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in home child care search help

flamencogalflamencogal
in D.C. Area Babies

Hi ladies,

I am embarking upon finding child care for DS2.  I am using the MD child care website search feature to find people to contact. I am feeling overwhelmed and uneasy about this process.  We are living in Potomac and DH's work is in Rockville.

For DS1 we went with a center b/c we feel more comfortable with that set up.  But there is NO WAY we can afford a center here (we just moved here from NC)--the prices are insane!!

So those who have done this, what should I be doing/asking?  I'm calling around to get prices and if they would have an infant spot available.  From there, I'm just judging people on how they sound on the phone and setting up times to meet with those that are affordable, sound nice, and have a spot.  We know no one in the area for referrals.  One person at my husband's job gave us a referral but of course she is full in the fall (we are looking for something in August/Sept).

I just feel like I'm winging it and I don't know what I need to be asking an in-home provider.  Suggestions for questions?  One issue that isn't an issue with a center is if the provider is sick so I'll ask about that.  Others?

 I'd appreciate any guidance!

 

Kim

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Re: in home child care search help

  • vtkgirl77vtkgirl77

    I called places from that MD site and I felt sort of weird about it because I didn't know anything about these places. So, one other resource is to check the message boards at https://www.dcurbanmom.com/. That's where I got a referral for the in-home provider I now use who is wonderful. You can search their message boards for old posts and hopefully use that information to find options as well.

    Also, I'm PMing you with info on a center-based daycare I used in Rockville.

     

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  • ArtslvrArtslvr

    You're doing what we did.  Find the providers in the area you want, look up violations, call them, set up appointments.  I don't think that's "winging it" I think that's careful research!  Smile

    You're doing the right thing.  It's time consuming, but of course worth it in the end when you find a place you love.  It's extremely difficult to find recommendations, because the other moms I knew/know have daycare in a different area than I was looking.

    ETA:  I am also wary of referrals anyway - what you may love about a certain provider may be the same thing someone else despises about that provider.  Finding the daycare you want is so personal.  So even if you had a slew of referrals, I'd say you'd still want to do your own research - KWIM?

    Wife, Musician, Fed, WW-er, and Mom of three little kids - not necessarily in that order.
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