Post # 1
Member
122 posts
Blushing bee
It stinks! But I have to return to work when my maternity leave is over. I will have had 3 months off, which is wonderful, but still not enough 🙁 That brings me to my daycare situation. Its a tough one. I have my son signed up for an actual daycare. It is a ratio of 5 babies to 1 adult in the infant room, plus a whole daycare center full of kids from other age ranges. I have visited tons of daycare centers and this was a top runner. However, I have also been on a waiting list for a in home daycare provider since I became pregnant and I recieved a call two days ago from her stating that she has an opening. It is 6 babies, and 2 adults. Out of those babies, my son will be the only infant under six months, which is highly attractive to me. She is state licensed and has a ton of certifications including a masters degree in early childhood development. Her resume is very impressive and she has a ton of references. However, she is 10 dollars more per week.
Which do you guys think sound like the better option? I do not mind paying more for childcare for my daughter, as long as it is a better deal. I feel like with the in home situation, he will get a lot more one on one attention, and there will be less germs spread around. We are leaning towards this route, but I would love you ladies opinions 🙂 Thanks
Post # 3
Member
3669 posts
Sugar bee
@Sanola831: Definitely go with the at home daycare!
Post # 4
Member
3729 posts
Sugar bee
@Sanola831: I would go in home in a heart beat. Especially for an infant. Once he is 2-3, then you can consider moving him to a more social environment, but for now, he needs all of the one on one development time he can get.
Post # 5
Member
47187 posts
Honey Beekeeper
@Sanola831: I always chose licensed in-home care for my children. I liked that it was more similar to what my children would experience if I were able to be an at home Mom. As a shift worker, I also found them more flexible.
I have nothing against larger daycares, but our children will be institutiionalized soon enough.
Post # 6
Member
1891 posts
Buzzing bee
I work at a daycare! Just partime, I’m a student.
Anyways so of course ive thought about what I will do with my future children. My honest feelings: I HATE the infant rooms, love the older ones (3+ years). When they’re little the staff act like robots. Feed baby 1 then 2 then 3. Change baby 1, then 2, then 3. There isn’t much 1 on 1 attention for the babies, and I think lots of cuddles/love is important!
Also it’s one of the top preschools in my area, 350$ a week. So I don’t think many people can do it much better.
Have you considered a nanny?
Post # 7
Member
1891 posts
Buzzing bee
Oh. And the reason why I love the older rooms is the children love it there. They get so much socialization and tons of activities each week.
Post # 8
Hostess
3571 posts
Sugar bee
Honestly this seems like a no brainer to me. More attention, youngest baby, not much more per week. I assume you visited and felt like it was worthwhile, the facilities were nice, and the children all seemed well cared for? Being licensed, does that mean they’re inspected? (In some states the licensing requirements for home daycares mean almost nothing at all).
Sorry you have to go back! it must be super hard to think of leaving your LO.
Post # 9
Member
122 posts
Blushing bee
@cls..we def cannot afford a nanny, although I would love it!! That is why I feel like this woman who I found with the in home daycare seems the closest to a nanny im going to get. Its going to break my heart to leave my little guy. I am happy you provided your insight on the infant room. I find it hard enough caring for one infant on my own, I cannot imagine how one person can care for 5 of them. At least at the in home situation my baby will be the only one under 6 months. I assume he will def get more one on one attention this way.
Post # 10
Member
12246 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
@Sanola831: I’m certified by the state of Massachusetts and have a BA in Early Childhood Education.
Go with the home daycare!
5:1 is an INSANE ratio for infants. In Massachusetts, 7:2 is the highest ratio an infant room can go to, or 3:1.
I taught an infant room… 3:1 is hard. 5:1 is just BEGGING for accidents/neglect/oversight!
Post # 11
Member
1891 posts
Buzzing bee
@Sanola831: Yes, that is definitely a plus. Does she have maybe online reviews from past families?
I would also assume she probably doesn’t have webcam service (most preschools are under camera the whole day). I would make clear guidelines with her on feedings/nap schedule. Our preschool has even had issues for letting babies sleep too long between feedings (sleeping baby, less work). Is the changing table sanitized between changes? How often do they change diapers? (Should be every 2 hours unless there is a bowel movement). How often is their SIDS check? (Simply placing your hand on their chest to feel breathing, every! 15 minutes).
Sorry if this is more info than you wanted. Just trying to be helpful! 🙂
Post # 12
Member
122 posts
Blushing bee
@brandnewbride.. thank you for your insight!! Im so happy I posted on here. I dont mind paying the ten dollars more, but I want to be sure the in home is the better route to go. You guys make me feel like it def is. Thanks a ton.
Post # 13
Member
172 posts
Blushing bee
- Wedding: June 2014 - Enoch Turner School House
I would go with the home daycare until they reach an older age where they would be ready for a larger class size. I work in daycare, and agree that 1:5 in the infant room is crazy, especially with multiples under 6 months! I would want smaller group and larger adult ratio for my young one if I had to do so!
Post # 14
Member
340 posts
Helper bee
A friend of mine had her son in a daycare centre but recently moved him to a home daycare. She had no issues with the care he received at the centre, but found that the home daycare’s proximity to her home, as well as the familiar environment, made it easier to keep her little guy on a regular schedule. Commute time is hard on a baby! Don’t know if this helps, but it’s something to consider.
Post # 15
Member
831 posts
Busy bee
@Sanola831: Of those 2 choices, definitely the in-home! If you want to expand your options, you could consider a nanny share with a neighbor or friend. Then you’d have 1 caretake for 2 infants!
Post # 16
Member
122 posts
Blushing bee
@ cls thank you so much! No such thing as too much info when it comes to my baby! I wasn’t aware of the SIDS check.. Do all daycares do this??
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