the Price of Daycare for a Child Between 2 and 4 years old

We had been using an in-home babysitter for our son from the time he was 6 months old. Shortly after he turned 2, we decided he needed a different environment - mainly one that would teach him, rather than just taking care of him. The place we chose has three classes, one for two year olds, one for three year olds, and another for four year olds. The hours of operation are 5:30am to 6:00pm. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are included in the price. The teachers take the children to an outside playground twice a day, weather permitting. If that isn't possible, there is a big gymnasium to play in. They also get to swim every other day, which my son really loved. During the summer, they also have a water slide for the kids. After all children arrive in the mornings, the teachers go over the day, date, etc., and say their ABC's and numbers. They have crafts and music and dancing, as well.

I really like all the activities that they do with the children. I also like the fact that they have separate classrooms for the different ages, as opposed to other daycares I've looked at that just put them all together. My son learned quite a bit while going there, as well. The main thing I didn't like about the center was that the teachers had no kind of certification whatsoever. Several of them seemed completely oblivious when it came to children, like this was their first experience around youngsters. They were also always coming and going. As soon as my son got comfy with one, the next day they were no longer there. Another thing I did not like is that you have to pay the same if your child is there from 5:30am to 6:00pm, or only from 10:00am to 3:00pm -there is no "part-time" option available. You also have to still pay the same if you go on a 2 week vacation as if they were there. Overall, it is a nice place for preschoolers, it just needs to be tweaked a bit.

Make sure you look at several centers before choosing one. If possible, ask if you and your child can have a "trial day" just to see how your child reacts to the environment. If teacher qualifications are important to you, make sure you ask before enrolling your child. Ask about the hiring process, and turnover rate of teachers. If you're like my husband and myself, and learning is important, you should ask what they teach the children and the activities available.