Ok. So it's been a while now that I am planning on going to work. I have been sending in my resumes and just got an email for interview tomorrow. And I am scared. Really really scared. Not about the interview but about having to leave DS behind.
Suddenly it is a reality that there is a big chance I am going back to work soon. I have been putting off looking for a care option for DS because I keep telling myself this will be a long time in the future. And the waterworks just started to flow when I read the interview email. How do you working mums out there do this? I can't bear the thought of DS not be with me for days.
Anyways, sorry about the off topic rambling, I called the long day care centre Few doors down from home just now and they have vacancy for DS (JIC). But I have no idea what to ask, what to look for. I was rambling in-between sobs when I spoke to the director. She must've thought I was on something. I am just very very emotional ATM.
And here I am rambling again. I just want to know my care options for DS. Your experiences will be gold. And I want to know why am I supposed to be looking for in these care providers, what I should be asking them,etc. Any input at all will be very much appreciated.
Going back to work with a little one will be hard. Going for the interview tomorrow when you have been out of the work force for a bit is enough to make you emotional let alone having to think about childcare.
I don't know anything about childcare centres as I was not able to work when my girls were little due to one of them being very ill for a few years.
For you interview tomorrow write down any questions you need to ask as you will forget to ask them in your nerviness. Then go to the centre and have a look so you can see first hand how it is run.
Thanks for replying. So horrified with the amount of grammar errors in that thread. I guess I was more muddled up than I thought. Right now I jut want to hug DS and curl up. Why do we have to need money to live?
I have had a chance to look around a bit more about my care options for DS. But I still have a few Qs. About what do I have to keep an eye out for when visiting these daycare (other than the obvious-cleanliness, treatment,etc- of course).
Ask around. You can usually get the best feedback this way. Another thought, have you thought about care in your house or someone elses v a childcare centre.
You need to feel comfortable where you place him. Some places will feel right or wrong.
As Rivlas has mentioned, family day care may work well for you.
The carers usually only have 4-5kids, they are police checked and have their houses inspected to make sure they are child friendly.
It worked really well for my DS1, he thrived in the home care environment. The lady who looked after him was fantastic, it was his second home.
With a Child Care Centre, you tend to know when you walk in if you like it. We looked through a few and found one we were happy with and it's been great.
Questions to ask a Child Care Centre would be things like, how often do you change the nappy?
What is the menu like and will you give my DS an alternative if he doesn't eat or like what is on the menu?
Ask them abuut sleep routines and where do they sleep?
Can you bring a favourite toy in that your DS sleeps with for his sleep time?
What do they do to help a little one to sleep? Do they pat or rock or do they let them cry?
You will find as you talk to the room qualified person you will get a feel for how the centre operates.
Sometimes it can be little things like does the front desk always have the centre director to talk to.
Is it secure? Do the carers wear a uniform?
Your gut instinct will kick in
Thanks a million for the replies. You are giving me lots of inputs on things I didn't think about.
I have tried to contact the family daycare but the waiting list here is 6 months ATM .
I have to wait few more days for the interview but I don't think I went well . I was too nervous. Especially when she told me how much they will be paying. Gosh! That much money would mean a lot to us, I was only expecting maybe half of that! But then I looked around and I realized that with my experience and qualification, it is the average pay and it pays waaaaayyyy more than what DH is getting (I never looked for another job before, got pregnant when I just graduated and was going to). So, long story short, it is a definite thing for me to go back to work. When I get the job, DH will quit his job and maybe work only couple of days a week. So DS can still stay at home with DH this time. But I still need to look for daycare just for that gap when DH is giving his notice.
With regards to childcare - use your gut instincts, if it don't feel right, it might not be the best place for you. Look to see what the kids are doing, drop in a visit during the morning/afternoons this is their busy times, have a look around and see what the kids are doing, and what the carers are doing, ask loads of questions anything that pops up into your head. I had to put my DD2 into FDC at 6months i know the pain you are and will feel, a big squishy hug xooxoxox
What are my options?
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