In home daycare/WWYD?

Emmy323 · January 2009

Hi ladies,

I've been searching for a good in home daycare for several weeks now. One of my friends from work recommended her in home provider and I met with her several weeks ago. I liked her, but I didn't get that magical "Yes! I want you to watch my child!" feeling. She is cheap and structured and will hold my spot over the summer as I am off.

I just got off the phone with a lady that completely gave me that great feeling. I have an appointment to meet her, have seen pictures of her space, and have asked her a milllion questions. She sounds like she has the rules/structure/education of a Center, but works out of her home and only keeps a small number of children. My concern is that she won't hold a spot during the summer when I'm not working. Like a lot of centers, she will hold the spot if you pay...and if course can I still bring the baby any day I would like. She requests 12 paid days off a year (which includes a vacation in the summer that wouldn't affect me).

Would you consider paying throughout the summer for someone you're really happy with? Or not? Do you think 12 days off is a lot for a home provider?

I'm new at this, so I just don't know!

Thanks!

summerbridesara · January 2009

I would not pay all summer for something I wasn't using. But then again, we don't use daycare so I probably don't appreciate a good daycare provider. I don't think 12 days off throughout the year is too bad.

banbear2 · January 2009

First I wondered what resources you used to find an in home daycare provider? I've been looking and can't find anything!!

Second, I guess I would try this lady out and if you really, really like her then you can decide if you want to pay next summer or not. But it would probably be really nice to be able to drop the baby off over the summer for a day or two if you had things to do and didn't want to take the baby.

Some of the other ladies that have more experience with daycare may have better answers for you. I'm in the same boat as you looking for the first time!

GBL77 · January 2009

IMO, if you end up REALLY liking her, and she requests that you pay her over the summer, I would do it, only because what happens if that spot is taken, then you have to start your search all over again

that would stink. Good luck with your decision, I am sure it is a tough one.

rlthomas7 · January 2009

If you can afford it, and if you do really like her, I'd do it. I only work three days a week and we only pay for those three. So when I need to get a hair cut, it has to be at night or on a weekend when DH is there to take care of Adam. If I'm sick, Adam goes to daycare or DH stays home from work to take care of him. Grocery shopping is done by DH on a Saturday morning. If I have to get an eye exam, I have to wait for an evening appointment...you get the idea. It would be great to be able to take advantage of having someone to take care of your child for a few hours while you run errands, take care of things. You could even do yard work or other stuff over the summer without having a baby underfoot! I'm just getting giddy at the idea of this!

Cortney81 · January 2009

Coming from using an in home daycare provider, there are MANY pros and cons. If you REALLY like someone, I would definitly consider paying through the summer since good in home providers are hard to come by. Like pp, having the option of dropping the child off throughout the summer if you need appointments, errands etc would be a nice benefit! However, some food for thought, what happens if that provider gets sick? I am currently in a position where if my daughter is sick, even with a minor cold, or she gets sick, I am out of a daycare sitter for who knows how long. Pros, lots of attention, especially from a learning aspect and needs aspect. I loved having my daughter with a private sitter, however we are now looking into a daycare setting to provide more structure and flexibility. If you have any other questions, feel free to page me or email me at Cortney81@comcast.net

jamie16 · January 2009

It sounds like you've asked her a bunch of questions and have some others lined up for your appointment with you. This is definitely a great start to helping you make the best decision for your needs. If you're not comfortable with your choice, I think that you'll pay for it later (you'll constantly be thinking if your child is ok - that sort of thing). There's no price tag for a mother's mind at ease! My guess is that this 2nd choice will ask you to pay for the summer. Technically, it is her livelihood and most adults have to work throughout the summer. If she allowed you to not pay for the summer, but did not fill the spot, she would be losing money. I understand that it's hard to pay for something when you're not getting anything in return. This would be something that I would discuss with her. Since she does this out of her house, maybe she would be able to give you a reduced rate for the summer so it's a little easier for you and she's still having income come in. Or, can you designate a certain number of days that you would still bring your child in for care. This way you could plan out some time for yourself or get appoinments and errands completed without worrying about the baby. I've very fortunate in that I know the owner and director of Andrew's daycare, so they allow me to not pay during the summer without losing his spot. I also help out and work a certain number of days so he doesn't miss his friends too much!

What is the price difference between the two ladies? This might also help to decide if one is better than the other.

Christina617 · January 2009

This is a tough decision. I think I would go with whoever I was more comfortable with if the price difference wasn't astronomical. Sure, it would be great to save money in the summertime but it would also be great to be able to have child care on random days. Feeling confident in who she's going to be with will be worth it. Maybe you need to meet with both again before making your decision? Good luck!!

sunriz · January 2009

I completely understand where you are coming form. Addy goes to CACC, which is a center. We did look at a few in home and I didn't feel comfortable with them. Anyway, CACC just changed their policy of extended absences from $40 a week for absences 3 consecutive wks or more to full tuition. We were very upset and considered finding another daycare option. However, after talking to some people, we are going to pay the full amount and just send her part time for the summer. Maybe 2-3 half days. We decided this b/c we don't want it to be really hard on her to go back after being out an entire summer. This way, going part time will keep her comfortable with going and the separation to then go full time the end of August hopefully won't be as traumatic. Just another way to think about it. GL!

Emmy323 · January 2009

Thank you very much for all your thoughts ladies. I am leaning more towards paying over the summer, but DH isn't sold on that idea. It's a little frustrating actually because I'm already feeling like I won't want to go back to work...so like many of you said, there's no price tag on peace of mind. We're not ruling anything out and are keeping our options open. f there is one thing I've learned over the years, it's to trust my gut. Luckily I have lots of time...I don't have to go back to work until August, so I'll still have more time to look and think about things.

Your replies really helped put things in perspective...thanks again!

And Banbear: I have been looking everywhere. I have called many of the certified daycares on the DPW website. Some of them have been full but have given me other recommendations. I have also received recommendations from friends. I have also checked out Craigslist. There are many on there that I wouldn't consider responding to, but some certified daycares advertise when they have openings. It's hard, so good luck with your search as well!

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