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Ok ladies, I need your help please!
So here's my dilemma - give me your input. I know in the end, its MY (and DH's) decision, but I could use some non-family input.
I have two daycares lined up at this point. I have to decide by tomorrow which one to go with.
#1 is an in home daycare with a lady that watched DH's goddaughter (cousin's daughter) and my niece (only for a brief time). She is reputed to be pretty good from family. I liked her a lot but I am leary of in home daycares because of the fact that there's no oversight (I could ask her to do something and who knows if she's actually doing it) and because she watches the kids in her basement which has no way out in a fire (I know, this is BSC to think of, but its the first thing I noticed). In addition to Hunter she would be watching at least 3 other children, one of which is her granddaughter. THe ages range from 2-5.
#2 is a day care center. The infant room is run by two little old ladies from 7:30 - 3:30 and Hunter would be at my MILs house by 3:30 on most days. The little old ladies are very sweet. They are more organized and ONLY watch infants. They still cuddle the babies and love on them, but there is a more clinical approach - recording diapers and bottles, everything is basically run by the state laws, etc. My co-worker sent her daughter there and RAVES about how wonderful the infant room is. Her daughter has severe food allergies and she states this is the only place she felt comfortable leaving her. I know that if I tell them I prefer Hunter take naps in a bouncy or swing (reflux issues, they think he's got silent reflux that he will probably grow out of) they will do it without questioning me.
My instincts at this point tell me to go with the day care center. (Additionally, its the Catholic daycare and I have worked in the Catholic daycare system in our town so I know a lot of their policies, etc). But am I being a fool to turn down a fantastic in home babysitter? I have NO reason to believe this lady won't follow my instructions, other than just a general sense of "how will I be sure/there is no oversight."
Also, in home daycare is about 0.75 cents cheaper than the center. But that doesn't really matter, especially b/c my MIL will be saving us a ton of money by having him in the afternoons.
What thinks you my ladies!?!?!
Re: Ok ladies, I need your help please!
The answer seems to be too obvious. Maybe some pros and cons of what you are thinking and what is troubling you between the two will help.
Would you rather not use MIL from 3:30 on if you can help it? Is that why the option of in-home still interests you?
Either way she'll have him at least two days a week when my hours go until 6:00 so that doesn't really bug me. I wish she'd quit smoking (they only smoke outside/in the garage so its not that bad) before MIL had him.
I think maybe the way I wrote this favored the center. I favor it b/c I worked in one and I remember how I felt like I was always being watched and I kind of like that idea.
While I personally prefer in-home care, I would have reservations about the option you have. I didn't like the idea of Bebe being at an in-home care where she would be one of many children.
I'd probably go with the daycare center. It sounds well run and like a good place for Hunter. Plus, it sounds like you will have more peace of mind with the daycare center. JMO, but I'd go with the center for sure.
I would do the day care center. What if the in-home lady is sick and calls off? At least with the day care center that doesn't become your problem.
Also - for a basement room to even be considered a bedroom it has to have an egress door/window other than the single path back up to the main level. IMO if a room isn't fit to be a basement bedroom - it isn't fit to be a daycare room either.
TTC #1 13 cycles, CP 6/09, TTC #2 1 cycle
CDing, EP'd for 13 months for #1, BFing for #2
Pregnancy Hypertension - inductions at 39w, I grow big babies: DD was 9 pounds 1 ounce 22 inches, DS was 11 pounds even 22 inches - both vaginal deliveries
Based on what you wrote, I would do the day care. It seems more reliable (in case #1 got sick or need a vacation) and you seem much more comfortable with it. Plus I don't like that there would be at least 3 other children ages 2-5 with #1.
Sounds like you are leaning towards the day care center. I worked at one for a few years and it was a good one-imo.
Plus, the basement thing... that would bother me. Sounds like it does with you, too.
GL!
I would go with teh Daycare Center.
The only way I would consider in home child care is if I personally knew the person and knew the type of people they associated with. With at home day care, who's to say she wont let random people (to you) come over and play with your kid. I dont like the idea that its not run under any kind of gov't laws...where they do checks and what not.
The center would make me the most comfortable.