I'm just overwhelmed. I want LO somewhere close to home but the centers near home don't have websites, so it's hard to get a feel for the place. I don't know... I'm overwhelmed.
Everyone I know with little kiddos has parents/in-laws/relatives that watch their kiddos. My family isn't in town and even if they were, they all work too so that's not an option. I just don't know what to do.
GOLD / wonderful coffee bean / 18478 posts
I would definitely visit any places of interest rather than relying on websites. It's one of those things where you walk in and can get that "this is the one" feeling. Our daycare is great, but they had no website when I picked them 2 years ago.
GOLD / papaya / 10206 posts
None of the daycares around here have very good websites either. We had to just bite the bullet and do tours of everywhere before we made our decision. I will say that the one I though I'd like based on their measly website turned out to be our least favorite once we did the tours. For me it was all about getting the right feeling.
pomegranate / 3595 posts
It can be overwhelming and it is a big decision, so the stress is understandable. I agree that visiting is really helpful and if you are trying to get a sennse of what is in your area you might want to try accreditation orgs like the NAEYC. They have a website and you can search by llocation. Our center is accredited through there and i think it makes a difference.
nectarine / 2127 posts
I'd definitely do a tour before enrolling, but a website gives me an idea of if they're accepting new enrollees, their hours of operation, their location, that sort of thing. I've called three that aren't accepting new enrollees. 
GOLD / wonderful coconut / 33402 posts
Definitely go tour the day cares. Websites don't give you a vibe for the place.
eggplant / 11824 posts
I'd call everywhere in your area (website or not) to find out tuition rates and infant/teacher ratios, etc. I would tour every center within your budget - you'll know within about 1 minute of walking into a daycare whether it should stay on your list or not.
nectarine / 2127 posts
I was headed to the grocery store right after I posted this and I noticed a daycare center in little plaza just before the grocery and it looked open. On a whim, I decided to pull in and check them out.
I had to be buzzed in, I was immediately greeted by an employee of the daycare facility, who introduced me to the director. She gave me a tour, gave me basic information and answered all my questions with the answers I'd hoped for (ie, they don't put bottles in the microwave), and was very personable. Her daughter was there and kinda following us and they were super cute together. The director interacted pleasantly with other kids in the center and seemed genuine and friendly.
It's amazing, especially considering the other options in town. And for the same price! I was nearly pinching myself to be certain this wasn't a dream.
My only reservation is that it is a new facility but they are licensed and the director has several years of experience as a director and the staff has a great deal of experience as well. I read their state inspection results and they did very well.
I'm ready to send in a deposit! I am so so so relieved. I can say I'd truly feel comfortable sending my baby there.
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
That's excellent!
You can also call the state and get background info on that particular daycare. If they are licensed, there is info on them...audits/past visits, etc!
pomelo / 5331 posts
You'll have to do tours, it's super overwhelming until you start narrowing places down.
I went on our state's licensing site to get a list of places that were within an acceptable radius of my office (there are zero infant daycares in the town we live in and I work 30 minutes from home). Then I called them each to get prices and ruled out a couple that way. I visited 2 that were gross and weird and then we visited the one we ended up choosing, which was the most expensive one that I wasn't planning on choosing because of price -- I was just going to get a point of comparison! But we fell in love.
Don't worry, you'll find a place! You just have the hit the pavement a little.
nectarine / 2504 posts
It's going to be okay mama! The daycares we were interested in didn't have robust webpages either so we had to schedule a bunch of tours.
nectarine / 2127 posts
It's a huge relief for sure. I was telling DH that I was quitting my job in between heaving sobs after the first day care visit. The first place was so gross and depressing. I'm really glad I popped in to this one. DH is thrilled that they have a webcam feature so he can log in and see that LO is okay.
blogger / watermelon / 14218 posts
@septemberlove: yayyy!!! So glad that you found a place that you like. I toured ONE place and absolutely loved it, put my deposit down just 2 days later. 1.5 years later we still absolutely love it and can't wait until LMW is old enough to start there (they only take 15 months and up)!!!
GOLD / wonderful pomegranate / 28905 posts
@septemberlove: it is all really daunting. To help narrow the list I would call and ask for their pick up/drop off times, tuition rates and whether they are accredited. I think those 3 questions will probably help you eliminate a few!
Good luck!
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