Childcare

[samssugarmomma]

It sounds like a nice place! Some other things to look at, are they accredited, do they have a curriculum for the toddlers/ preschoolers.

Also, did they have bulletin boards in the rooms that reflect the season/time of year? Posters on the wall that the kids would enjoy looking at? I've found that those little details were always found at the centers that I liked the best. (I used to work full time and I've looked at centers in multiple states)

Re: schedules. For your infant, they should let your infant run the show as far as when to eat/ be changed/ and sleep and not put them on a set schedule until they are older- once they start eating real food and the baby takes more regular naps.

It wouldn't hurt to go and see some other places, just to see what they are like. When I was deciding on a center for my first, seeing other places helped me be comfortable that my number 1 choice really was a lot better than the competition.

[alotofyarn]

It sounds like a nice place! Some other things to look at, are they accredited, do they have a curriculum for the toddlers/ preschoolers.

Yes, they are NAEYC accredited, and they do have a curriculum.

Also, did they have bulletin boards in the rooms that reflect the season/time of year? Posters on the wall that the kids would enjoy looking at? I've found that those little details were always found at the centers that I liked the best. (I used to work full time and I've looked at centers in multiple states)

I didn't notice, but they had a lot of things off the walls to repaint soon.

Re: schedules. For your infant, they should let your infant run the show as far as when to eat/ be changed/ and sleep and not put them on a set schedule until they are older- once they start eating real food and the baby takes more regular naps.

This is one thing I still need to ask about - I'm actually hoping I can get the baby on a reasonable schedule at home, and it would be great if they could try to follow that during the day. I didn't get the impression that they kept a rigid schedule for any of the babies, but it was hard to tell.

It wouldn't hurt to go and see some other places, just to see what they are like. When I was deciding on a center for my first, seeing other places helped me be comfortable that my number 1 choice really was a lot better than the competition.

I think mostly I don't know how to find these, but I am thinking about doing this. It's only $25 to get on the wait list for the one, so if for whatever reason I find something I love better, we don't lose out much.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Most states have lists through accreditation agencies. Just Google your state plus daycare accreditation or review or oversight. You can then look in the relevant zip codes.

[alotofyarn]

Thanks T&S! I knew about the national accreditation, but not the state, and there are only a few nationally accredited centers here, only one of which is at all convenient or looks like something that we might consider (our main choice so far).