Post by hokiegirl82 on Dec 18, 2013 11:50:49 GMT -5
Silly but simply question: what's the best way to go about finding a daycare? H wants to start researching daycares in the area since the waitlist can be so long, and I know of a couple of different day care centers in the area just from driving by them, but is there a way, maybe online, to find out what daycares exist in the area we live in? I will probably ask on FB if people who live in my area can recommend a daycare.
Post by sporklemotion on Dec 18, 2013 11:59:13 GMT -5
Check out your town's municipal website-- we found a list on a neighboring town's site that included in-home care. We also used Angie's list. If you have friends/familycoworkers nearby, ask them-- one of my DH's coworkers recommended a nearby place that we never would have found.
Post by browneyedgirl9 on Dec 18, 2013 12:46:30 GMT -5
We went on our states childcare licensing website for a list of licensed childcares in the area, then started touring the ones that seemed like a good fit.
You're in Virginia too right? I think there's a state licensing site that is searchable by city/address. I found it one day while Googling. To prepare you, they'll list every violation on there and, uh, no one (at least in my area) was without a recent major violation. I think we'll end up asking around for recommendations.
We went on our states childcare licensing website for a list of licensed childcares in the area, then started touring the ones that seemed like a good fit.
Ditto this. Usually you can google "State child care licensing" to find the site and search from there. Many states also allow you to look up reports for each center.
Our town also has a local parent email listserv that is AWESOME. People post daycare requests & availability a lot.
I found an online/hard copy list of all the centers & in-home options in our town. They aren't screened very well, so it will take some research, but at least I know what's out there.
Google.
One of my favorite centers so far has a 12-18 month waiting list. We got on the list at 8 weeks, and it might be too late. We are currently leaning towards a nanny, but are still exploring all options.
Post by simpsongal on Dec 18, 2013 13:32:19 GMT -5
Aside from word of mouth and facilities in your area, google your town/area and you'll find mommy blogs of people discussing their providers.
You should try to determine whether you want to go with a facility, nanny, or in-home care. Based on my research, price points in NOVA for an infant care are around $2400+ (minimum)/month for a nanny, $1700+/mo facility, and $1200/mo for in-home daycare. You could also look into a nanny share.
Post by hokiegirl82 on Dec 18, 2013 15:27:37 GMT -5
Thanks for the recs everyone - gonna start researching this over Christmas break.
simpsongal - I think we are most likely going to go with a daycare center over a nanny (which I would love, but H has already vetoed because of the cost)or an in-home daycare. I have thought about an in-home daycare, but I have several friends who have had their kids in in-home daycares over the years and it seems like they come with a lot of problems - if the provider is sick, the daycare shuts down for the day and you have to figure out last minute what to do with the kid, and other random issues. It seems like with a daycare center it is more reliable as far as the center being open most days. I really wish I could SAH but we would be on a super tight budget and I don't really want to live on such a super tight budget. We are trying to move in 2015 to an area that costs a little less than NoVA so maybe I can stay at home then.