A bit late, but "Cookie" magazine has an article on different teaching styles at preschools. It was really interesting to read about all the different approaches.
Carter has gone to daycare since he was 8 weeks and loves it. Yes he gets sick despite all the work they do to keep the place clean....but it is OK, it is part of being a kid....and maybe he will miss fewer school days growing up.
He talks in sentences, sings him self to sleep, plays well with other kids, share and takes turns.
Maya
Carter born June 1st, 2006
#2 due August 15th, 2008
JEN516
Posts: 7703
1/11/08 8:20 P
Lyssie's school is $7000/year! for 3 days/week! insane!!
'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'
BROOKESMOMMA
Posts: 846
1/11/08 3:45 P
No kidding - good care and schools are expensive! If I'm only doint 2 half days a week - it's close to $500 per month. And that's for a measly 8 hours a week! And I'll be adding a 3rd day, so it will be more like $600 - when I add that up per year, it's a large chunk of money. BUT - I feel good about it because I know she is truly going to GET something great out of it.
At first, I was mainly looking for a safe and friendly place to keep her when I work - but now that I found a great program - my greatest incentive has become the rewards she will benefit from the experience. When she's at home with me, she's with the same toys, and I'm often busy doing house work or running errands much of the time - there's only so much she is getting from it. So I know adding a child development program, in an exciting new setting, filled with fun toys and educational games (and other children) will be greatly stimulating for her:) I can hardly believe I'm already sending her to 'school' (I didn't think I was going to think about it until she was 3) but I feel we're both ready for starting the experience now.
Brooke Nicole
born June 17th
LYDIALAND
Posts: 5161
1/11/08 11:49 A
I am gearing down in search of a Montessori Preschool so Lydia could possibly start at 2 or at the latest 2 1/2. There are more near my work because like I have stated before; the selection is scarce where I live.
But damn I thought these kids were suppose to get cheaper as they got younger.
$800-900 a month?? People could rent apartments for that much in certain areas. I know in the end it will be worth it because Lydia has so much potential given the right tools.
I hope your lo enjoys his new daycare and your find some comfort knowing your lo is safe and well taken care of.
BROOKESMOMMA
Posts: 846
1/9/08 7:09 P
Thank you everyone for replying:) I greatly appreciate your feedback.
I visited the center by my house and was greatly dissapointed - it almost turned me off on even looking at any more centers. Then I branched out and found 'the one' today - The Goddard School - I feel good about the program and their facility. They're all independently owned, but I'd love to hear feedback from anyone who's familiar with their schools. I love that it's considered 'preschool' and is education oriented. I plan to enroll her starting with half days right away!
I'll keep you posted - thanks again for your encouragement and input!
Edited by: BROOKESMOMMA at: 1/9/2008 (19:10)
Brooke Nicole
born June 17th
KOHERRING
Posts: 2724
1/9/08 6:55 P
Abi has been in public daycare full time since she was 2.5 months old and she's doing great! The teachers there love her and she gets lots of attention. She has great social skills and is really well adjusted.
Now, she will probably get sick some when she first starts, but that's going to be the case no matter when you start her being around other kids a lot, whether it's now or when she's 5. It'll be tough at first, but she'll be fine.
Abigail Faith
Born 4/28/06
Our little superstar!
Alexander Neal
Born 7/22/08
LYDIALAND
Posts: 5161
1/8/08 12:26 P
I prefer in home care as well. More personal and less children. I have had a tough time finding the right daycare but one thing is clear; Lydia has florished in daycare. She interacts with other children has learned so much in a short amount of time.
My MIL used to watch Lydia the first 16 months of her life and that is what she did... watch her. These daycares provide a place to educate your child. My daycare has age appropriate activities and I let my daycare provider know what things I am working on with Lydia and she incorporates that into lesson plans for Lydia.
I have my daughter in daycare full time so I get a major discount and pay only $27 a day but $130 a week. Daycare prices range from $100-$350 a week for full time in my area. Most childcare centers charge MUCH MORE. They have to lease a center, pay each provider and make a profit so of course they will charge much more.
For part time most places will charge $40-$60 a day around here.
I am all for daycare now!
CHRISANN
Posts: 6162
1/8/08 11:35 A
I have a wonderful in home sitter so I am a day care optomist. Even though I don't care for the large day care style centers, the one you are describing sounds pretty nice. I would say, go there, spend some time there during different parts of the day and see what it is really like. I would just drop in as it gives the best view.
If you are only talking 4 months too, I would say stop worrying so much about it! She will survive and be just fine.
Chris
my.babyfit.com/chrisann
Son: Eli
5/02/04
Daughter: Jocelyn
5/06/06
ARMY_WIFEY
Posts: 1516
1/8/08 1:56 A
none of my kids have ever been in daycare we have always had tons of family around when I did work and now I am a sahm so I dont need care for my children. BUT if I were you I would go with daycare yes she will be exposed to germs but that being said if you never expose her to other kids and germs she will literally be sick most of her first year of school and you dont want that you want to build her immune system so she can stay in school and learn. Plus most daycares these days have schedules they stick to which can include craft time,story time,center time,free time,they also learn helpful skills such as setting the table,learning to serve themselves,clean up after themselves,and learning to wash hands,etc. They also get the interaction with kids which will help her expand her vocabulary and learn just by socializing yes not everything she picks up you will approve of(meaning other kids bad behaviors)but as her parent you can nip that in the butt as soon as it begins to happen by showing her behaviors that are acceptable and those that are not. Sorry I may be biased I used to work in a daycare before i had kids so thats how I know what they do even though I have never had a child in care. That being said Erica will be starting preschool,dance classes this year and adison isnt old enough for preschool yet but I am highly considering sending her to daycare one maybe two half days a week just so she can have all the experiances I mentioned above! Good luck wiht your decision. Just make sure to do your reasearch and be aware of what each individual daycare provides (learning wise).
I had my MIL watch my daughter and at first it was great, but after 6 months, MIL was tired and it was too much. and then she started getting unreliable which b/c a huge source of stress for me. So, I found a daycare with a 5:1 ratio and only 10 kids/class. they sanitize every day...all the toys and the entire room. they wear gloves to change diapers and they change gloves with each kid. when your child arrives, you have to wash their hands and they wash before every meal (they do lunch and 2 snacks).my DD has been in her school for 5 mos and has been sick with a cold once and had a 24 hour stomach virus once. that's it. Now, for the socialization...she has learned all of her colors (red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple, black, brown, white) the numbers 1-5, the letter A,B,C,D all her animals and the shapes circle, square and triangle. She can sing about 10 different songs. She dances and mocks everything. and her vocabulary is about 60 words. Now, I know all of this would've come in time anyway, but it's amazing how fast she picked up on stuff with 'peers' to watch. sometimes I go and peek in on her to see how she is doing and I can see she just loves it. and on 'school' days, when I ask her if she is ready for school, she runs to the door.
I think it is one of the best things I did. She goes 3 days/week now, but originally I signed her up for 2 days. she flourished so much that we added a day.
and my daycare cost is about $55/day so I'm right there with you :(
In the longrun, I think you will be happier with the center. and your mom can continue to be a doting Grandma. My MIL is much happier now that she doesn't have to take DD for so many hours 2 days/week.
'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'
BROOKESMOMMA
Posts: 846
1/7/08 8:02 P
Hi! I'm from the June board - dropping in for your advice:) I've been a SAHM with my LO attached to my hip for 19 months:) I've recently been presented the opportunity to work on a project (which will be temporary) and can work part time (2 days a week). I'm greatly considering it - but my dilema is that I don't know what to do with Brooke!
I can give her to my mom - but I know it would be stressful for her. Otherwise, I am considering the option of daycare - but I'm scared! My husband said "absolutely NO daycare! I don't want her getting sick and she won't be looked after well." I always felt that way as well, but now I'm considering the positives. I think the socialization, learning time (and time apart from me!) could be beneficial for her.
There's a very nice center right by our house, the teacher student ratio is 5:1 and 15 children max per room. The cost is $59 dollars a day - and I'd only be doing it 2 days per week for about 4 months.
So I need advice - I'm really torn. I'd love to hear your opinions and experience on this matter. My mom as an option (she get's stressed very easy, and cannot smell - so she won't be able to know if there's a poopy diaper)but otherwise she's attentive and cautious with her, or the experience of daycare. I appreciate your feedback!
BabyFit, BabyPoints, BabyPages and other marks are trademarks of SparkPeople, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
BABYFIT is a registered trademark of SparkPeople, Inc. in the United States, European Union, Canada, and Australia. All rights reserved.
Plus most daycares these days have schedules they stick to which can include craft time,story time,center time,free time,they also learn helpful skills such as setting the table,learning to serve themselves,clean up after themselves,and learning to wash hands,etc. They also get the interaction with kids which will help her expand her vocabulary and learn just by socializing yes not everything she picks up you will approve of(meaning other kids bad behaviors)but as her parent you can nip that in the butt as soon as it begins to happen by showing her behaviors that are acceptable and those that are not. Sorry I may be biased I used to work in a daycare before i had kids so thats how I know what they do even though I have never had a child in care. That being said Erica will be starting preschool,dance classes this year and adison isnt old enough for 
