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Best way to research Daycare?

lach1137lach1137 member
in Boston Babies

We will be needing daycare for when I go back to work this fall / winter. I have tried searching for places online, or research any that I drive by on my way to work...but there must be a better way.

 How do/did you research the best daycare? We dont have any family or friends with children in daycare near us so we can't ask for recommendations.

 The other issue is that we live on the South Shore (Abington / Whitman / Rockland) and both work in the city (I drive, DH takes train). I would likely do the dropping off (I leave later), and DH would pick up (he gets home earlier).

 Any suggestions on ways to research, or actual day care centers that are reputable?

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Re: Best way to research Daycare?

  • shesweenshesween

    We're looking too and it's our first baby. There really aren't too many places to get online reviews of centers and I don't always take a Google review to heart. No family and friends really near our house to get referrals either. I found this state site that provides lists of licensed daycare centers or individuals, no reviews unfortunately but it does list all their stats. We're sticking with center based daycare, no home daycare. I have come up with an initial list of about 5 between our town and the town next to us which is the way my DH and I both commute each day. I have a feeling it's going to be one of those gut feelings. Plus we plan on calling all the references the centers provide to us. We have our list of questions ready to ask them. Setting up appointments for the end of the month.

     https://www.eec.state.ma.us/ChildCareSearch/EarlyEduMap.aspx

    Maybe another bumpee will have more suggestions. I'm happy to hear more ideas. But that's what I have started with so far. Good luck!

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  • sarabostonsaraboston
    Honestly, Metrodaycare.com really helped me. You can search for home DC, centers, or both. It only gives you location and contact info, but it's a good way to start. Once you know places that are in a good location, you can look for websites, or call and ask the main questions (availability and price for me) and schedule an interview.
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  • bayraesmamabayraesmama member
    imageshesween:

    We're looking too and it's our first baby. There really aren't too many places to get online reviews of centers and I don't always take a Google review to heart. No family and friends really near our house to get referrals either. I found this state site that provides lists of licensed daycare centers or individuals, no reviews unfortunately but it does list all their stats. We're sticking with center based daycare, no home daycare. I have come up with an initial list of about 5 between our town and the town next to us which is the way my DH and I both commute each day. I have a feeling it's going to be one of those gut feelings. Plus we plan on calling all the references the centers provide to us. We have our list of questions ready to ask them. Setting up appointments for the end of the month.

     https://www.eec.state.ma.us/ChildCareSearch/EarlyEduMap.aspx

    Maybe another bumpee will have more suggestions. I'm happy to hear more ideas. But that's what I have started with so far. Good luck!

    I find the daycare search to be a horrible process.   My daughter is 2.5 and is in her 3rd home daycare because we have moved so much.  With home daycares you can find them using websites like the above and basically have to cold call them to ask about hours, availability, price, what they provide, etc.  The centers are more straightforward with most of the info on the website but also tend to be more expensive. 

    It really comes down to the gut feeling, and am I going to be able to work with this person and trust them?  Things that speak loudly to me are how long you take to get back to me, and how do the kids in the daycare seem.  Are they happy?

    Best of luck, I am sure you will find the place that works for your LO, and you!

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  • RichBeck11RichBeck11

    Congrats to all the new moms and moms-to-be! My name is Becky and I am a Director at Next Generation Children's Centers of Walpole. I would love to speak with you in detail about your family's personal needs for child care and all the great things Next Generation has to offer your family.

    We are proud to be a local, family-owned business made of up professional educators who are passionate about our work with children. I encourage you to visit our website at www.NGCCenters.com to learn more about our curriculum-based programs and ten locations in Massachusetts. Please feel free to contact me directly via email at dtrwalpole@ngccenters.com or by phone at 508-505-2018. 

    I look forward to learning more about your family! 

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