Overwhelmed by daycare options
Posted 5th April 2010 by Stacey S
Research has shown that too many options can make the decision process longer and can be paralysing. Right now I agree 100%. I find myself looking at child care options for the second time. The first didn't seem too bad, mostly because I didn't know how many options there were and I had a short list near home and school. Now 3 years later I am completely overwhelmed by the process.
My husband and I are looking at moving from the suburbs to the city in order to minimize our awful commute and have more family time. We are looking at daycare near our jobs and near possible places to live. We have decided not to look into nannies or in home care due to our daughters age and the fact that she is used to being around children all day. That still leaves enough options to make your head spin. Do we want a pre-K or a daycare? We have already missed many deadlines for pre-k. Should she go somewhere where they will offer state subsidized pre-K next year or stay private?
Then there are the curriculm options - montessori, suzuki, language immesion, etc. Do we want her to learn 2, 3 or 4 languages? Sports, art, or music extras? I don't subscribe to the theorgy that her preschool will dictate which college she eventually goes to, but I want somewhere where she will learn and have fun (and play). The options are amazing as are some of the prices and waitlists.
I am sure we will find excellent care for my daughter and that all will be well. I also know there will be some issues with her transitioning schools, but that is an entirely different post. For now though, my head is spinning and I am still figuring out where to start....
1 comment so far...
If you miseed the deadlines for the pre-Ks you liked a daycare will be fine and you can look into pre-K later. You might look at a care provider who can pick up/drop off for state subsidized 1/2 day care when she's 4.
What will the elementary schools you're looking at be like? if you're planning to send her to a Montessori, you might as well start that now. If you're planning a public school, what extras will it offer? Do you want to complement those?
We did a home based daycare until she was 4 when we went to tuition preschool at the elementary school she now attends. But yes, there are many choices. Do what feels best for your child.
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Mich on 5th April 2010