Question of the day, does quality childcare exist? If it does exist, does it exist at a reasonable price point? My mom used to do in home childcare when I was growing up. I have no idea what she charged. I'm pretty sure it was next to nothing and she did a darn good job of watching those kids if you ask me. So, maybe I have unrealistic expectations? Or am out of touch with the current reality of childcare?
As I mentioned, I am going back to school in January. That is very short notice to find quality childcare. I have looked in the past, just in case, with little success. I've even interviewed some women. Let's just say the interviews were TERRIBLE! One was sweet, I guess, but didn't speak very good English (not a huge deal) but it was a huge deal to me that she didn't seem particularly warm. The other girl was a college student who wanted me to drive Kaia over to her college apartment with like 70 roommates in one little place so she could watch Kaia there for like $20 an hour! Um, I don't think so crazy as hell chic.
So I'd LOVE to have a "Nanny" or someone to come watch Kaia at the house anyway but everyone here charges a minimum of $10 an hour for that. Maybe that's actually cheap? To me it seems expensive when I have one baby who happens to be the best, sweetest, least fussy in the world. But, I also wouldn't mind bringing her to a small in home daycare either. There are hardly any here! And most of them that are here seem a bit run down or in bad areas. Traditional daycare is my least favorite idea but even they are expensive! And, to top it all off, none of them seem to be open the hours I need! Clinicals start early morning and none of these places open until like 730am.
There's a daycare by my school that seems like it might be a good match (though they don't open until 7 either) and their rates are $100 a week cheaper than here where I live, ridiculous! But, then I'd have to make Kaia, at 6 months old, ride at least 2 1/2 hours in the car everyday. That seems a lot to ask of a sweet baby.
I don't know what to do! Any suggestions? Anyone looking for a job? Want to come be my Nanny or know anyone who would want to? You could even live here for free if you're not a crazy pants.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Quality Childcare
Posted by TheBabyMammaChronicles at 10:56 AM
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10 comments:
Hey there, would you consider a church daycare? A lot of them have decent facilities and reasonable rates but require that you are part of their congregation. Maybe even a nice little ole' church lady could come by your house and watch Kaia instead of you having to go over there?
I don't want to invade on your privacy, but email me if you feel comfortable and let me know what area you are in. I've lived in a bajillion different places, so maybe you are close to one of my former neighborhoods and I may know of someone?
Good luck with school. I'm so proud of you and I'm so happy for you.
ugh, this is SO HARD!! I found the only way to find someone was to offer a huge hourly rate and post on craig's list. That way I actually ended up getting a handful of retired teachers or college students studying early childhood.....you might want to try posting something at your local college? Good luck. I wish we could just clone ourselves and avoid the whole childcare situation!
Oh no! I hope you find a place for her.
I couldn't find somewhere that wouldn't be more than what I make, so I didn't go back to work.
I'm guessing that for a nanny-type, $10 is probably on the lower side (I had a college roommate who was a nanny), but what is the deal with the girl who would watch your little pup in the midst of her roommates?
2 1/2 hours in the car is long for an adult. Good luck finding the right fit for you and your sweet daughter!
I had a very similar dilemma! A nanny ended up being the best option for me until my daughter was 1 - mostly because of the convenience, but she was also cheaper than daycare. But when I finally found a slot in a daycare that was open 7-7 I took it!
Check out gonannies.com. We used it to find our nanny and did a background check and everything, and she ended up being great.
It's so hard. Unfortunately, I don't think it gets cheaper than $10/hour. Maybe $8/hr for a drop in day care.
I wish you a lot of luck. I'm sure something will open up for you. I struggled with this for several years.
I wish I could offer some advice. :( Good childcare is so expensive! Next year I want to place my daughter in a preschool once a week and even THAT is a little ridiculous. I hope you find something good before January! And I can't believe that girl wanted to watch your baby in her dorm?!
This is a tough situation Khara! I'm not sure what to say since you seem to live in a place that doesn't leave you many options!
I think the suggstion of posting at the college for early childhood education students.
Good luck! I look forward to learning your decision!
We have the littles in a Mothers Day Out program -- ran by our local Baptist Church, and it's been around long enough that my oldest daughter (now 15) went there.
It's $13/day per child (small discount for having more than one), and we send their lunches. Hours are from 930-230. I don't HAVE to have child care, but I send them for a break from me, socialization, and so I can get some things done.
You may want to check your church, or possibly local college. Do you have a Moms group that you're a part of, and maybe barter some care?
Forgot to add ... when I had a 'mother's helper', someone who came to my house (through a service), I paid $13 per hour for 3 children.
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