tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552008288188142238.post2505044736843944195..comments2024-03-28T22:49:03.563-05:00Comments on Lag Liv: The Childcare QuestLLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04431706155081017734noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552008288188142238.post-56095831884092909842007-04-07T10:48:00.000-05:002007-04-07T10:48:00.000-05:00I tried out 3 at-home daycares with my daughter, a...I tried out 3 at-home daycares with my daughter, and I fired them all. I found that in an at-home daycare, the caregiver is allowed to watch up to 10 children (in most states). Granted, only two of them can be under 2yrs, but with 8 other children running and screaming and playing, how much time can that person devote to your infant? And how will the older children interact with your child?<BR/><BR/>My daughter is now in her 2nd childcare center. The only reason she is in a 2nd is because we moved between states. I have been thoroughly pleased with both centers. I have found that most centers have an infant ratio of 1:3 or 1:4. This means there is one caregiver for every four infants enrolled, and another caregiver and another and another. One might say "how does one person hold four babies" but it really works out. The babies can be alternated between feeding, lying, napping, swinging, jumperoo-ing, and just being held. And childcare centers are very well equipped with all the necessary equipment to entertain/ pacify/ stimulate multiple infants.<BR/><BR/>I'm not saying there aren't good at-home childcare situations. These are just my findings, and you most certainly have to go with what your gut tells you is best.<BR/><BR/>When you start getting on the waiting lists, I recommend getting on multiple lists. This way, if your dream daycare isn't available right when you need it, your child can start care where it is available, and you can switch when a spot comes available. Also, stay on the other waiting lists, even if you do get in to the perfect place. If the perfect place turns out to be not-so-great (i.e. the 2nd at-home daycare, which I thought I LOVED, "forgot" to change my daughters diapers on most days. FIRED!), then at least you have a back-up ready to go.<BR/><BR/>Best of luck, and listen to your guts. Mom's guts know best!L...https://www.blogger.com/profile/02059515255585785202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552008288188142238.post-52794212796262660442007-04-06T10:43:00.000-05:002007-04-06T10:43:00.000-05:00FYI, if you can, get on the UT child care center's...FYI, if you can, get on the UT child care center's waiting list NOW. They may not let you if JP hasn't been admitted yet, but if they'll let you, DO IT. I know people who signed up as soon as they found out they were pregant and were told the waiting list was up to 2 years!divine angsthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17918633490292025397noreply@blogger.com