FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

How did you go about researching daycare or nannies?

How far in advance did you start your search?

FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

We originally planned to go with a nanny. We had someone lined up that was a recommendation but it fell through because of her school schedule and a program she was accepted into. We then went to a DC based on a recommendation. Turned out DH's friend's wife works there so that solidified our decision.

Re: FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

Before we got pregnant, shortly after we moved to the burbs we emailed a few daycares to see which ones took babies at 3 months since that's when I would have to return to work. We realized quickly that there were only TWO options in our town so we established a relationship with them over email and once I was pregnant scheduled a tour of them. One of them was obviously better by far as far as MY needs and we asked around on our town's parents yahoo group, etc and this place got rave reviews so we signed up when I was about 25 weeks I believe.

FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

I looked at the OCFS website and made a list of places that didn't have any violations in the last 2 years or if they did, it was something minute and fixed. Then looked at each one til we found one we were comfortable with.

We didn't need daycare til 6 months so we started looking about 5-6 weeks before.

Re: FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

I'm a SAHM, but can say from the other side (as a home daycare provider) that all the children I watch right now have been through recommendation. One mom who I babysit for tells a friend, then she tells her cousin, etc. I feel like word of mouth is a really good way to go, as it's people talking from experience with that provider. If you're in a place where you don't know a lot of people though, then I can see how that's not an option. In which case, just do your research on local facilities, home daycares, nannies, etc, and visit before making any commitments. Trust your gut. As for timing, I usually work it out with parents about a month before our starting date. Usually that's over the phone and we make sure to meet face-to-face and do tour of house, etc at least 2 weeks before (however it works best for parents). So I think if you're pregnant and searching, maybe start doing your tours and narrowing down your provider lists at least a month or 2 before start date so there can be a final decision ahead of time.

Re: FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

I had no idea what set up I'd settle on, so I started with the OCFS website and visited all the daycare centers within 10 miles of our home. I started this search when I was about 5-6 months pregnant - just because I was anxious to understand my options.

Quickly realized I'd need more flexibility regarding timing of drop-off and pick-up - so switched to nanny research.

Between care.com and sittercity.com, I must have either phone screened or interviewed 25 or so candidates, before settling on my current nanny. She's been with us for 3.5 years and will stay with us for the next few years. (I started the interviewing when DS was about 6 weeks old. I went back to work around 14 weeks.)

Re: FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

About 2 months prior to start date to find a nanny.
Daycare depends on where you live.

Re: FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

I had posted on my neighborhood board for a sitter.

FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

I just asked around at work to the other teachers and posted on Facebook! Youd be surprised how many people know someone or use someone that they love! That's how we found our current babysitter that is literally a block away from the school I work at!

Re: FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

Called daycares local to my area, Got recommendations from other people, joined a Facebook page (Childcare on Long Island), also went on the NY OCFS website to look up home daycares in my area.

ETA I started calling around Feb/March and I plan to go back to work in October. I was surprised that many daycares were already full for the fall!

Message edited 5/19/2015 9:11:21 AM.

Re: FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

We used Care.com to find our nanny and started looking about a month before I had to go back to work.

FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

I had started a list from OCFS when I first found out I was pregnant, I just need to start making appointments to check some places out.

Ideally I would love to have an in house sitter but DH is strange about having people in the house (I want cameras anyway) OR me stay home and take on another child but I'm sure that will be rough with an infant.

Re: FTWMs how did you find someone to watch DC?

We found our nanny bc a neighbors last kid was starting kindergarten and they didn't need her anymore.

So lucky!