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daycare recs within the loop?

eligraceyeligracey
in Houston Babies

Hi--

Anyone have daycare recommendations or anti-recommendations for full time center-based non-chain daycare that accepts 2 year olds, within the 610 loop? Ideally somewhere with a very good toddler/teacher ratio, because my son has quite a bit of separation anxiety and thrives in smaller settings. Places that have a good reputation, you've used, a friend has used, etc.

Thanks!

 (oh, to introduce myself I'm moving to Houston shortly to take a new job :) )

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Re: daycare recs within the loop?

  • newinhoustonnewinhouston member

    I can strongly recommend the Medical Center YMCA. 

    DD goes there. It is a place that is affiliated with a major organization - the YMCA. The director has worked there for over 25 years and most of the staff has also been with them for several year. The low turnover is a rarity for daycares.

    Although the Y is not-for-profit, they receive children from many different socio-economic backgrounds. 

    It is a great place if you are thinking long-term because not only do they offer full-time daycare, they also have an amazing after-school program and summer camp for older children. 

    I saw places that are much fancier - the toys, decor, etc. But this place is offers a lot: karate classes, theater, dance - many of them free.

    The best part are the teachers, who are very loving and truly care about children. 

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  • lilycatlilycat

    I can only personally speak of my and my husband's experiences at Creme de la Creme downtown. It has been great for us.

    We like most of the teachers and the director answers our needs. They realize the struggle of leaving your kids and offer some sensitive solutions.

    We really saw this with our second. For example, the baby caregivers tend to be there long term. We were allowed to request the same person who cared for our older son to take our second. This continuity is comforting for us. 

    Both sons have attached themselves to one or two caregivers during toddlerhood -- for our second, it isn't his teacher (although he likes her), but one of the floaters (who helps with multiple groups throughout the day). Our second son really likes her, hugs her, and follows her around. I am happy he has someone to bond with in the toddler room.

    In our case, they moved this floater from the baby room with the kids into the toddler room. (Or, maybe she works both areas.) It has helped the transition, at any rate.

    Our older son goes to pre-school at another school now, but the teachers are still very happy to see him. He will return for the summer. They are trying to help us again by placing him with his old friends (which will mean moving some people around). If they cannot, then they will be sure to keep him with his other returning friend. They are sensitive to our son's need for familiarity.

    As far as a daycare setting goes, they do a lot to keep the parents and the kids comfortable. Speak up, and things are fixed or addressed.

    They're good about working with separation anxiety (which rears its head in every child). (Although most good daycares must have a handle on these things.)

    ************************

    I have a friend who also uses the MedCenter YMCA and has been very happy there. 

    ************************

    Good luck with your search. It can be hard to leave them, but I know my boys loved Creme most days. My second is 16 mos. and he does very well at drop-off now. He is ready to leave with us at the end of the day, but he is happy to arrive each morning. 

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