Mamas! I need your help

[Umka36 781]

Kind of unfair to group all daycares in the US into the "crappy" category.

As some have said, you have to do your research before just dropping your children off to any place. One of our son is in daycare, and I think they do a great job. They have a weekly activity/class schedule, with bedding for nap time, parent/teacher conference. I pack our son's lunch, and they provide snacks so no issue with the "junk" food.

The price is reasonable (we use the local community college daycare if that matters), but I'll agree that there was a waiting list. My wife likes it because our son gets to socialize with other children his age, and develop a daily routine. Initially I was hesitant to put him there, but he has learn quite a bit since going.

[chooky 1]

Kind of unfair to group all daycares in the US into the "crappy" category.

As some have said, you have to do your research before just dropping your children off to any place. One of our son is in daycare, and I think they do a great job. They have a weekly activity/class schedule, with bedding for nap time, parent/teacher conference. I pack our son's lunch, and they provide snacks so no issue with the "junk" food.

The price is reasonable (we use the local community college daycare if that matters), but I'll agree that there was a waiting list. My wife likes it because our son gets to socialize with other children his age, and develop a daily routine. Initially I was hesitant to put him there, but he has learn quite a bit since going.

Okay this is along hte lines of what i was wondering - if each child has his own bed and sheets and about the food (in Israel the daycare provides food) ... I am also guessing you kid is a bit older than mine. Can you only register kids for September or is there a chance to get a spot in a good day care during the year?

In comparison with daycare in the Soviet Russia, where I was growing, and even with post-reconstruction Russia, where my son was growing, the U.S. daycare is a nightmare. No beds for children for the midday nap - they sleep like pets on their rugs on the floor! - no proper meals, just junk food. No classes or other educational activities. The fees are outrageous, and still, it's very hard to find a place in daycare for your child. In most of the areas you have to be on the long waiting lists to get one. That's one of the reasons why American moms prefer to have 2-3-4 kids in a row and stay at home with them until the youngest goes to school, and only resume their career after that.

Where do you live?? I have a friend in Israel who is from Russia and she also mentioned Russian day care is not comparable to Israel (as in way better there) The kids here over the age of 1 also sleep on a mat on the floor... at least where I am - under a year they get a crib. But the food is balanced - no junk food... I wish staying at home was an option, but it will never happen both my husband and I are starting from scratch by moving...

[Alaska2012 462]

The previous daycare my 3 yo attended they had their own little cot but you provide blankets pillow and such. Some daycares will provide food, most around where I live will not. It's lunchbox all around.

Now that she does 3 hrs per day they don't eat lunch but a snack and we bring in snack once a month for the whole group.

[Boiler 45,486]

You can sign up fior day care whenever, just a question of finding somebody who has room.

[Umka36 781]

My son is 2 years old. The daycare we use only takes children who can walk on their own or 16 month minimum. They accept any child based on space availability basis (so throughout the year), but student's get priority. The rate for non student here is $1,094/month for full time toddler (16month - 3 yrs.) and $1,011/month for preschool age.

The bedding is a portable cot the kids sleep on, not the floor.

[Sekhvaruli 74]

Okay this is along hte lines of what i was wondering - if each child has his own bed and sheets and about the food (in Israel the daycare provides food) ... I am also guessing you kid is a bit older than mine. Can you only register kids for September or is there a chance to get a spot in a good day care during the year?

Where do you live?? I have a friend in Israel who is from Russia and she also mentioned Russian day care is not comparable to Israel (as in way better there) The kids here over the age of 1 also sleep on a mat on the floor... at least where I am - under a year they get a crib. But the food is balanced - no junk food... I wish staying at home was an option, but it will never happen both my husband and I are starting from scratch by moving...

I am in Maryland, DC Metro area. And I heard, daycare here is not great. Long waiting lists is the biggest issue for the families. Bu the state regulations are so strict, that very few ever think of engaging in this kind of business, even as a small home-based daycare.