Looking for Childcare Opinions

Daycare certainly has its downsides, I've learned about them quickly in the past couple months since I put my kids in there. I was incredibly scared to go from the wonderful woman that was watching them out of her home, but she was ready to move on and daycare was my only option. That being said, I think it was a good move. The kids get to play and interact with all the other children, my daighter has had a pretty good increase in vocabulary, and I think the routine is a good thing for them. Its tough, they do get sick more and you do have to deal with bites from other kids, and daycare teachers that might not be exactly how you think they should be, stuff like that, but its not all bad!

Hi S.,

I had to find a new place to take my kids in February due to the fact that their in home childcare provider was returning to school and closing. I was heartbroken, as they adored her and she was absolutely wonderful to them. I looked around at a quite a few places, and found a great place. The only problem, it is geographically inconvenient for me! I drive about 30-45 minutes (one way) to get them. My hubby takes them in the AM, it is not exactly on his way to work, but in the general area. People may say I am crazy, but I had my son in a daycare setting when he was just 1, and I hated it, but felt stuck as I had to have him daycare, and really did not have the chance to look at all my options.

My advice: since you do have the time, look, look, look at all options. My kids go to Go Play in Altamonte, and they absolutely love it! The teachers are very good (nice mix of young and older), the place is spotless, and the cirriculum is good. My son comes home daily with a new song, game or story. It is nice. Also, they provide a daily report on what they learned, read, played, etc so we can reinforce it when they are at home. Also, they are flexible with the plans: You don't go, you don't pay. Where do you find that these days? Also, they have every Friday night a parents night (we have only used it once, but what a nice feature!) and drop in service (if you have an appointment during the day and don't have a sitter, wonderful!). Like I said, this place is NOT geographically convenient for me, but I feel good about their time there, and they are actually sad when they don't go! Good luck!

BTW, my kids are 3 1/2 and 2, and even the 2 year old is talking more and singing songs, dancing, etc.

Hi S.,

If she's happy where she is, then I would keep her there. Daycare can be great for kids that need to learn to make friends, but from what your post says your daughter has no problem with that!! Daycare in my opinion is good, but my kids are always sick! Theres always "incidents" with other kids biting my two year old, And today when I dropped off my girls all the classrooms were locked. When I asked why the teacher told me there was a "problem" yesterday with another parent and they now have to keep the doors locked! You just never know with daycare. Let her stay where she is, she is learning and if you want her to learn more..Teach her! Kids are sponges, they'll pick up anything!

Hi S.,

I just wanted to tell you how lucky I think you are to have your current sitter. I am a sahm, but I would jump at the chance to go back to work if I had a sitter like yours. Personally, I would wait a little longer. The time your daughter spends with your sitter is priceless. That one on one is invaluable. On the flip side it does do wonders for young children to be with peers in a group setting. We have seen tremendous adjustments in our 3 1/2 yr. old. But unlike your daughter, she had some serious social issues to overcome which is why she is in preschool right now. I wish you the best with whatever you and your husband decide. :-)

R. - sahm of 3 small precious lovebugs ages 3 yr., 2yr., & 12 weeks!!

You are very fortunate to have found your wonderful sitter. I would keep your daughter there at least for another year.
When my son was 15 months old I changed him from a sitter to a preschool/daycare, and he immediately got an ear infection, and was plagued with multiple ear infections until he was almost 3. He had never had one up to that point.
Aside from that, I think it will benefit her more to be in a 1 on 1 environment, at least for another year. If I had your sitter I would have waited to put my son in preschool...

My daughter turns 18 months old this week and I have been pondering the question myself. I feel torn between daycare and her current childcare because I do feel that it is important for her to start making friends and learning in a group setting, however, because she is unable to talk yet I am worried that if something were wrong she will not be able to tell me. I have toured many daycares in the area and I am very impressed with Cheers. It was so colorful and so much art work was hanging on the walls. They also have someone whos only job is to develop age appropriate activities for each classroom. They also have an open door policy for parents meaning that you could go in at any time and observe your child on camera. Good luck with your decision!

I am a stay home mom of a 22 month girl and I tried working on a two different day cares so I will be able to keep an eye on my daughter , but It didnt work out, I realized that the attention my daughter gets at home will never compare with the treatmet she will get on a daycare, in other words , at a day care kids dont get too much attention since there is a teacher watching 7 children or more at the same time, I think your daughter will do better with the lady that is baby sitting her every day, since she gets all the attention from her. My advice, I wouldnt put my daughter on a day care If I had such a loving person caring for her every day,

S.,

It sounds like you found a gem to care for your daughter. You've described exactly the situation/type of care I was hoping to find for my son. I have worked full-time since my son was born (single mom) and he has been at two home daycares (due to a move) and is now at a wonderful montessori school. He is 20 months and started "school" two months ago when his home daycare provider decided to "downsize." The problem with any multiple child setting is that your child will be sick a lot for the first year or so, which is very hard to see. If I had had a caregiver like yours, I probably would not have sent him to school so young, however, he is highly socialized and since he started school, I am completely amazed at how much he speaks, helps around the house and does for himself. He is learning both English and Spanish at school as well (thanks to two wonderful, loving asst teachers who are both Spanish speakers), he is potty training already and learning to dress himself. While it is difficult losing my "baby." My little boy's self-esteem and individuality amazes me every day -- it's a beautiful thing to watch. Given your terrific situation now, my gut feeling it to leave Annika there another year, but perhaps ask your current placement if she has family or knows any other (small group) caregivers with whom she could plan occasional playdates to get in some socialization, learn sharing, etc.. Other than that, my preference health-wise would always be for less children before multiple. :) Good luck!

Could you write down a circulum, for your Gramma? How about mommie groups, for socialization. The libraries usually have a hour storytime and sometimes activities with puppets. My husband is egyptian and both of us agree that she should learn english and arabic. Hannah knows numbers and colors in both languages, is learning body parts and numbers of such...two hands, ten fingers... When is a good time for learning? I think it depends on their want and need for it. I heard somewhere kids need to know colors, numbers, shapes all before preschool. Which thank goodness she knows now, but I don't think you have to send her to daycare. I would worry about colds and other bad habits she could learn from the daycare. If she gets sick alot, I'd look into the flu shot, pnemonia shot and anything else that is out there, if you plan on going with the daycare. Anyway you know what is best for your daughter, so go with your gut on this! Good luck, ps. Annika is such a cool name.
Jen

Your sitter sounds like a dream. It also sounds as if your daughter is thriving. I would keep her there with her sitter awhile longer. I suggest you ask the sitter to take her to playgroups with other children around her age or maybe a gym class or gymboree, maybe the park district has some programs for toddlers. (you get my point). This way she has the socialization experience and still benefits from the awesome one on one time with her sitter. Not sure where you live but you could google playgroup information in your area. The local hospital and library are good starting points for activities for kids too.
Good Luck ;-)