Another Daycare Question

I know this has been asked a million times but I need daycare help. The places I've looked so far are ok, but feel kind of dingy to me- broken toys, worn out high chairs. I obviously don't expect daycare toys to be as clean as what's at home but all the swings at one center were broken and the babies looked like they were going to fall out.

I keep reading about these "curriculums" but all I saw were babies plopped down in whatever gear was lying around. Is this the norm? I don't expect my infant to come home discussing the primaries but I'd like some stimulation.

I'm looking for something nice and bright and CLEAN with very attentive staff. Does this exist?

TIA!!!!

Another Daycare Question

What area are you in?

Another Daycare Question

Merrick to Massapequa is preferred but at this point I'll go anywhere in Nassau.

Re: Another Daycare Question

Children's Nest in Wantagh or Merrick. We love it there!

Another Daycare Question

The center I sent my DS to was brand new when he started so I'm spoiled. Most places I saw were pretty nice though.

As for curriculum is very loose when they are young. DS did art projects and they worked on motor skills etc. so there was a plan but since they are infants it's loose.

Re: Another Daycare Question

Another Daycare Question

There is not going to be a real curriculum for the infant 1 room (6 weeks - 9 months). In the infant 1 room, everyone is on their own schedule - or at least that is how it was at my DS' daycare. They would have the infants do tummy time and people would hold them and what not. Sometimes I would come and he's be in the exersaucer or bouncer, but it was not every day. It's not like they can literally hold them all day since they need to tend to other children as well. My DS was held a lot since he was a difficult infant - LOL.

Once he was in the infant 2 room, there was a lot more structure. They all ate and slept at the same time, plus babies are just more interactive from 9-18 months.

Message edited 3/30/2016 9:05:26 AM.

Re: Another Daycare Question

My LO's are both at KA in Farmingdale and I am very happy with the education my children are receiving. DS 1 started at 11 weeks old and he did wonderful hitting all of his milestones, from learning to hold his own bottle, tummy time, sitting up on his own, even getting on a nap schedule. At 2.5 now, he gets complimented all the time about how well he speaks, how smart he is, etc. I don't think he is above average by any means, but it does make me feel good to know that he is growing up in a social environment that is focused on learning and he is thriving. And quite frankly, I know he gets good care and affection as well, I love his teachers. They are an extension of our family because they spend so much time there and I'm confident knowing that they feel loved. DS 2 started there at 9 weeks old and now at 7 months, he is doing great too.

My FIL once said to me "it's such a PITY you have to send the kids to daycare..." and I just shook my head and said "don't feel bad for us" because there is no pity to be had! I feel nothing but happy in the way my boys are growing up...

I hope you can finally find a daycare that you personally click with, because they really are all quite comparable, but sometimes the people are the ones who make the difference, not just a curriculum.

Another Daycare Question

We are quite happy at Harbor Child Care-Mineola. Infant rooms are terrific---my son came home with so many cute projects and they go to the gym and have music each week too.

Re: Another Daycare Question

I send my DD to a home daycare in Bethpage that I am happy with, but if you are looking for a center, I like Toddler Time in Seaford/N. Massapequa. I just couldn't afford to send my DD there, otherwise I would have.

Another Daycare Question

Thanks for the suggestions! We're going to look at Children's Nest and The Learning Experience next week.

ETA: I'm going to call KA in Farmingdale as well but I doubt they'll have a spot in the near future

Message edited 4/1/2016 10:32:36 AM.

Re: Another Daycare Question

Posted by LuckyStar

Thanks for the suggestions! We're going to look at Children's Nest and The Learning Experience next week.

ETA: I'm going to call KA in Farmingdale as well but I doubt they'll have a spot in the near future

Another Daycare Question

One of my FB friends uses TLE in Massapequa for her 4 month old, she has been there since January and so far they are very happy.