The Daycare Dilemma: A Working Mom's No-Nonsense Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit
Introduction
I don't know about you, but finding the “right” daycare feels sometimes like trying to find out how in the world to solve that Rubik's Cube while blindfolded…which I can’t even do not blindfolded.
You're not alone. And so the quest begins, to find a nurturing, safe and let's be honest- reasonably priced daycare for our little one's.
I’m going through this right now, trying to find a daycare for my little one-to-be. It’s tough. So tough. Even thinking about sending my little baby who I carry with me everywhere right now to be cared for somewhere else at only 12 weeks old is making me want to cry. Picking the right place is so important.
Anyway, I started compiling some tips for myself, and figured, hey, other working mom’s looking for daycare may find this useful as well.
The Emotional Rollercoaster Ride of Looking for Daycare
If you thought choosing your Netflix show for the night was tough (if you even have time for that as a mom ha), welcome to the daycare search saga!
One minute you're imagining your child having the time of their lives, learning, and being cared for, but always excited to see you when you come up. But, the next you're in a panic over whether there is a waitlist or if there’s any room. The logistics of newborn daycare especially is such a nightmare.
Ugh, and let's not forget the guilt - oh, the guilt of not staying home with your little one. Whether by choice or obligation, it’s tough.
Moms in general have it rough. Those who stay home with their kids can be viewed as “not as productive”, but those who go back to work are viewed as “not as good” of moms.
Why Starting Early Is Key
Starting your search anywhere from 6-12 months out is not just advice; it's a sanity-saving plan. It allows you the luxury of choice and the time to stalk - er, I mean carefully research and visit - potential daycares. The wait lists are no joke! I started my search this month, about 10 months out, and some of the places I called are no-gos due to the wait list being so long.
The other problem is guaranteed timing. Many don’t know when they will have openings, so even if you are on a wait list, it’s difficult to tell when exactly your “spot” will come up. And it’s not like we have flexibility on when to return to work.
Expectation: Budgeting for Daycare
Ah, budgeting for daycare. Remember that time when "expensive" was a dinner or drinks out?
Good times.
Daycare is pricy. There’s really no way around that. However, a bit of good planning goes a long way. There are so many different types of daycare, and price varies WIDELY based on region or what services you’re looking for…but here’s a quick estimate guide:
Average weekly nanny cost: $766
Average weekly daycare cost: $321
Average weekly family care center cost: $230
Average weekly babysitter cost: $192
These numbers were pulled from the 2024 cost of care report by Care.com—check it out for more!
Some daycares will work with parents and their budget—don’t be afraid to ask that. Also, if you have more than one kid in daycare, there are also sometimes “two kid specials.” That’s totally not the right saying, but hopefully you know what I mean.
Remember that these are rough estimates just to give you an idea of what to look for.
What to Look for in a Daycare
Finding the right care is like dating – you're looking for "The One." Sorry, cheesy metaphor but I just watched the Bachelor so it’s fresh in my mind.
Except instead of candlelit dinners, you're analyzing child-to-teacher ratios and curriculum, a warm inviting atmosphere where laughter rings louder than cries, staff who genuinely care, and a place your child can thrive.
Because I love you all (and because we all love a good list), here's a daycare search checklist:
Accreditation and Licensing: Because safety first, always.
Staff Qualifications: Look for what’s important to you in qualifications. One thing that I find important is safety certifications, etc.
Child-to-Teacher Ratio: This is always important. All people are human and only have two hands, so they can only do so much at once. They’re way better at multi-tasking little human needs than I am, surely, but they are still one person.
Philosophy and Curriculum: Maybe this isn’t important right away if you’re starting at 12 weeks, but if you’re looking for a place you can stay with long-term, you’ll want to pay attention to this. Also, screentime is an important piece here to think about your philosophy and how it matches your own.
Health and Safety Policies: I mean, does this one need explaining!?
Feedback from Other Parents: Because if there's anyone who gets it, it would be other moms and dads.
Conclusion: Listen to your Gut
At the end of the day, after you've toured every daycare within a 20-mile radius and googled more than you ever thought possible, listen to your gut.
Your instinct as a mom is powerful.
When you feel right (and you’ve done your homework), then do it!