to a list of licensed providers through my county, but don't know when to look (25 weeks now) or, more importantly what to ask.

Any advice? (I'll beg if I have to!)

ALL advice is welcome! Thanks in advance!

Report Reply to Post

Re: Need to find first daycare - HELP!

  • madhatter2003madhatter2003

    I'd start now, in our areas places book up VERY VERY fast.

    Does your state have a site with inspection reports? I'd review those, and also ask coworkers, friends, your local boards, etc for referrals.

    Then start calling with the basics (assuming the places don't have websites)....cost, days per week, what they include, do they have openings, etc.

    Then make appointments to visit your top 3-5....there are great lists of questions around, I'll see if I can find some links but things like sick policies, food, curriculum, discipline, etc are all topics to ask about.

    Also, ask about staff ratios, qualifications, and turnover. Turnover can be high in daycares, but a good one will hold onto their good staff so a lower rate can be a good thing.

    My two PCOS miracles! Lilypie Kids Birthday tickersLilypie Kids Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • TColemanTColeman member
    imagemadhatter2003:

    I'd start now, in our areas places book up VERY VERY fast.

    Does your state have a site with inspection reports? I'd review those, and also ask coworkers, friends, your local boards, etc for referrals.

    Then start calling with the basics (assuming the places don't have websites)....cost, days per week, what they include, do they have openings, etc.

    Then make appointments to visit your top 3-5....there are great lists of questions around, I'll see if I can find some links but things like sick policies, food, curriculum, discipline, etc are all topics to ask about.

    Also, ask about staff ratios, qualifications, and turnover. Turnover can be high in daycares, but a good one will hold onto their good staff so a lower rate can be a good thing.

    Everything pp said, start looking now. Make some calls, I narrowed places down based on recommendations, the initial phone conversation and the results of their inspection reports. Many places were eliminated based on the inspection reports! When you go just look around and see how the kids are, how is the staff interacting, I asked if breast milk was ok, their hours, their late/fee policy, cost, CPR training, staff certifications, if they have a set schedule, if they are closed on holidays, do they have an open door policy, etc....My work schedule varies a lot so I plan to pop in on my LO as much as possible to check on her!

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • monicarosegamonicarosega

    Along with everything mentioned above, I would try to find a place with video cameras that allow you to watch your munchkin online.

    My son's daycare has it and it has given me such peace of mind. You can see what they are doing all day and that they are safe.  I am going to be so bummed next year when he is in pre-K and I can't check in on him anymore!

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Lilypie Pregnancy tickers Photobucket
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"