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Post by Really Red on Aug 2, 2021 20:16:36 GMT
My adorable niece teaches school in inner city St. Louis. She just had her first baby and had lined up (long ago) what she thought was incredible child care nearby her. She got an email from the lady today saying that she JUST decided she doesn't want to take infants. My niece starts work on Wednesday. She cannot work from home, obviously. Her husband is taking two weeks off, but he works in secret stuff and can't work from home either.
Obviously she's reaching out everywhere, but she was already slightly panicked at leaving her infant and now this. I am SO far removed from this kind of thing. Does anyone have any ideas for me to give her? They cannot afford a live-in nanny. They are young and barely starting out. And obviously it is super urgent right now.
Thanks for any help.
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Post by mom on Aug 2, 2021 20:18:08 GMT
Check any local college/univrsities and see if they have a childcare center.
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 2, 2021 20:19:40 GMT
Man, that sucks.
Is there a parent from a former class that maybe does child care?
A local daycare that has openings?
A local church daycare?
Other new parents that might want a little extra cash?
SAH family member?
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Post by librarylady on Aug 2, 2021 20:21:57 GMT
When I returned to work, I had an individual who bailed out on me, so I found another lady who after a few months decided she didn't want to do child care. I then went to a child care center, rather than individuals. I'd look for all the ideas that freecharlie mentioned. |
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Post by lauralaforest on Aug 2, 2021 20:22:20 GMT
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Post by Alexxussss on Aug 2, 2021 20:24:15 GMT
Maybe ask her fellow teachers who they use and trust for childcare.
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johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,682
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Aug 2, 2021 20:26:56 GMT
There should be a county childcare licensing board that can provide a list of licensed homes or centers to start calling but her best bet would be word of mouth. Start asking everyone she knows.
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Post by workingclassdog on Aug 2, 2021 20:27:12 GMT
I always felt more comfortable with a church daycare... at least the ones I was familiar with... that's were I would personally start.
I did veer away from the standard Kindercare type places.. usually they were more expensive anyways, but always felt like they herd you in and out like cattle... I don't know.. I just didn't like those chain type places. NOT that there is anything wrong.. that was just me.
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Post by ~summer~ on Aug 2, 2021 20:45:29 GMT
How old is the infant? What about a nanny share?
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Jili
Pearl Clutcher
SLPea
Posts: 4,363
Jun 26, 2014 1:26:48 GMT
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Post by Jili on Aug 2, 2021 21:02:39 GMT
I always felt more comfortable with a church daycare... at least the ones I was familiar with... that's were I would personally start. I did veer away from the standard Kindercare type places.. usually they were more expensive anyways, but always felt like they herd you in and out like cattle... I don't know.. I just didn't like those chain type places. NOT that there is anything wrong.. that was just me. I think that with this kind of a time crunch it’s worth checking out every available option. No arrangement has to be permanent. Both my adult daughters went to a local child care chain and they aren’t any worse for wear. It’s an option worth considering, perhaps for the short-term. One option your niece may want to try if she hasn’t already is putting her need out there in her local Facebook moms’ group or community group. I see this a lot in my community group. |
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Aug 2, 2021 21:08:18 GMT
Call the local school and ask the Secretary if she knows anyone that provides child care
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johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,682
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Aug 2, 2021 22:10:53 GMT
I always felt more comfortable with a church daycare... at least the ones I was familiar with... that's were I would personally start. I did veer away from the standard Kindercare type places.. usually they were more expensive anyways, but always felt like they herd you in and out like cattle... I don't know.. I just didn't like those chain type places. NOT that there is anything wrong.. that was just me. I worked at Kindercare in my younger days so perhaps I’m biased but I had no issue with them. That said, when my kids were babies I felt strongly that they should be in a center vs an in-home daycare. While there are no guarantees either way I felt there were more adults in a center and less risk of shady stuff going on. We had a fantastic in-home provider for ods once he was in school (and could tell me about his day) and by time yds came along I was comfortable with that provider to have her watch the baby. I know a lot of people feel differently than I do, so there are many options so moms (and dads) need to trust their guts. |
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Post by magellen on Aug 2, 2021 22:14:07 GMT
Well don’t use rover! 😂
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Post by snugglebutter on Aug 2, 2021 22:55:21 GMT
Maybe ask her fellow teachers who they use and trust for childcare.
I think this is an excellent idea. They will understand the urgency and possibly help her spread the word.
Don't discount the chains either. There are a couple of them near me that always come up as the favorites for infant care.
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Post by Skellinton on Aug 2, 2021 23:26:20 GMT
I would be too nervous leaving an infant in a home center. I am sure 95% of them are fine, but I just wouldn't trust someone alone with my infant (since they cannot tell you what was going on) that I didn't personally know and trust. Centers around here have such stringent rules on ratio, safety, etc. I know home centers have to be certified too, but I think there are looser rules if they have under a certain amount of kids, but of course that would vary state by state.
I think her mom sense will kick in when she walks into a center to let you know if it is a good fit or not.
The chains can be fine, but just because it is a chain does not make it better or worse. It all depends on the director. I was helping someone look for a program for their child and the two kinder cares in our area where like night and day.
I wish her luck and tell her to trust her gut when interviewing places.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 29, 2024 23:27:51 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2021 23:52:02 GMT
My adorable niece teaches school in inner city St. Louis. She just had her first baby and had lined up (long ago) what she thought was incredible child care nearby her. She got an email from the lady today saying that she JUST decided she doesn't want to take infants. My niece starts work on Wednesday. She cannot work from home, obviously. Her husband is taking two weeks off, but he works in secret stuff and can't work from home either. Obviously she's reaching out everywhere, but she was already slightly panicked at leaving her infant and now this. I am SO far removed from this kind of thing. Does anyone have any ideas for me to give her? They cannot afford a live-in nanny. They are young and barely starting out. And obviously it is super urgent right now. Thanks for any help. Oh man, that's right up my alley! I LOVEDDDDDD Nannying for infants. I'm CPR certified in infant care, and I went bi-annually for recertification. She could look at a reputable company like Care.com. I worked thru them for years. They do check the Nannies/Babysitters out, but I can tell you from my perspective that I wish they'd check out the families too! (Long story there). She could see what the average hourly salary is. It depends on where she lives and what she wants in a Nanny. I specialized in infants and because of my decades of experience, I earned more than the average rate, but it's still VERY cheap down here in FL (it was $15/hr a few years ago).
Does she need a live-in Nanny?? What would the hours be? If it's more than 40 hours/week, it'll add up. Maybe the Biden child tax credit $$ could help a bit??
Good luck, and if you have questions about going the Nanny route, PM me.
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Post by christine58 on Aug 2, 2021 23:56:16 GMT
I would be too nervous leaving an infant in a home center My niece and SIL run an inhome center. They are licensed and regulated. They have had babies there from 6 weeks old. I help there from time to time and would not hesitate to use an inhome. They have limits to the number and ages and ratio. |
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,541 
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Post by Just T on Aug 2, 2021 23:56:55 GMT
Have her check into St. Louis Community Colleges. I think some of them have an early childhood program and run day care centers on the campus that the students in the program work at. I'm not sure which ones, or if any of them are close to where she lives, but it is worth a shot. Good luck to her. What a difficult position to be in.  |
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Post by epeanymous on Aug 2, 2021 23:57:57 GMT
Does she know anyone else in her position? I know a lot of people who have done nanny shares — it takes some grace and flexibility, but is an option if a nanny is too pricey but comes within reason if you split the cost with another family. It also saves time if you can, at least half-time, have the nanny doing the childcare in your home.
Good luck! I am sorry she is dealing with this — I just talked a friend of mine off of a ledge who is in a similar position.
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Post by peasapie on Aug 3, 2021 0:36:39 GMT
Care.com. I helped my daughter find great child care on there for my grandchildren when she went back to school.
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Post by Skellinton on Aug 3, 2021 0:58:36 GMT
I would be too nervous leaving an infant in a home center My niece and SIL run an inhome center. They are licensed and regulated. They have had babies there from 6 weeks old. I help there from time to time and would not hesitate to use an inhome. They have limits to the number and ages and ratio. I did say “that I didn’t personally know and trust”. In Oregon if they have under a certain number of children they are exempt from any licensing. |
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Post by SAHM wannabe on Aug 3, 2021 2:52:35 GMT
The counselor at my school is very aware of community resources. It’s worth a try for your niece to ask.
My best advice, ask co-workers for suggestions. Many teachers have a stage where their children need childcare. Get the word out at work and check the first-hand recommendations.
Good luck to her and congratulations!
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peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,835
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Post by peppermintpatty on Aug 3, 2021 11:42:41 GMT
When she calls around, make sure she explains the urgency. The facility may not have space but they can most likely help in locating a space.
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Post by wrongwayfeldman on Aug 3, 2021 13:54:22 GMT
I'm a Preschool teacher in Missouri. Feel free to message me and I might be able to help you. I belong to a couple local FB groups that often post openings, and around our area, that's how most programs advertise. You can also post that you're looking for care and you'll likely have several responses. I recommend that you do your own research by looking up each program and provider with the Missouri Department of Health to make sure they are current with training and have no violations. It's good to ask if the program is accredited, and at the very least licensed. Both are measures of quality, but accreditation is a higher standard. Here's a group that might be good to start with. www.facebook.com/groups/721966061245916 |
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Post by Really Red on Aug 3, 2021 14:09:26 GMT
Oh my goodness! Thank you for all these suggestions which I have passed on to my niece. I like the idea of the universities. She lives in St. Louis and teaches in the inner city - very, very poor school. The other teachers do not have any young kids. Her son is 4 months old. She has put the word out to everyone and is trying to see if there is anyone to nanny share. She's young - 27 - and the first among all her friends to have kids. Her mom and MIL can help out a little, but she needs regular day care.
Thanks!
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Post by lily on Aug 3, 2021 14:50:04 GMT
I don't know if she has this but if her neighborhood is on the Next Door app, she can post on there and maybe find someone in her own neighborhood. We have several women in ours who do child care.
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Post by workingclassdog on Aug 3, 2021 14:52:04 GMT
I always felt more comfortable with a church daycare... at least the ones I was familiar with... that's were I would personally start. I did veer away from the standard Kindercare type places.. usually they were more expensive anyways, but always felt like they herd you in and out like cattle... I don't know.. I just didn't like those chain type places. NOT that there is anything wrong.. that was just me. I worked at Kindercare in my younger days so perhaps I’m biased but I had no issue with them. That said, when my kids were babies I felt strongly that they should be in a center vs an in-home daycare. While there are no guarantees either way I felt there were more adults in a center and less risk of shady stuff going on. We had a fantastic in-home provider for ods once he was in school (and could tell me about his day) and by time yds came along I was comfortable with that provider to have her watch the baby. I know a lot of people feel differently than I do, so there are many options so moms (and dads) need to trust their guts. I also worked in a chain daycare.. that's where my thoughts were coming from. I didn't care for it personally. That is just my opinion though. |
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