Finding Childcare

All daycares know the right things to say. I would visit it at a time when parents are picking up their children and talk to them for recommendations. Are they there because they like it for their child or are they there because they feel like they can't afford anythig better type things...

Make sure you ask questions that are pertinent to how you would feel about things...How do the discipline wayward children both minor and serious infraction (i.e not listening to the teachers vs something like biting/hitting)

If your child has any special needs (food allergy, medications, etc) you want to know how that is handled. Is there a nurse on campus. And if your child is injured what injury type is when you will get an incident/accident report and what type is the teacher going to just notify you about at the end of the day.

Look at their play facilities. Do their toys and equipment seem old and falling apart (this creates uneccessary play hazards).

Ask if you can observe a couple of the "classes" Watch how the teacher and aide interact with the children they have. Find out what the teacher to child ratio is. (under 1 is 3:1, and over 1 should be no more than 8:1 and less is better, I believe school age is 10:1)

If they have cameras in all of their classrooms, the playground and the halls is a BIG plus! This means they are making sure your child is safe at all times (but not all daycare centers charge enough for them to afford this) A few who have cameras also have the ability for you to log on to a website to check on your child anytime you want during the day.

No matter how well they answer your questions, they still may not fit the bill once your precious little one is placed. SO I suggest you have 2 - 5 options and if your first choice doesn't work out for you, you can move your child into your next top choice down the line.

Good Luck, and congratulations.

Good luck in finding child care in SA. I have not lived there so I can't help with anything specific.
Here is a link to the state web site of registered child care providers. It includes everything registered from in home providers to big corporate centers. You can search by zip code, county, etc. It shows there inspections and any violations found
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Search_Texas_Child...
I would personally visit the place, meet the provider, and ask for references before commiting to anything! Ask lots of questions and go with your gut! This is your baby - and like any mom you'll want to know they are getting the best!

I can't say that I have too much to add to what is here. I do not live in San Antonio, but I do work for our local school district. Our school district has a childcare facility that is strictly for district employees children. You might want to check and see if yours offers the same.

Also, as previously mentioned, nothing beats word of mouth referrals! Talk to other teachers, moms at the playground, the mall, or anywhere you encounter them and see which one you keep hearing about over and over. If their name keeps coming up they must be something right! Best of luck to you and congratulations on your upcoming arrival!

J. F.
The M.O.M. Team
http://www.4MeAndMom.com

We attend King of Kings Lutheran early childhood development center. We love it. I have a almost 4 year old, a 2 year old and an infant there. you can check out all their insepctions ( as well as any other daycare) on the state website. I wish you all the luck! I know how hard it is to have to leave your child with someone else, even if it is only for part of the day.
J.

I do not live in SA, but I have learned to ask the staff and teachers at the local public schools for suggestions.
Just email the school secretary and have her send out the request, or ask if you can post a request in the teachers lounge or next to their mailboxes at school. So many elementary and middle school teachers have young children and know the best daycare in your neighborhood or next to the places you or your husband will be working. At my daughters elementary school, the teachers started their own daycare for infants. through 4 year olds. It was great.

Northwood Presbyterian Dayschool is an excellent facility. In fact we have many parents that are teachers in the NEISD and AHISD districts. The school offers infants to prek. All the teachers either have their degree in childhood education ot their CDA.The director has her masters in early childhood education. All classrooms have two fulltime teachers and a very low ratio, example young 2's class 10 kids to 2 teachers.The majority of the teachers have been their over 7 years and some 13 plus years,virtually no turn over. The school has been in exsistence for 50 plus years. It follows the NEISD calender which works out great for teachers. They are still enrolling students.
Here is their number ###-###-####.