Day Care/Home Care - need advice

[Jodi]

We've been fortunate for DH to stay home the last two years with Ryan and his older bro. But, I think DH will be going back to work this fall or the 1st of the year and I'm starting to PANIC! Ryan was with my mom until DH started staying home and he's never been in any kind of daycare.

So, I was wondering if anyone had any advice, suggestions, etc. I've poked around here and there but there doesn't seem to be any great services close to where we live (Hacienda Heights CA). I was thinking a center program might offer him more time to be with other kids his age and that might be fun for him. I'm just really nervous about the whole thing. He starts 1st grade in the fall. (I need another transition plan )

Jodi

[Chester]

Hmmm, so you really only need before and afterschool care? Does your school offer those services? That's pretty slick, if not, we live near a state university and they have a "center" where University students are trained to teach. I LOVE it!

For full day care my personal choice is a center, just because I feel more at ease with more than one set of eyes watching a child.....or at least the checks and balances of having more people involved. Our little guy goes to a day care center once a week. It's probably not enough for him to establish much of a routine, but I love being home with him.

If your community is anything like ours, you should find something ASAP, the spots in the good places fill so fast!

[momofrussell]

What about the YMCA Jodi? They usually can pick Ryan up from school and take him to their facility. I would think he could maybe have a "shadow" if need be and then you or DH can pick him up in the afternoon/evening time.

I also was going to suggest that maybe the school offered after school care. I don't know how good these are. I have never used after school care at any of our schools.

Or... some preschool type places like Children's World, ect.. they offer afterschool care and will pick the child up from school too.

Or... the spec ed bus could transport Ryan which can be done too.

Do you know any other parents at school and if they use any after school care at all? Too bad I don't know anyone in Hacienda Heights... or I'd ask around for ya! I didn't live too far from you when I lived there!

A.

[momofrussell]

How close are you to Manzanita Park or Steinmetz park? I was looking at a HH newsletter online and those two parks offer after school care for $25 a week. Maybe it's worth a call?

A.

[Jodi]

A ~ it's like you live here... LOL!!! I know where both parks are, and have left messages for some programs. One program is at Josh's school, which would be great because I could have Ryan taken there and pick them both up - but unfortunately the program is being discontinued

I think I'm just going through that same thing I did when I went back to work when Josh was a baby. As much as I think it would drive me crazy, I still wish I could stay home - but it's just not an option here

I got another dumb*ss answer when I called the YMCA and asked about their program - I asked if they had any kids with SN (I know - I did it again) and the girl said there's a campus next door for "kids like that" .... I told her that Ryan would probably do just fine in the Y's program and left my name and number for the director to call me back.

I'm checking with some groups - but unfortunately I'm smack in the middle between two major groups who have tons of information for their area but little for mine.

I'll keep (reluctantly) checking...

Jodi

[momofrussell]

Also... IF you need another resource... you can call the Children's Home Society and they can refer you to in home day care needs and sometimes facilities. I know you don't want in home but I just wanted to let you know that that place is WONDEFUL! I have used it a few times back in CA and it was well worth the service. I found in home and facility type daycare for Regan and Russell.

Good luck!

A.