What are my child-care options?

katiesmile · December 2011

I'm a secondary school English teacher, and I'm not sure when I'm going back to work yet. I will DEFINITELY go back to work at some point, but what options do I have for childcare when baby is born? My parents live 2.5 hours away, and M/FIL live over 3 hours away... Our friends all work, so we don't have anyone who could look after baby.

Childcare is very expensive in our area, and I really don't want to have to put my baby into a dangerous environment (most childcare places round here have a bad reputation)

the_jackpot · December 2011

You will be able to find safe, reliable care for your child so don't stress to much. Does your county have an employee daycare program? I teach and our county has an incredible program that has the same calendar as teachers and it wonderfully staffed. Most states have a child care registry that you can go on and get a list of providers....you can check references and visit and narrow the list down. While the task may seem daunting, it is certainly something that can be tackled! Good luck with your pregnancy.

Monicagail1 · December 2011

Childcare options are very regional. Consider posting this question on your local board as well.

Are you friendly with any of your co-workers who are working moms? If so, ask them for recommendations. Also, you could consider in-home daycares, rather than daycare centers. They are usually cheaper and sometimes more flexible, although some people are turned off by a perception of less accountability. The last option would be a nanny, or nanny share, but I would guess that would be the most expensive option.

Emilia0101 · December 2011

I think like the PP said childcare can really vary based on location. I would try to connect with other mom's from work, local parenting groups, the hospital, etc. to find reliable local options. Although most family and friends wouldn't mind looking after a baby for you for a reasonable cost, most people aren't willing to give up their lives full time to watch a very outgoing toddler for a family member or friend. Good luck with your search.

jenn_darrin1515 · December 2011

hocus:

So you have 3 choices:

A center

An in home place

A nanny/nanny share

While every city has good and bad options, you are just going to have to find a good option that fits your budget. Ask around. There must be reasonable options in your area otherwise everyone would stay home.

this. and daycare is pretty expensive no matter where you live (altho obviously same areas are much more than others....I admit I had some sticker shock when we started looking (x's 2)...but we adjusted our budget and found a place we loved...you will too...if the centers in your area have a bad rap, starting looking around at inhomes - your state should have a listing of all the licensed ones in your area...start there and ask around...GL!

vigurl · December 2011

I am sure not ALL of the centers in your area are bad. I am a first time mom with no mom friends who recently moved to this state 2 yrs ago. I didn't know about any in home providers or centers when I got pregnant. I started with my states website and visited many. I was then able to make a list of things and did and did not like. From there I made my decision and adjust my budget to accommodate the center I wanted. Trust me pick a provider you like and you will figure out how to pay for it later....and I don't mean going into debt or selling everything you own. It's amazing how quickly you can find room in the budget to accommodate what is important to you.

soulwindy · December 2011

Childcare options are very regional. Consider posting this question on your local board as well.

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