your opiinion: small daycare vs. chain?

which do you prefer a smaller daycare center or a daycare center that is a chain (i.e. tutor time)? why do you prefer it?

thanks!

Re: your opiinion: small daycare vs. chain?

I've been looking into this. Right now I'm leaning more towards a chain b/c its a tax right off (not all home daycares are), the teachers are going towards or have some sort of early childcare cert., cpr etc. The ladies who I was interviewing at their home were not as qualified or didnt have first aid or CPR cert. Also, after next year DS would have to go into preschool which will be taken care of in Tutor Time or other facility. With this said, I'm still undecided.

Re: your opiinion: small daycare vs. chain?

I am all for a small daycare, one where I know the owner and come into daily contact with them. My colleague has just come from a chain nursery and the horror stories he tells put me right off (thats not to say all chains are the same, just the one that he told me about) I love my daycare, absolutely love it. If I go back to work with my second, they will go there definitely.

eta...by small daycare, I mean privately owned daycare centre type, not daycare in the home.

Message edited 2/20/2008 8:50:28 AM.

Re: your opiinion: small daycare vs. chain?

Message edited 2/20/2008 8:55:35 AM.

Re: your opiinion: small daycare vs. chain?

We looked at a large daycare facilty that isn't a chain, but is probably similar. I forget how many kids were in the room she would have been in, but there were a lot.

We also looked at, and ultimately chose, a small in-home daycare. The provider is licensed, so I was able to look at her record with the state (which was fine, no violations). She has CPR, etc. and four kids of her own. DH and I felt that Emma'd get more attention here because there are fewer kids. (Never more than 8, and she has a helper)

We had no issues at all with the larger center though- it was fine. DD's age was also a factor. If she was say, 2, I would have picked the bigger place so that she could interact with more kids. But at 10 months I wanted her to have more attention from an adult caregiver.

ETA: I guess my point is that both can be great, it depends on the place itself but it helps to be open to both options if they are available.

Message edited 2/20/2008 9:11:54 AM.

Re: your opiinion: small daycare vs. chain?

I prefer a "chain" daycare because I feel like they have more structure and checks and balances.

There's always someone keeping up with the most current items of interest - recalls, trends, etc.

Smaller daycares you just have to hope they take it on themselves to do that.

But Ang is right - ultimately you just need to feel comfortable with the person watching your child all day.

Re: your opiinion: small daycare vs. chain?

I don't think one type is better than the other in general. I think you have to take into consideration several factors and go with what feels right to you in your situation.

DS goes to a "small-ish" daycare in a Lutheran Church. Not a large chain and not an in-home center - right in the middle. This is what felt right for us. I visited all types - small and large. I felt this center was perfect for us. It has an infant room, toddler room and pre-K room. It feels cozy and warm. The rooms are set up like classrooms (the infant room not as much as the other two). I love the teachers there. It is CLEAN. It happens to be in the perfect location. They are completely licensed and certified and follow regulations strictly. I'm very happy with our decision.

HTH - Let me know if you have any questions.

Message edited 2/20/2008 9:18:27 AM.

Re: your opiinion: small daycare vs. chain?

thank you all so much for the great advice and feedback! so helpful! i guess i just better get out there already and see what we like.

thanks again!

Re: your opiinion: small daycare vs. chain?

I am a NYS registered home daycare provider (currently on an extended maternity leave )...Some of my daycare children came to me after being in a large daycare center setting. Parents reasons for switching to a more intimate setting were-

Rapid turnover of employees- children that are used to routine and would get attached to a certain provider had a hard time coping.

Not enough personalized attention

Hurried drop offs and pick ups etc..

Some of the cons of in home daycare are-

Many times if a home provider(or her children) are ill, there may not be an alternate provider to care for your child, in which case it is your responsibilty to make other arrangements.

If an in home daycare is not licensed, there may not be as much structure as you might like...A licensed home daycare is monitered by NYS and should be run similiar to a center but with a cozier atmosphere...It really is a matter of personal choice and the overall feeling you get when you meet with the provider...I had such a strong bond with all of my daycare children and still do to this day (for some, its years later ) Hope that helps !...Good Luck !

Message edited 2/20/2008 5:56:47 PM.

Re: your opiinion: small daycare vs. chain?