all the options- daycare related

I am returning to work in September. DD will be 3 and DS will be 9 months old. I want DD to be in a preschool type setting, and I really want DS to be with someone almost one on one. I just have concerns about germs with him.

So I have been looking at all options:

Daycare centers
Full day preschools
Nanny
In Home Daycare

I just can't figure out the right way to go here. I want to do what is best for both of them, but it seems that I want them in different environments.

DH feels that if I have a nanny come here for DS then DD can't go to preschool too because of the additional cost. The Nanny would have to be for both of them.

I have to figure this out soon, because I know most places fill up in early spring. Can anyone lend me any advice at all?

I am losing my mind over this.

Re: all the options- daycare related

i used to work in a daycare...i was a teacher there for 5 years. i taught the 2 year old class and the 3's...
now, as a mother of 2, i would say, if i had to choose, id pick daycare because they are getting all the benifits of socilization with other kids, preschool environment and learning the skills necessary.... colors, shapes, letters, daily art projects, songs, storytime,ect,

there have a scheduled fun filled day, in most day care centers, snack and lunch is included, and in some, breakfast too.
your kids are always going to be exposed to germs, wheather in daycare or not, i do understand your concern for that but kids build up imunities when they are around other kids.

Eventually you will want to send your kids to a school environment its important for them so if they are already in daycare, they get the best of both worlds.
I would research local centers in your area to see which one works best for you. If i had to send my kids somewhere if i was going back to work, thats the route id go is a licenced daycare center...id always be afraid of a nanny leaving and having to find someone else. hope this is helpful! good luck

Re: all the options- daycare related

Christy, this is a hard one. What about the woman who watched DD before you had your son?

If you are concerned about germs then keeping DD out of preschool is hte way to go because honestly once you put them in preschool you open those flood gates.

With your situation and the things you want I might look into a in home daycare. Something where there are less kids, yet some "structure"

Hope all is well with your little ones. Maybe we will see you in "class" next week!

Re: all the options- daycare related

Honestly as much as you want to worry about germs with your 2nd, having a toddler/preschooler and a baby it's near impossible. My poor DS is sick 10 times more than DD ever was. It's just not possible to shelter them the same. I would send them somewhere together where she gets preschool and he can be in with children his age.

Re: all the options- daycare related

Maybe you can hire a nanny who has school type experience, can do activites etc. and put your child in a program a few days a week couple of hours so not so expensive

Re: all the options- daycare related

Thank you so much! My sitter just had a new baby and can no longer watch my kids. So I have been looking into all options. It is so hard to be a working mommy!