subject: Finding Quality Daycare is Possible! [print this page] Needless to say our children never went to these providers. We did sign up with a woman who seemed so perfect she seemed too good to be true. We were relieved and happy, and so discouraged from the previous interviews that we ignored many things that were going wrong. When we couldn't take any more, we realized we should have started the search again right away, no matter how painful it was. We learned that you won't know if the philosophy you discuss in the interview is actually practiced every day until you've started. The best way to approach a new daycare situation is in a "probationary" style. Give it a month or twoif you or the children are not comfortable with the new provider, start looking again. Even if your concerns seem vague or petty, listen to your instincts. An open line of communication with your child's daycare caregiver is a must. If the problems are not resolved, remember that this is a business arrangement, and you have the right to do business with someone else. Also remember that there is someone out there who will be a good match for your familyyou just have to keep looking.When we took our children out of that unsatisfactory daycare, we spread the word that we were desperate for a provider, and got a reference for a wonderful, experienced, and loving woman, whose rates were much more reasonable. Remember, you are the advocate for your child.
