Time to get serious…ahem. A friend of mine is driving me flippin bananas asking me questions about what really happens in daycares. She’s 5 months pregnant and is looking for the perfect daycare for when she returns to work from maternity leave. I was a head infant toddler teacher for about 8 years on and off, so I may have some inside information. I simply told her “you’re delusional, there is no such thing as the perfect daycare”. However, she has the right idea in starting to scope out some prospects early. I would meet pregnant moms all the time taking tours. Seats fill up quickly and a mom will cut you for a spot in the “perfect” daycare! It’s that serious!
If you’re looking for a daycare in NYC, a good number to call is the NYC Child Care Resource and & Referral Consortium (888) 469 5999. Their website is also very helpful www.nycchildcareconsortium.org I’ve given this number to several parents looking for daycares and it’s a great resource. When you call you can list the things you are looking for in a Daycare and they can point you to the right direction. You can also try calling 311. I think this is a good starting point. (If you live in another state, you should try googleing Daycare resources and referral services in your city and state)
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the NYC Department of Health Daycare Regulations. It’s a long document but it’s worth taking some time to review. It covers everything from student to teacher ratios to teacher qualifications and requirements. It even talks about nap time! Check it out.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/PDF/public/notice-adoption-hc-art47-0308.pdf
I hope this blog has provided you with some helpful information. Good luck on your very exhausting journey to finding a daycare.
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