Let's Talk Daycare
New baby, new responsibilities- one being daycare! Everyone does not all have the ability to continue staying home with their baby once their maternity/paternity leave ends. You also might not have a grandparent or family member who can commit to staying home full time with your kiddo. This was the case for me.
When Kinsley was four months old, she started daycare full-time. Unfortunately, I felt it was too young to leave my new precious baby, but I had to return to work. Maternity leave was over. 18-ish weeks old and I had to hand her over, go to work and actually function without worrying sick about my baby. Fortunately for me, I was able to send her to a well trusted daycare facility and family friend. Had I not felt this sense of security I would for sure have taken a leave of absence or quit all together if these ducks were not in a row. Leaving your baby after spending every waking moment with them is scary. Whether they are 4 months or 24 months!
Having been a nanny in grad school and being surrounded by childcare providers and other nannies during that time, I knew there to be plenty of excellent childcare providers out there. Additionally, two of my best friends’ mothers have childcare facilities as well, so I had insight on how things should be run, cleaned and licensed!
Kinsley has attended daycare since she was 4 months old and it has been the best choice for US. Might I also include that you should always do what is best for YOU, YOUR situation and YOUR baby.
Kinsley’s ability to thrive in a social and learning environment amongst kids her age and older has been invaluable. So let’s get to my tips in order for selecting the right daycare for you.
I hope they help!
Trust – First and foremost is trust. You have to trust the daycare providers that will be spending the majority of the day with your kid. So ask around, ask the other parents, check reviews and make sure you feel secure with your choice.
Diversity- Having a diverse classroom/daycare setting is very important to us as it most accurately reflects the world Kinsley will grow up in. We love that her daycare is providing diversity in age and ethnicity as well as the curriculum they’re learning.
Learning- Are they learning or just watching tv? This was big piece for us. We wanted to make sure Kinsley was in a constant learning environment, one that aligned with her home life. We are so pleased that she is learning English and Spanish as well as learning to respect her peers and her caregivers.
Cost – Daycare is an added expense. It can many times be comparable to a rent or mortgage payment, but just like housing it becomes an essential necessity. Make sure you take this into account before choosing.
Distance – Is the location convenient for you to get to from home? From work? If there was an emergency can you get there quickly?
Licensing- State licensing agencies validate that the center is safe and abides by all official regulations. This was important to us because of all the horror stories we have seen and read in childcare facilities.
Be Observant- When you tour the potential facility do the kids seem happy? Do they seem fearful? Do you see evidence of learning ? Do the kids seem comfortable with the daycare providers? Is it clean?
Trust your Gut- Lastly, above all else trust your gut. Ask all the questions you have and make sure it feels right.
It’s hard finding the perfect fit, but you can do it. Be patient, do you research, ask a lot of questions, trust your gut and it will all work out.
And remember germs live everywhere, don’t let the fear of germs and you kiddo getting the occasional cold deter you from daycare.
How did you find childcare for your kiddo? I’d love to hear about it!
Love Ya, Mean It,