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Charly
LOVE!
Member since 5/05 12578 total posts
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Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
DD goes to a local daycare 3 days a week. The place she is in is "OK" - her basic needs are met and that's it. She's only 9 months so I couldn't tell you if she loved it or not, but she doesn't seem to "complain."
Kids all seem happy, staff and teachers are nice, she has friends there (our friends children and also our neighbors), conveniently located and reasonable costs, but I'm not impressed. Toys seem old, the outside play area is run down, they don't go out much, teacher turnover, etc., but nothing awful. KWIM?
Anyway went to see a place close to my job and it was AMAZING!! Clean, kids and babies all outside, the outside area was HUGE. There's a farm, a duck pond, sectioned off age appropriate playgrounds, strollers to take babies out, a "science" hall, a veggie garden, need I go on? They even take the babies out in the snow and pull them around on sleds. They have an art teacher, music teacher, animal teacher etc come in a few times a week.
Big plus also is that the cribs are in another room to the side of the play area and it is dark. Her current place they sleep in PNP in the main room and DD just doesn't do well with all the distractions. Plus the infant room is 3 teachers to 8 babies!!!
I was SOOO impressed. The downside it costs $500 more a month and is 25 minutes from my house, but close to my job (10 minutes away.)
Can we afford the $500? Yes, but it will be tight. I'm also thinking of going PT and that will only make it harder (their PT program is what we are paying for FT now.)
I'm sooooo torn. I think she'd thrive there. I love that they get outside so much vs. being stuck in the same room all day with broken toys!
Does it make sense to be closer to my job and further away from my house? My DH loved it, but is worried to spend the extra money only because he feels that I'm just not going to love any place because I just don't want DD in daycare in general. He could have a point, but I got excited for her when I was there.
What do you think?
ETA:
We currently pay $255 a week FT ($13,300 a year) or $170 a week PT ($8,840)
New place would be $1500 a month FT ($18,000 a year) or $1100 a month PT ($13,200 a year)
Message edited 9/13/2007 2:36:29 PM.
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Posted 9/13/07 2:10 PM  |
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Sassyz75
Turning a new page
Member since 5/05 9731 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
i pay a lot for PT day care and I think it's worth it for quality care- so I would do it.
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:13 PM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
I am a sahm in another state, but with all that I am ready to enroll Josh
sounds really great. 500.00 more a month is a lot, what does DH say?
If you feel you need to go part time and this will not allow you to, then I would shop around.
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:13 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
I think the 500 more a month part is what would break my decision. Especially knowing that you may want to go pt altogether this would also alter that plan and possible future plans. To be honest, I would look around at other places regardless of where she is at right now. To me you sound like you are not thrilled. Trust me, Ive seen it all. There are many places out there that will give you what you are looking for for Hannah. I would spend the week looking around. Also, why not an in home nanny at this point?
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:21 PM |
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Charly
LOVE!
Member since 5/05 12578 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
Posted by PrincessP
Also, why not an in home nanny at this point?
An in-home nanny would be more than both. I don't think a nanny makes sense for me right now, but it is a consideration if/when I have #2. Hannah really loves being with other children, so I do think its important she gets that socialization right now.
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:28 PM |
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CkGm
They get so big, so fast :(
Member since 5/05 13848 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
I think that sounds like a LOT of money. Especially since your goal is to be home more with her. I would continue to look around. It actually sound a lot like my day care, except mine is in someone's home and she does get to nap in the master bedroom alone, which is great.
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:28 PM |
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Belladonna219
HOT MAMA
Member since 2/07 2642 total posts
Name:
Belladonna219
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
I want to fire my nanny and send DS there! Yes, if you could afford the extra $500 a month I would def. send her there! Maybe you will love it! You will see how much she enjoys it there an it wont break your heart as much being away from her!
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:35 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
Posted by CkGm
I think that sounds like a LOT of money. Especially since your goal is to be home more with her. I would continue to look around. It actually sound a lot like my day care, except mine is in someone's home and she does get to nap in the master bedroom alone, which is great.
I actually wanted to say the same exact thing. Gillian is in someones home as well. I like it alot that way. I feel like she gets the outdoorsy environment, can be alone while sleeping and gets great attention. Its just an option. Check out that avenue as well...
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:53 PM |
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pmpkn087
Life is good...
Member since 9/05 18504 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
If you can afford it and cut back on other things, I would send her to the new one!
You really don't sound to happy about her current daycare and now that you've seen an even better one, you will not be happy at all!
Is it possible to look at maybe one or two more, then make your decision?
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| Posted 9/13/07 2:55 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
It sounds like you prefer the more expensive daycare all together.
So the issue is really whether you want to spend the exta $500 per month. That's a lot of $$$. Especially if you are going to cut down your working hours. If you can afford it, go for it. Nothing like feeling your DC is safe, happy, etc..
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| Posted 9/13/07 3:00 PM |
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leighla
Support Cancer Research
Member since 5/05 16353 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
I would jump at it if I could remotely afford it.
No place is going to be ideal, but this place sounds great.
Would it influence your decision to go PT at all if she went there instead?
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| Posted 9/13/07 3:05 PM |
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cloddy
Holiday 2011 photo
Member since 8/05 8088 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
Where is this place? I'm ready to sign my DD up!
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| Posted 9/13/07 8:03 PM |
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2girlsforme
LIF Adult
Member since 8/06 3071 total posts
Name:
XXXXXXXXX
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
Can they take her right away???? If its the place I'm thinking there is usually a waiting list. One of my co-worker's is currently on the list. Long story short, she lost her nanny, and they can't take her son, who will be 2 in Dec, until January. BTW if its the same place, they have been in business a long time and have a great reputation.
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| Posted 9/13/07 8:37 PM |
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EmmaNick
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Member since 12/06 16001 total posts
Name:
*
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
Well, there is always going to be something better out there, and if it aint broke, don't fix it KWIM? $500 is a lot, especially if you are going to cut back your hours to p/t.
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:11 PM |
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Charly
LOVE!
Member since 5/05 12578 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
Posted by cloddy
Where is this place? I'm ready to sign my DD up!
It's in Westchester. There is a waiting list, which gives me time to think...but I don't think it will be that long since DD can go into either Infant or pre-Toddler (whichever has an opening first.)
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:11 PM |
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pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
All I can tell you is what I did. I went to look at a few places, and ended up going with the most expensive place because I really felt most comfortable leaving DD there. For me, it is only 1 day a week, but it is a difference of $36 for that one day. Now I know that over the course of a month, that isn't THAT much extra money, but when you consider that it is only 1 day, it really is alot. For me, I just couldn't have left her at the other place. I would say if you can afford it without it crippling your finances, then I think you should do it.
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| Posted 9/14/07 2:48 AM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
Posted by Sassyz75
i pay a lot for PT day care and I think it's worth it for quality care- so I would do it.
Same here.
When you figure it our per hour...
To be honest, I'd spend money on quality/educational care for my children before anything else.
Their brains development the most from birth to age 6. That is the window to maximize cognitive development.
I'd make the move for various reasons you described.
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| Posted 9/14/07 3:39 AM |
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pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
To be honest, I'd spend money on quality/educational care for my children before anything else.
Their brains development the most from birth to age 6. That is the window to maximize cognitive development.
I agree with this, except I feel that their brains can be plenty stimulated without new/shiny toys. Old toys can work just as well as new ones. A place can have everything sparkly but if the curriculum isn't age-appropriate or stimulating, then it can flop too. I think what it really comes down to how you feel she will do in each place.
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| Posted 9/14/07 4:08 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
I would be on the fence about switching because of the money.
The curriculum at the other place sounds amazing. From everything I've read 0-6 years old is the key time for brain development but that doesn't have to happen in daycare.
If it makes or breaks you going p/t, then I would stay with the current place. Go p/t & then set time each day for a similar schedule & curriculum at home. The p/t daycare would be Hannah's downtime.
I did switch daycares to a significantly more expensive daycare (+$7,364/year for 2 kids). The infant programs were the same in both places. The 2-3 year old program was much better at the new, more expensive daycare. The 4-5 year old program was better at the less expensive daycare.
There is always a compromise somewhere. Maybe continue to search for other options if the +$500/month isn't doable.
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| Posted 9/14/07 7:37 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Need opinions!!!! Daycare related
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
Posted by Sassyz75
i pay a lot for PT day care and I think it's worth it for quality care- so I would do it.
Same here.
When you figure it our per hour...
To be honest, I'd spend money on quality/educational care for my children before anything else.
Their brains development the most from birth to age 6. That is the window to maximize cognitive development.
I'd make the move for various reasons you described.
Same here. If I had to cut corners on all the luxuries, I would do it. This is the single most important item you are spending money on - it's worth going a little above and beyond.
When we were looking for daycare for Alex, we saw a couple of places that were "good", but when we stumbled upon our daycare we instantly knew the difference. The infant program at Alex's school is just phenomenal - all the difference in the world. She learned so much, and DH and I felt so comfortable knowing that she was in the best place for her development.
If nothing else, I would do a little experiment - try it for 3 months and see how it feels. If you don't notice the difference, and you're still unhappy, just take her back to the old place.
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| Posted 9/14/07 7:45 AM |
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