In an effort to keep our options open - oh, who am I kidding??
In an effort to try and get our daughter into damn near any daycare by early 2008, we have toured yet another facility. Our names are already on lists with three organizations, covering six daycare facilities, and this would add one more to the pile. There are the two that are associated with my husband’s employer. There are the two that are near our house. There are the two that are sort of close to my husband’s work. And now, there is the fancy-schmancy one that promotes early (early!) education and has a schedule to put any type A to shame.
I have to admit, I was hoping to like this one. But I’m not sure that I do. There wasn’t anything wrong with it at all, and, really, on paper and in person it looks like it should be an excellent facility. It just seems like the kind of system that will either work really well for a child...or be disastrous. And you won’t know until you’ve accepted a position there. Is this the best out there or is this the best out there for my daughter?
So, how, in a world where acceptance at any facility is a coup, do you have any choice in child care? We won’t be needing childcare until she’s 18 months old, but it still feels like we’re at the mercy of the system. How many applications have you submitted? More importantly, how do you know you’ve submitted to the “right” ones?
And with regard to the fancy-schmancy place: we haven’t applied - but the forms and our cheque book are still sitting on the dining room table.
That is an incredible deal you have going! Unfortunately, my work (health care) isn’t conducive to either having kids in the workplace or a flex schedule (there’s a little leeway...but not much). My husband may have a little more flexibility, but certainly not to extent of being able to bypass day care - more like working from home on the odd day if a child is sick.
Now, on site day care facilities are a whole other ball game - and whether or not its subsidized by the employer...well, I’m not sure how many employers play that game at all.
Jenn,
I wonder, do you subscribe to Working Mother magazine? They often have information in their periodical and online about corporations that offer on site day care.
In my experienc you have to have an employee deduction to participate in this benefit, but it is most of the time well worth it.
Good luck hunting. Just when things seem the hardest you will find something you love. I promise!
Allie
Actually, we’re just in the process of getting a subscription for a year! They seem to have a lot of info online too. Although, from what I understand, it’s an American based publication (we’re in Canada), I was interested to see what kind of info was in it.
Thanks for your good wishes - I know there is something out there! I think it may take me until she actually *goes* to daycare to realise it, though…
Just stumbled on your site and LOVE IT!
As for the day care question......is this the best place for my baby? The question is never really answered. My daughter has been at the same in-home day care since she was 3 months old (she’s 2 1/2 now) and I love the woman who cares for her during the day. She is part of our fmaily now. But not a week goes by that I dont wonder if she needs another place/more structure/early education/etc.
Trust your gut instinct. You know your baby best and will do the right thing for her and you and the family.
thanks Jaime!
I suspect this worry may last at least the next 18, or is it 30, years… :D
The first three years are really the hardest in terms of childcare. I had a similar experience with my babies, who are now 5 and 8 when we lived in a large metropolitan area. The list to get my first child into day care was backed up a year. Ultimately my husband and I had to flex our schedules so that one of us was with the baby at all times. It actually worked out pretty well. We were lucky to work for people who saw the value in giving us flex benefits. In many cases there isn’t really a choice and I know many mom’s that have to quit working because they don’t have a choice.
I’ve been lucky in terms of always ending up with jobs that are friendly to my family situation. But perhaps that is the nature of working in the education field. My kids are driven to and from their schools from my school in the morning and afternoons. When classes aren’t in session, my boss never even questions that my kids are there, and he plays with them sometimes when I have to be in meetings. I know, I’m spoiled. But I think that comes with the territory when you work for people who are professionals with children themselves. They just get it.
What we ended up doing though to improve our options, was we moved to a rural area, and my husband opened his own firm. Which has the ultimate family friendly environment called “everyone gets to bring their kid to work whenever necessary” and we use it daily. It has been so awesome, because it has created a bond among all the employees and my husband and even myself who isn’t around very often.
Everyone in the office knows it takes a village and we are the village. I take my kids and their kids with me when they need help, and they do the same for me when I need help. Interestingly with all those kids in the office most people would guess that productivity has suffered. The contrary is true, my husband’s business has never been more profitable and the trend just rises from year to year. I chalk that up to his employees’ true appreciation of my husbands respect for their whole personhood family and all. In fact a few months ago some of his employees (ok we are all really good friends too) watched my kids while I ran a 10k.
I guess my point is that if my boss and my husband can offer these benefits, then everyone else can and there just isn’t any excuse. It is a misconception that children economically hinder companies and my husband’s firm proves it.
Without question we need to demand legislation that makes it possible for all people to experience the type of work situation that my husband and I have.
Oh, and BTW what is up with the labor laws regardig mom’s in Pennsylvania? What an outrage!