Seeking advice: Twonky and daycare

[sigerson]

Today I cold-called about twenty local daycare centers (family and group) to ask about availability in January. While I found out some good information and have a few leads, talking with sen_no_ongaku made me realize: We don't know what we're really looking for in a daycare.


We don't know what things are must-haves, what things are nice-to-have but not essential, what things are entirely irrelevant. Distance from home? Accessibility to T? Flexible hours or strict pickup policies? Number of caretakers? Kinds of toys and activities? Hourly rates? Lots of kids or few kids?

So I'm asking the parents out there who have used daycare: What have been the best things and worst things about the place(s) you've used? What is your sine qua non? What things have you really liked but could live without?

I don't expect consensus, of course, nor do I expect to be wanting the same things--but right now, we don't really know where to start. So, internets: any advice?

Comments

[fairoriana.livejournal.com]

I think that the criteria for daycare selection comes down to three Cs:

Comfort, Cost and Convenience

Comfort is whether you will be as ok as you could be leaving your beloved son there and walking away. Comfort is very unique to each parent. There are basic requirements: must be a safe place, needs must be met, etc. But some people feel much more comfortable with structured environments where they can depend on the rules (center care) to keep their child safe. Some people feel much more comfortable with a grandparent or aunt-type caretaker. You might like your child's environment to be spotlessly clean, or you may actually be reassured by the kinds of messes that show that children have fun here. I also want to highlight the difference between infant and child care. A place that might be amazing for an infant, like the daycare Grey was at for years, might start getting "eh" for a preschooler who should be having some more structure in his days. On the other hand, an place that seems "institutional" for your wee babe may be perfect for your toddler. It's worth trying to figure out if you think this care scenario is for now or for good.

Cost. Cost is totally a factor. Even with great intentions there are some child care solutions you'd like to afford that you cannot afford. Cost was hardly the only consideration, but it will rule some providers out who would be great.

Convenience. I know you guys are wondering how important this is. I've been doing daycare pickups and dropoffs daily for nearly five years. IT'S IMPORTANT! I know that you'll think about whether you can nurse during the day and consider having the care near where the boob-provider works. That was how we made our choice. What this meant is that for 4 months I nursed during the day, and for the next four years it was impossible for me ever to take a sick day or work from home. I MUCH prefer having a daycare that is equally accessible to my husband and I. And also... it's hard enough. Adding 30 minutes or an hour of "work" to your day every single day of your working life for the next nearly 6 years to retrieve your child is tough. And if you get the "your child is burning up with a fever come get him ASAP" call, or something bad happens somewhere and you NEED to get to your kid for whatever reason (For example, on 9/11 I would have moved heaven and earth to get my child, even though it wouldn't have been necessary, just to be together.) it will matter that it takes 25 minutes instead of 5 minutes to get there.

I will also posit that I'm a little tired of the whole "pick up/drop off" thing, so I might be weighing convenience more highly than other people would.

Finally, yes. This is as hard as you think it is, finding child care. I thought it was significantly harder than, say, getting a new job. The first time around I called about 30 people before finding one I liked. The second time I couldn't believe that there weren't more options available to me. I wish you the very best of luck.

Have you used this resource? I used it heavily both times, and it was really critical: http://www.childcarecircuit.org/

[fairoriana.livejournal.com]

Actually this one might be more your neighborhood: http://www.masschildcare.org/local_ccrr.html