Has anyone had to figure out childcare for twins +1?

I work p/t, so I would only need someone 2 days per week. I'm hoping to be able to afford someone to come to our home those 2 days. DD will be over 4.5 & pretty self sufficient. The babies will be 3 months old. DD will be going to preschool/camp seperately on days I don't work, although in the fall, the babysitter might have to drive her, but we will probably carpool. I'm hoping for a college-aged girl. I'm trying to get an idea of cost, but won't need anyone until August, so don't want to actually look yet. Does that make sense? I'm so lost on this one. Just trying to figure out if I can afford to keep working. If anyone has info they want to share on centers too, I'm considering that as well.
Thanks!!!

Re: Has anyone had to figure out childcare for twins +1?

I also work p/t (2 long days per week).

I have the twins in a chain daycare center. It comes to around $350 a week for the two of them 2 days - that is with a 10% discount for the second child.

My older DS is in a 2 year old preschool program and goes 3 days per week, 2.5 hours each day ($170 per month). Two of those days happen to be 2 of my work days. DH drops him off at school, and MIL picks him up and watches him for the remainder of the day.

It would be totally cheaper to have someone come to the house than what I do.. but I prefer the daycare setting for the babies for a few reasons. 1. I know how much work it is and was uncomfortable having just one person watch the 3 of them. I know there are floaters and the director to help out as needed in the daycare. 2. I need DEPENDABLE care and I know that the daycare center is not going to call in sick on me.... this has been a problem in the past I had with babysitters. 3. DH can get nervous with strangers in our house. 4. There is a lot of interaction at the center rather than just plopping them in front of a TV, which has also been a problem with babysitters in the past.

Re: Has anyone had to figure out childcare for twins +1?

Thanks, Julz. Everything you said makes alot of sense. A center might be good for the babies if I could figure out what to do with DD on those days. I really don't want to switch her out of her preschool. How old were your twins when you started sending them to the center? I'm also picturing getting three of us ready & out the door those days. I know some working moms do it everyday - I'd just have to be more organized.

Re: Has anyone had to figure out childcare for twins +1?

They started at 13/14 weeks. It doesn't take long to get us all ready and out of the house because I do everything the night before. It takes a looong time the night before. We are all showered/bathed ay night, lunches made, clothes picked out, bags packed, etc. so in the morning we just have to get dressed, eat, and go.

Re: Has anyone had to figure out childcare for twins +1?

I work p/t 3 days a week. When I went back after my twins were born, they were 4.5 months and my son was 3.5 years old. I have a woman who comes to my house. She is great with the kids and is still with us almost 3 years later.

I did think about a college girl coming to the house but it was hard enough for me to take care of the twins I couldn't imagine how hard it might be for someone less mature.

We pay my babysitter about $300 a week, every week. So if there is a holiday or if I am off she still gets paid even though she doesn't have to come to work. She does not work all day. She comes two at about 1-2pm until I get home at about 6:30. My husband usually leaves for work around 2:30 so he is with them in the morning. The 3rd day is longer. She comes around 11am and stays until 6:30.

Personally I love that she comes to the house. I find it so much easier.