Community› The Bump Local Boards› Minnesota Babies
Minnesota Babies
New Discussion

When to begin the daycare search?

tilly12tilly12
in Minnesota Babies

Hello-

I'm new to the bump since we only recently found out we are exptecting #1: Dr. confirmed today!!!  We both work full time, and although I will take a few months off, I plan to return to work full time.  We've not fully explored home vs. center care yet (any suggestions are appreciated-live in Rogers, work in Roseville...very nice drive!).  How early should we start the search and get on a waiting list if needed? 

Thanks!!

Report Reply to Post

Re: When to begin the daycare search?

  • kmplskmpls member

    Probably depends on if you go with center vs in home. When I looked 6 months out I had some places saying I was looking too late, others too early. It never hurts to start asking around and doing some searching.

    Good luck!

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • tilly12tilly12
    Thanks!  I think we need to do a bit more investigation to determine if we'd prefer a center or a home.  I went to a home daycare, while my husband went to a center.  Let the rock, paper, scissors begin!!
    Report Reply
  • angelame1979angelame1979
    The sooner the better.  I was 3 months pregnant when I secured my spot at a private center.  It can't hurt to start looking right now and take some tours to see what's out there.  I would look close to home so if you are sick and need to still drop baby off you don't have to go far or if you have the day off and want to drop baby off for a few hours you are not far either. 
    Report Reply
  • tilly12tilly12

    Thanks!!  Which center did you choose?  My husband's employer has onsite daycare (extremely expensive, but possibly worthwhile).  Then again, a lady on our street does daycare.....decisions decisions.  Is it better to put babies in a home daycare, and switch to a center when they're older? 

    I think we will begin a much more serious search following our appt. in Jan-which include an ultrasound.  I don't want to jinx us by starting anything too early. 

    Report Reply
  • angelame1979angelame1979
    Just because it's more expensive doesn't mean it's better although it's really convenient which would be nice too.  If you can afford the place at your husbands job and it works for you then go for it.  There is a private center located on the grounds of a local private/Catholic High School near my home.  I chose the place because my niece went there and I love the teachers/curriculum.  The same teachers have been there for years with little turnover.  It's not a Kindercare or a center like that (no offense).  I chose not do a home daycare because of the sick days.  If they are sick I have to either stay home or find alternative care.  If their kids are sick, same thing.  I also had nightmares thinking about if my kid was crying and so was hers, picking hers over mine for obvious instinct driven reasons. You have to decide what's best for you and your family.  This was the best choice for us.  I think if you decide to place your child at one or the other, make it a long term goal-that they will be there until Kindergarden.  My DC has preschool too!
    Report Reply
  • AshleyR2452AshleyR2452
    Starting early can never hurt.  We started looking when I was 4 months along and actually had a tough time finding home daycares that had any infant openings.  We did go with a home daycare because it was less expensive and we liked the setting more for this age, but everyone's preferences are different.  Good luck!
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • tilly12tilly12

    Thanks everyone!  I have made a list of in-home providers along with centers and we will begin calling/interviewing/touring this week.  Any in-home providers in Roseville/Arden Hills/Shoreview you would recommend would be extremely appreciated. 

     Thanks again!!

    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"