Hello everyone...
I am currently seeking child care for my unborn child. I am 29/30 weeks along and am starting to get extremely nervous about the possiblity of not finding anyone. ( maybe i am over worrying) I am looking for someone to start possibly in the end of Feb.2011 or begining of March 2011. I have been told by other child care givers I am starting to early, however I am extremely nervous, this is my first child, and am not sure exactly what to do. Should I hire a baby sitter, do daycare or family care giver. I am sooo confused with this entire process. The other issue is money. Everyone I seem to call want 350 and better per week or 1400-1600 per month for a daycare, has child care always been this expensive.. Any referrals or advice will be accepted at this point.
thanks all..
ok first dc offers day care vouchers, you just have to goand apply, they may not pay the full but it may cut some of the cost down. Second go to child care centers, day care centers in your area and just look around and see which one you like, sometimes hiring a responsile teenager or older persn also helps as well. Take the nervousness away and just get yourself ready for the birth of your beautiful baby. It will all fll into place
What area are you looking for childcare in? Virginia social services has a site you can go to to search for places by zip code. It's nice in that you can also see their inspection reports and find out any problems that might have occured in the past. Here is the link to that - http://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/cc.cgi
Another great site to search for places in your area is Infant Toddler Families - http://www.infanttoddler.com/, they serve Northern Virginia and are all licensed by the state/county. A lot are in-home day cares if that is what you are most interested in.
I agree with the other responder that going to these places to get a feel for the location and people is very important. I don't think you're starting too early, a lot of centers do have wait lists for infants. Fairfax County also has an assistance program to help with the costs - http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc/ccar.htm
Enjoy your new baby when he/she arrives soon, it will all fall into place and you'll find someone your truly love to care for your child, you're already headed in the right direction with your post.
Hi H.,
Don't panic! Start with Craig's List- there are TONS of local providers on there. Pick 3-5 close to your home or work, and interview them (there are some good checklists online for what to ask). Pick one BEFORE the child is born, you won't want to worry about this once the baby's here. Ours is an at-home daycare (generally cheaper than daycare centers), our baby gets lots of love, food, and hardly ever sick because there are only a few kids, and we pay $250/week (N. Arlington, VA).
My 4 yo daughter has been to three day cares. OK, stay away from Kindercare, or any of those franchised day cares. They are HORRIBLE!!!! She went to the Federal Children's Center in Herndon for about 2 years. I absolutely recommend it. Federal Children's Center Of Northern Virginia
530 Huntmar Park Drive, Herndon, VA 20170, ###-###-####. I recommend it with my eyes closed! The staff is wonderful, the facilities are top of the line, and the center has unlimited resources. That would be my first pick. You should look into it ASAP because the spaces are in such high demand. Go for a tour and see for yourself. I believe tuition is 300 something per week for infants. Daycare is expensive :( but well worth your money, it's your baby! The second choice is Happy Hearts, Happy Hearts Children Center, 2730 Centreville Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171, ###-###-####. It is a privately owned and operated day care. Good quality, reasonable prices, attentive staff, and diverse. My daughter attends Happy Hearts and she loves it. I like it too. The director is awesome, the teacher is excellent, and the owner is a sweeheart. I feel like we are family. You should tour that one as well. The key is to visit as many daycares as you can, and then make your decision. I am of the opinion that if you are going to place your child in somebody's care, you should choose wisely. Also, a group setting is much better in my opinion. Your child gets stimulation, other people are present at all times, you child learns social skills, and so many more benefits. Best of luck! HUGS!
