Daycare - West Hills, CA

When my son was 9 mos till around 2, we had him in a home daycare that was very small, only a couple of other kids his age. I thought it was better when he was under 2 to have a small group so he would get enough attention. He was hard to get down for naps at that age though so I think it depends on the maintenance level of your child. There may be other options in your area if you are not comfortable with the current home daycare. The YMCA is an excellent resource for home day care Web link?
http://www.ymcacrs.org/parents/looking_choosing.php
Its so important for both your son and you to have care you are happy with, I still worry about him even now and he is almost 3. But knowing that I have an excellent caregiving makes me able to function. If at all possible, I would try to stop in at random times and check to see that proper care is being given. You should always be welcome to drop in and check on your son.

I am a bit late in responding, and I really dont have any advice. I just wanted to let you know that you are NOT in this alone! I also HAVE to work and my two littlest babies go to daycare, but I did put them in a home daycare until they were closer to the age of two, I agree that they get a more one on one care at a home then in large daycare. I feel that all my kids did well in daycare after the age of 2, my oldest is in 4th grade and is doing great and the boys are now 3 & 4 and are in daycare together, there are about 40 kids, but they are in two groups or 20 with 2-3 teachers in each group. If you are uncomfortable with your current daycare then you need to take some time to find another one that you are comfortable with, your child will sense you feelings! You are going in the right direction! God bless you

I am happy to see people are not giving unwanted advise. I would say go with your gut. Another option is to find a stay at home mom with maybe a toddler or young child who would care for your child to give more one on one time. I have two grown kids 14 & 17 & a 5 year old and I take in one sometimes two other kids/babies because I enjoy having little ones around. Just a thought you could ask around the neighborhood or local churchs for people. Sometimes getting an older senior to come and care for your child might be an option too. Good luck. Feel free to contact me for more information.

I am a provider myself & this woman with all the experience sounds fine, but there are a few things to keep in mind & possibly check out. The child/adult ratio is 8-1. Once there is the 9th child there needs to be another adult. If she has 11 kids & there are 2 assist's you are fine. The only exception to that is if there are more than 4 babies under the age of 2. No daycare should have more than 4 babies under the age of 2. That would be more of a concern. You will want to make sure the lady that is there when you pick up is CPR certified or up to date & is over 18. If this lady is running a licensed daycare all adults over age 18 need to have had a criminal background check, fingerprint scan & tested for TB. Kids should not be left alone with anyone under 18. Kids should not be lett alone with anyone who is not CPR certified. You mentioned this woman has been doing this forever so the experience seems to not be a concern.

As a home daycare provider I make it very clear that I do have a sport child & often times he has to be at practice by either 5:00 or 5:30pm. So depending on practices sometimes I am not home when parents pickup.

Just be honest and have a talk with her.

Good luck

Hi Jennifer,
You can do this and it will be just fine. I had reservations also. In fact, I cried when I visited the first day care and scratched that one...fired my second daycare after 1 month and then found the most wonderful home daycare provider in the development next to mine. In my view, home day care is the way to go at least until they are 15 months old. They are too young and need someone to hold them and love them. At 20 months, I moved my daughter to a day care and she will be 3 in October. It has worked out well. I can't lie to you and tell you it was all wonderful and easy, but it will all work out. If you see something that doesn't set well with you, don't hesitate to find someone else. You have to be comfortable with who you leave your babies with and they are out there, you just have to find the right one.

Best of luck.
C.

Hi Jennifer, I am a Home Daycare Provider as well, and it sounds like your little one is going to a large home daycare, where there can be anywhere between 11 and 14 kids, with no more than two kids under the age of two. If you pick up your child and there is 2 women there, then she is withing her leagal boundries, just as long as the two women are certifide. You will probabbly get some advice to stay home, don't feel bad if you have a really good daycare for your son, yeah the ideal life for a child is to be at home, but a good daycare has benefits too, and it gives them kids their own age to play with, it gets them ready for kendergarden, and when they have been in daycare, that first day of kendergarden is usually easier. Hope this helps. J.

Check to make sure she is in her licensing regulations. Home daycares are not monitored by licensing as a facility is. I work in a daycare and I think a home environment is better for children his age, not a coorparate type daycare. Perhaps you can find a babysitter to come in to your house for not much more than you pay the home daycare. check out some agenices in your area-you might be surprised.

My advice would be to trust your gut. If something is bothering you don't ignore it. Maybe you could confront the owner about your concern and see what she says. If nothing changes maybe you could look into another daycare for your baby. Maybe your baby would be better off in a regular day care as opposed to in home daycare. Hope this helps! Good Luck!

I would trust your gut. Seems to me that it is a red flag that the primary caregiver is not there. What is the experience of the other caregivers, there background, do things seem out of control when the owner is away, ect....
Does this daycare have a liscense (SP) ?
I would not just pull your children out, I would communicate with the primary caregiver, your concerns.
Best of luck to you. Heidi

I know how you feel. I have just returned to work part-time Tues and Thurs, I currently have a sitter that comes to my house but it's not working out! I am looking for another center. Are you in Temecula area? I am going next week to tour and interview I will let you know if they have any openings if you'd like. You aren't full time don't beat yourself up!! Times like these we have to do what we have to do!! Good Luck! 11 kids is a lot, I would look around for better options for your almost 1 year old. J too