PT daycare or PT in-house care?

I WAH on a freelance basis, but fortunately, since I started this almost a year ago, the work has been really steady, if not busy. I've been relying on MIL on an as-needed basis and my mom comes over 1 afternoon per week. But I feel like I need more consistent help. Neither one can do set days nor full days. I think if I had help 2 full days a week, I'd be able to cram in a lot of work, which would mean I'd be doing less late at night and one weekends, when DH is home. So we're toying with having someone here 2 days. I also wonder if PT daycare would be good for DD in terms of socialization. I believe the place near my house (with a good rep) offers PT care. But then I start to freak out about it--will she miss me all day long? Will she nap? She's not the type of kid who will fall asleep anywhere. And isn't this why I quit my job and went out on my own--so I could be home with her? I'd like to do some sort of a 2 year old program next year, so do I just wait for that and get in-home care?

If you were in my shoes, which type of care would you pick?

Re: PT daycare or PT in-house care?

personally I would pick daycare. If your DD is still in the home and can hear her get upset or really happy about something are you really going to be able to ignore it and continue working. I know I wouldn't

Re: PT daycare or PT in-house care?

For only 2 day I think I would do PT daycare. That way she is out of the house and you can totally consentrate on your work and she can socialize.

It will be an adjustment at first, but you all will get used to it.

And kids act totally different at daycare than they do at home. So she will probably nap fine.

Re: PT daycare or PT in-house care?

My situation is very similar to yours (except I have two DCs with #3 on the way).
I've found that having someone come to my house 1-2days/wk is working out very well. I don't have to rush to get the kids up and ready for daycare, I can just go do my work while they play/read/interact with the sitter/nanny in another part of the house. If one of the DCs isn't feeling well or is sleeping later than usual, they can still rest/relax instead of not being able to go to daycare that day. They're also able to participate in my mother's groups activities as well as library classes/functions in our community -- it's just that the sitter takes them if they fall on the days she's scheduled to be here.
I also have a Mother's Helper come to the house a few hours/week to just read to the DCs and play with them. This has been much more helpful than I could've imagined....I'm still in the house but I can now take a shower, take conference calls, finish up some work/reports and not worry about someone needing a sippy or help with the potty.

Re: PT daycare or PT in-house care?

Thank you for these responses! Bumping for the night crew in case anyone has had a similar situation.