Re child care. Make sure you visit a few places and compare their fees and facilities. You have to be comfortable with the surroundings. When Jazz was going to the child care centre, I sometimes felt like I was being judged and felt like things I was doing for Jazz were wrong. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're wrong. My mum told me that in most cases, a mother's gut instinct is correct, even for first time mums.
Also, find out what the centre/carer's philisophies are and how they discipline and things like that. Ask under what circumstances would they call you (eg: before administring medications, when child is sick etc). Ask what time frame you would have to pick the child up if they had to leave early due to illness. Some centres are very strict which may also affect the location you choose. When I was doing research before I gave birth, a few centres said strictly 30mins from the time they called to when you had to be there...At the time I worked in the city and the centres were close to home. It would have taken me close to an hour to get there.
The 30 min rule I've never heard of before thats a bit harsh doesnt really take into account family circumstances and you do need your care facility to be a bit flexible. YOu will also need to have somebody else who can be on an emergency list be it a relative or close friend in case you cant get there.Illness, injury accidents etc a more common in child care than at home so be prepared.
Such a pity Danni that you were made feel that way..often you can get very young staff who dont have a clue or staff who have been around forever and feel they know best. Advice yes but judgment know. It sounds like you didnt have a good experience with care at all which is a real pity. Can I ask was it a private centre eg ABC or Pepercorn? or a community based service? ( there is good and bad in all so not judging here just curious)
I'd say dont be afraid to look outside the ordinary care either at such places as Montesori and Stenier preschool etc which have fab programms. Centres that run with an Reggio programme and philosophy can look chaotic but are in fact highly productive ane a much rounder sort of programm so ask if the run any of these and also ask to look at their record keeping and what sort of observations they do of your child.
A good centre can be a lifeline for families and provide much more than just basic care they can be a very valuable resource and you can develop strong and logn lasting relationships with staff and other familes. I ma now looking after the children of osme of the kids I first looked after in the centre..they just keep coming back.
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