No Such Luck

The family daycare did NOT work out. I wasn't too fond of the lady from the get-go, but I figured it was only fair to give her a chance. As we went through my questions, I found that she and I differ greatly in our child rearing philosophies. A big difference was the fact that, when the weather is inclement, the children are left in front of the TV all day to amuse themselves. She assured me this was no different than home. When I explained to her that one of our pediatrician's few rules was no TV under the age of 2, she looked at me like I was crazy. She then proceeded to ask who the pediatrician was and when I told her his name, she waved him off, stating she knows some parents who don't like him. And besides, most of the children she watch go to other doctors. I mentioned to her that there are studies out there linking early television watching to ADD and ADHD, but I didn't feel like arguing. I could tell she was not exactly a "hands on" provider. I noticed during our interview that her kitchen TV was on an emergency room show. I asked her if she stayed out with the children when they play (they were all outside during the interview, as were we) and she assured me that she did, but her kitchen TV made me think otherwise. And when I asked about being able to visit my child during the day, she made a face and told me that she didn't think it was a good idea. That it would disrupt the other children. That I could call first and set up a time to come, as long as it wasn't too hectic. ... ... ... That was the biggest problem I had with her. Any provider who requires you to set up an appointment to see your own child sounds like one who has something to hide. It may only be neglect, but that's still something I do not want my child exposed to.

So, with a lack of time to further investigate and essentially nobody left to turn to, I went to the daycare center we signed Maggie up for back in April and handed in her medical paperwork. I give up. The up side is that the director and assistant director were INCREDIBLY friendly and understanding. They reiterated that I can call as many times as I want to check up on her and come in and see her, too. I met with her teacher-to-be and found her reading to a child in the room. 3 others were in their cribs napping, and a few were on the floor playing. The other teacher was on break. None of the children in the room were immobile like Maggie, although I do recall that there is another young baby that's supposed to be starting daycare there around the same time.

It's not ideal money-wise but at least they have a curriculum. I don't have to worry about Maggie being left alone outside at a house on a busy street (there was no fence at that family daycare either, BTW, and they were on a major highway). I don't have to worry about her being babysat by a TV. Or threatened (a whole other story but I got the vibe that those children who were there were threatened to be on their best behavior with the way she kept reminding them of "their little conversation" earlier that morning). I'll just have to get used to being broke, that's all... But at least she'll have excellent care.