Need some info...daycare related

As most of you know I'm really unhappy with my daycare center.

Does anyone know the difference between family care, group home care and a daycare center? Pros/Cons.

THose who use group home or family care -

how many children do they typically watch at once?

what are the age ranges?

is it just one person or do they typically have an assitant(s)?

What happens if they get sick? need a personal day or vacation?

I've never looked into this type of care and I'm looking to make a change.

Message edited 10/4/2007 8:04:28 AM.

Re: Need some info...daycare related

bump...

Re: Need some info...daycare related

Group Family Daycare/ Home daycare is run out of a house (not necessarily the home of the owner- IE: some people buy houses STRICTLY to run home daycare) The ratios and state regs are similar if not the same (some things might be different judging by the way the house is set up- IE: whether or not they can provide lunch, how many children the home can occupy etc...)

Some home daycares have great owners/directors, they incorporate a curriculum and keep the children on a structured routine.

Other home daycares give the children free play all day long, and stick the children in front of the TV.

In my experience through talking to other parents its hard to find a "good" Group Family Care that provides a structured learning environment. I know they exsist though You just have to do your research.

Now- some goes for Day Care centers- there are alot of centers, who SHOULD be implementing a curriculum, and giving the children a structured day and dont.

However I find the children who are in a good center, learn so much, their vocabularies are booming, and do very well when begining "real" school.

Ds was home with me, or with his grandmas (while I worked PT) for almost 2 yrs. Since going to daycare FT his vocabulary has exploded and he has learned so much (knows all his colors, shapes, animals, sounds) He interacts with children very well, and can sit for group activities.

I persoanlly feel if you find a GOOD Day Care Center- they have alot more to offer (as far as academics and enrichment programs go). However if you find a WONDERFUL Home Care, go for it since it seems as if right now, where you are isnt working out!


ETA- My cousins children are in group family care- I think there are 3 families that go there- Each family has to give her 2 weeks vacation- SHE chooses when she wants to use them

Message edited 10/4/2007 8:59:17 AM.

Re: Need some info...daycare related

I'm not sure how much I can help, but my sister used an in home daycare and was very happy. She actually used 3 different ones (one stopped doing it, so my sis switched to her back-up who she was also happy with). The woman she used to start with had 3 girls of her own and my niece is still best friends with one of them and the oldest is now the babysitter my sister uses on weekend nights. I know she had to pay the daycare provider for vacation time and I'm pretty sure the daycare provider had sick days covered by her backup. This was quite a few years ago, but she watched approx. 6 children (3 were her own) and the ages ranged. If I were you, I'd look into it and see if you can find one you're happy with, but keep looking at daycare centers too. I think I would prefer a daycare center when DC is older - to me it seems like they have lots of structure and it's more like "school." But you may find an in home situation you will really like and I doubt you'll have problems like the food allergy stuff. I think the provider would pay more attention to things like that.

Good luck!! I hope you find something you like!!

Message edited 10/4/2007 9:09:08 AM.