Anxious mama needing advice on Childcare around Eastern Burbs - Melbourne

[mambo]

Hi all,

Im looking into possibly putting my 2 boys (aged 3 and 13 months) into childcare for 1 day a week and I really dont know where to start. Can anyone recommend any good centres around the Ringwood area? I'm fairly confident my 3 year old DS will cope ok but am really quite worried about how my 13month DS will go as he's very attached to me I've been warned that the first few months will be tough so im trying to mentally and emotionally prepare myself but to be honest i know i will struggle too especially if i see them crying (which i know chances are high that that will happen :/. Also, any advice on what to look out for when choosing a centre wld be great. Everyones always told me that I will just 'know' which centre is right but im not sure on that? Sorry, am rambling now...any advice, tips, hints would be much appreciated

[MumtoA]

Hey Hun,

My dd goes to day care one day a week and started when she was 11 months. When I went looking I just rang a few in my area and went to the places that had spots available. One was great on the phone but they didn't have places but she told me to aim for one close to home and one that 'feels' right - I was skeptical! The first place I went to I hated! But then I went to another and she was right, I just got a good feeling about the people and the place. They. Also let me, dd and dh come in for a bit the following day so we could see how she interacted with the workers. We also put her in on a friday which is their really quiet day - sometimes no more than 3 kids which think is great cos they are monitored so much better.

Dd went through a stage where she would cry when we dropped her off, surprisingly this wasn't when she first started going and just developed over a few a weeks. It lasted about 6 weeks I think but I would just give her her duck when we got there and she had her fav worker and she would befine by the time I got out of the door...distractions distractions distractions!!

Don't know if this helps, but just my experience.... Xoxoxo

Good luck!

[mambo]

Thanks for your post mumtoa...just a few quessies:

-Did you trial your DD at the centre and if so for how many hours? Were you able to stay and watch her?
-Do they let you do as many trials as you want until your comfortable?
-Im not sure if their are different age groups between centres, but would my boys be able to interact throughout the day?
-My 13month old DS is always rocked to sleep (i know bad habit) but im worried about what will happen in childcare? Do they apply what you do at home at the centre?
-Did you have to make appointments to see the centre or were you able to just walk through?

[Lana]

Maybe consider Family Day care too it is organised through your council. Then they would be together. The carer would have a max of 4-5 kids each day. You have to find someone you are comfortable with of course as it is in their home but we have loved it. Our carer is great and the kids get taken to the playground or out into the community each time. They often meet up with other carers too so they get to interact with a range of children of ages and sexes. As they are with kids of different ages they learn from the older kids, as well as learn how to be gentle with the smaller kids. Also instead of having 10 kids all sitting in high chairs needing to be fed and changed at the same time, as they have a smaller group they can really tailor their attention to the needs of each child as they are all at different stages. For example ours is helping practice the homework we are getting from speech therapy. I get photos sent to my phone to show what they kids are up to. I have to provide my own nappies and lunch but that is fine as I know exactly what they are eating.

It has been great for DS as he has become a very social and confident little boy which doesn't come from me. I have seen him flourish there. He and DD go together and it has been an easy transition for DD as DS is there with her. All round positive experience for us.

[mambo]

Thanks for the advice Lana...it does sound like a lovely arrangement that your kids can interract throughout the day (something im not sure wld happen in cc). To be honest id never really considered family day care bc i was under the impression the carer can take the kids out (as you mentioned) and im not sure im comfortable with that. But thats just me and its probably fuelled by the fact that my 3 year old ds is a runner so im always quite nervy when i take him out :/ i can definately see the positives in family day care its just that one thing that im not comfy with :/ i should sign off anxious and paranoid mama! Lol. ...Ughh

[Ginger]

mambo- i know a couple of mums who have their kids at one in croydon that they love. would that be close enough for you? pm me if you want the details

[feeb]

Day car choice is scary and daunting but its right you do just know!!

My boys started at 2 and 1/2 and 13 months.
When looking I went to look at 2 that friends boys were in. 1st one 5 min drive away I arrived and thought hmm not sure what I expect but this isnt it!! vHad a look anyway, couldnt answer all my qns so was to ring back speak to director which I did. Went back and looked again still didnt feel comfortable and boys did not venture from my side.
Went to see another 20 mins from home not same friends son at but same company has 3. It was bright, colourful, friendly, helpful, could answer all qns, my oldest started to play and went and sat with kids for story while i was looking and chatting.

We had 3 days orientation, I was with them 1 day for 1 - 2 hrs, next day i left for a bit over an hr next day I left for 4 hrs. Then they started following monday for the day.
They go 1 day a week.

DS1 has always cried when I leave him but they assure me happy within 5 mins, always happy when I go to pick him up until he sees me then cries!

Sorry can't help in area you are in.

[mambo]

Ginger - Would greatly appreciate the details of the cc in croydon..thanks recommendations are always good!

Feeb - Your boys are similar age gaps to mine Its interesting you say you did just know which centre was right and I can only hope I have that same sense when I start looking
Are your boys able to interact throughout the day?
Did you make appointments to see these centres? Im not sure if its the norm to just rock up unannounced or whether i need to make a specific time to walk through?
Have you found they get sick alot? This is my DH's biggest concern as he's heard from other dads that its the biggest drawback which i know is probably unavoidable when theirs lots of little critters running around...no getting around that but i figure now is a good time to trial them with the nicer weather coming up.

It is such a daunting decision and honestly its been a consideration for a long time I just never pluck up the courage to start the process and it doesnt help when I hear horror stories so hearing some positive ones definately helps

thanks ladies