https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 10 May 2026 16:49:01 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1865102 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 18:26:12 +0000 night cheese 1865102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for the input. We've decided that we'd rather save the money so we're going with the cheaper center. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1864305 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:49:18 +0000 LuLu Mom 1864305@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd do #2, an infant doesn't need curriculum , they need comfort and if you feel that with the woman I would go there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1864251 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:10:23 +0000 AmandaB8 1864251@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I chose option 3 too, mostly because that's what we're doing. I figure that infants and babies learn better in a play based environment - we plan on switching at age 2 (which is when the curriculum center near us drops $65 a week(!) to the same price as play based center :silly: ) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863930 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 07:14:48 +0000 looch 1863930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is the second center offering an introductory rate, or why is there such a disparity in the rates? That kind of alarms me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863729 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 20:19:55 +0000 reyorra 1863729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I said go with option 3 (start at 2 then switch after time). Sometimes places can surprise you and things can definitely change over time. Center #2 might pick up curriculum during her time in the infant room, and just because there isn't a set curriculum doesn't mean they are just sticking the babies in seats and letting them stare at the walls.<br /> On the other hand, things can change and center #2 might get more expensive if they add curriculum. But at least you can always compare the price to center #1 and make decisions that way.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863679 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:35:36 +0000 blackbird 1863679@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love using an in home, non-curriculum based setting for an infant. I just don't think the rest is anything they benefit from until they are older. Is it a fun daycare? Is she going to be well taken care of? That's what matters </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863653 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:09:18 +0000 Tanjowen 1863653@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I say go with Option #2 and then switch later on! I think the fact you were so comfortable with the woman you met will make you feel so much more comfortable with leaving your newborn in someone else's care. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863636 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:46:45 +0000 NovBaby1112 1863636@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted for option 2. I think as an infant, the things that matter most are just being loved, fed, and paid attention to- not learning or curriculum. Agree with others that maybe around 2-3 you could switch to a more curriculum based center, but honestly, babies and toddlers learn just by playing and your LO will do just fine! I would go with whoever you felt the most comfortable with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863612 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:25:26 +0000 BeachMama 1863612@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with PP's that curriculum doesn't matter for an infant. The important thing, for me, was that DD was loved and cared for, and that some sort of schedule was enforced.</p> <p>We switched daycares at 2 years old because we moved and DD transitioned so well. We may even switch again next year because we're moving again. Personally, I think change like that is good for them sometimes and helps them become more resilient. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863604 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:23:30 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1863604@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you are 100% comfortable with option B and the distance isn't an issue then save the money. Readdress the situation later. </p> <p>I would ask for newborns / infants things like: </p> <p>What information do you get at the end of the day<br /> What are the cleaning/hand washing policies (do they wash the babies hands?)<br /> Do.the babies ever leave the room? Go for walks? Go outside?<br /> When do they start things like sensory play or art activities?<br /> Do they read and sing to the babies? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863531 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 17:09:32 +0000 pregnantbee 1863531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As others have said, curriculum doesn't matter until more like age 2-3. Your daughter will get so much from you at home, too. I'd definitely go with the less expensive place, and you can always switch later for preschool. That said, I'd ask both places about how much they would be holding your baby (or would they just stick her in "baby holders" all day), whether or not a TV is on and present at the facility, how do they feed her, etc. And then go with your gut -- right when walking in, which place makes you feel the best about going back to work? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863527 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 17:04:01 +0000 skibobrown 1863527@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't worry about curriculum-based daycare with a baby. At that age, loving care and opportunities to play are way more important. Around age 2 or 3 I would think about switching to the more structured program though. Our daughter is 2.5 and in a curriculum-based program, and we've recently started to really see the benefits of that approach. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863499 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:38:45 +0000 Ree723 1863499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Second option - you like the director, you have a great reference, and it is less expensive! Personally, I think all this talk of having a curriculum for babies and toddlers is a bit much. Kids are only little for such a short time - why throw them into all this curriculum based learning before necessary? From what I recall reading recently, whether a child learns their alphabet at age two or age four has absolutely no bearing on their intelligence and outcomes for the future (when all other variables are constant of course). I say go with the one you like better and don't get caught up in the hype of one being a highly curriculum based centre.... I have absolutely no experience with day care though so please feel free to disregard my opinion. :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863484 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:26:07 +0000 avivoca 1863484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would do the cheaper one and then switch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863476 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:17:49 +0000 snowjewelz 1863476@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd do the cheaper one and switch if needed! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863456 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:00:13 +0000 Greentea 1863456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Being able to walk is a huge benefit, first option for sure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863454 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:57:12 +0000 dagret 1863454@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me, i would ask both what ratio they aim for. L started at a daycare which aimed for a 1:3 ratio for babies; our state mandates 1:4. </p> <p>Does one forbid shoes in the infant room? How does the noise level in the rooms compare? What about the menu? </p> <p>And honestly, L is 19 months and we just left his first (only, so far) center because of biting. As much as I had thought this could be our "5 year plan," it didn't work out that way. And you might end up having a different experience...but it's not the end of the world if you need to switch later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863443 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:44:03 +0000 aegie 1863443@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i don't think curriculum is necessary up until maybe 2? 3? It's mostly fun learning through playing and social interactions and routines. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863441 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:42:22 +0000 .twist. 1863441@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I personally would do the first option. It was important to me to get curriculum and healthy meals and it was 100% worth the extra money we are paying to do so. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863437 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:39:10 +0000 Freckles 1863437@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For reasons related to stability, i'd want to keep her at the same daycare centre and not switch her.</p> <p>The first daycare sounds great. Even though it's $250/week now, i'm assuming it'll get cheaper as she gets older. Do you think you could get the prices? It could be that at a certain point the price will be the same as the other daycare centre. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863435 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:38:39 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1863435@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd do the cheaper one because you have a personal reference, and it doesn't sound like you're really sacrificing quality for price. Newborns really don't need curriculum, but structure/routine is nice. My son is 2.5 and I don't even really worry about curriculum but I'm a little more lax I guess. He's a bright kid so I'm not worried.<br /> If it's important to you then the idea of starting with the second option and switching is a nice idea too </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-decision-wwyd#post-1863427 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:33:30 +0000 night cheese 1863427@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Which daycare would you choose?</p> <p>Option 1:</p> <p>1. Within walking distance of our home.<br /> 2. Part of an established chain with very good reviews.<br /> 3. Highly curriculum-based.<br /> 4. $250 a week for newborns. </p> <p>Option 2:</p> <p>1. 15 minutes from our home, but not too far out of the way of my commute.<br /> 2. Brand new, just opened this month, but the director used to run an in-home daycare and I know someone who sent her son there, and now sends him to the new center. She's got only good things to say about the woman, and when I met her this morning, I really liked her.<br /> 3. Not really curriculum-based for infants and toddlers. Somewhat of a curriculum for preschool-aged kids.<br /> 4. $185 a week for all ages. </p> <p>We really wanted to send our baby to a curriculum-based daycare, but we're also really into the idea of spending almost $3500 less per year. Money is tight so the lower price is really attractive right now. And we'd normally be reluctant to send her to a brand new center, but having a personal reference makes that easier. </p> <p>Another option is to send her to the cheaper center as an infant and switch to the other center when she's a bit older, because the price for older babies is slightly lower, and a curriculum is more important for older babies. </p> <p>What would you do? </p>