Last night when I arrived to pick up my boys from day care I was told that the center is closing permanently in October.
I hope I looked like I took the news ok, because it put me in a tailspin and I began to panic.
There are a limited number of quality child care providers in our area -and an even fewer number of providers that we can afford. I got home and called a local home provider who we had been happy with years ago, (she's mulling over whether she wants a new child) and I've now spent the better part of the day calling places. There are a few spots for full time care to be found -and the price ranges are incredible. (Our rate is $210 starting next month, down from the $240 we've been paying - the highest rate I've been quoted so far is $375/wk) Our sticking points (besdies general quality of care) are location and hours - because of the nature of my work and my husband's work location, we need a place that is open earlier and closes later. That's tough to find if you're on a budget.
On the flip side, I've scouted out a spot at the YWCA which is slightly less $ and includes swimming lessons -and is only a few blocks away from our current provider. I'm going to take a tour there this afternoon to see if it's someplace we can be happy with.
Most of all, I feel terrible about the wonderful teachers who are going to be looking for work in the next few months. They've been a second family to the boys, and they have always gone beyond what we would expect. I wish I could do or say something to help them.
Slight Panic
August 5th, 2010 at 04:47 pm
August 5th, 2010 at 05:57 pm 1281031054
August 5th, 2010 at 07:23 pm 1281036212
Anyway, so I do hope it works out for the best. But great daycare providers are hard to come by, so I totally understand. Bummer!
You can offer to be a reference as the teachers look for new jobs.
August 5th, 2010 at 08:40 pm 1281040827
I did offer again to write recommendations for any of the boys' teachers - and I'll mention that again before their last day. I am still in shock over the whole thing.
August 5th, 2010 at 09:26 pm 1281043577
August 6th, 2010 at 12:26 am 1281054402
August 13th, 2010 at 07:44 pm 1281728681
Jerry