Slight Panic

August 5th, 2010 at 04:47 pm

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.

Posted in Kids | 6 Comments »

6 Responses to “Slight Panic”

ThriftoRama Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 05:57 pm

Oh no. I feel your panic. Once you find the right place, you never want it to go away.
MonkeyMama Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 07:23 pm

I'd usually say, "These things work out for the best," whether you expect that or not. But I can't see much good about our beloved Ms. Preschool packing up and moving away a couple of years ago.

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.
MomEsq Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 08:40 pm

After some scrambling this morning, I secured a spot at the YWCA for the little one. He'll start his new school just a few days after his brother starts kindergarden. I think the program is good -but it is going to be very different. I'm not confident that it will be an easy transition for him.

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.
Homebody Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 09:26 pm

Have you checked if any of the teachers are going to start an at home type of service? I remember the days of child care. I was really lucky. I hope you find something that works out for you and the family.
Looking Forward Says:
August 6th, 2010 at 12:26 am

Best of luck, I hope things work out. I'd be panicked too.
Jerry Says:
August 13th, 2010 at 07:44 pm

There is a lot of stress inherent to looking for something like that, and I hope you got some good leads from other moms to help you out. It's especially tough with child care because you want insurance that everything will be fine with the most precious people in your life... I'm glad that you were able to find an alternative so soon!
Jerry

Saving Destiny

One woman very slowly dragging her family into a brighter future.

Slight Panic

6 Responses to “Slight Panic”

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