I am expecting our first child in May and probably going back to work in July, so we are in the process of looking around for childcare. I have visited several daycare centers and am just now calling in-home day cares. I can see pro's and con's to both options, however, there seems to be quite a difference in price. Could anyone share their reasoning of doing one over the other? Were you happy with your decision afterwards?
Also, if you know anyone doing in-home daycare in the Fox River Grove or Barrington area, I would love to get their name.
Thanks!
E.
Hi E.,
Have you and your husband considered a day nanny? I have quite a few friends that have someone come into their homes to take care of the kids. They all swear by it, plus your child will get one on one attention! Many of them placed an add right on Mama Source and had great responses and lots options of nannies to chose from. Cost is not to bad and most of the time it's negotiable.
Best of luck,
A.
Hi E.. My name is K. and I actually have worked in an infant room,and I am currently watching children in my home. So, I have experience with both tyoes of daycare. I feel as though an infant is better of in an in-home type setting. I actually only watch one baby under a year at a time to make sure the baby gets enough attention. When I worked in an infant room, I felt as though it was difficult to give all the babies the attention they deserved. Someone always needed to be fed, changed, rocked to sleep, etc. I personaly felt as though the babies did not get enough one on one attention just be held and played with while they didn't actually "need" anything.
I am not sure if Buffalo Grove is a convienent location, but if you are interested in talking to me about daycare let me know. I only watch one or two kids at a time, and my hours are very flexible. Feel free to e-mail me at ____@____.com
Hi E.,
First of all, congratulations! I wish I had the will power to hold off on knowing the sex. I'm going to try to make this one a surprise, but not sure if I'll be able to.
I've looked into both options and have weighed the pros and cons. We are in a center, and I'll tell you what I like about center-care. First of, the bad thing is that center care is more expensive, without a doubt. The cost per week at our Kindercare (in Cary) is $255. And the infant cost is $278. I looked at a home center in the Barrington area and the cost was about $200 a week. Aside from that, I can tell you that I LOVE our center. I love the director, the teachers, the interaction and variety that Jacob gets. He brings home art work (painting, texture art, drawing, etc) weekly. They are very structured and have parent conferences. There's an educational outline posted on the wall that they adhere to. There are strict rules with regard to cleanliness and safety. Aside from the eating mess that our 18M brings on himself, he comes home clean. His socks aren't ever dirty (he takes off his shoes now), his face is clean and his diaper is dry when we pick him up. Aside from the cost, I can't complain.
We looked at an in-home care and the age range was pretty great, infant to about 9 or 10 maybe. At first, I thought that would be good for Jacob to be around older kids. After our visit, I realized that I prefer him being in a class with kids his age where all activities are focused on the appropriate age group. I DID like the idea of being in a more "homey" environment, but both my husband and I agreed that for US, center-care works out well.
Before anyone gets upset, I DO know of very very successful home-care situations. And, by no means do I intend to insult anyone who takes the time and commitment to run one. I honestly think the one we looked at wasn't the best example. My close friend takes her 3 kids to a home-care, my mom took my younger brother and my younger sister to home-care and was happy with them. One of the issues my friend HAS had is time-off. Her sitter gets 2 weeks vacation and 3 personal days. So, vacation needs to be coordinated with that.
I would consider a home care situation if the ages were closer, the area was kept clean and I was super comfortable with the woman running it. My advice to you is to take a day or two off work and visit the centers/home daycares. Stay for awhile and get a feel for it. I looked at a center and when I walked in the door, knew it wasn't a match for us. Unorganized BEYOND belief.
I am also in the Fox River Grove area, and if you would like to chat further (and I can tell you the places I've looked at/called in the area) feel free to email (____@____.com) or PM me.
T.
I also am an expecting mom (#2) in April. I have also had experience with both settings. As a working mom, I used a kindercare and was not thrilled with the care. As an earlier poster said, your baby only gets care if he/she is being fed or changed, and most of those centers have 20 something girls working it. I started my own home daycare because working with kids and staying at home was my true calling. If you look for a home daycare in your area, make sure it only takes up to 2 infants under 12 months old. If a nanny is affordable to you, that is another great option to ensure your child gets the attention they crave.
