Daycare? Check Again!

So I've spent a while researching daycares and narrowed it down to 4 to look at. We have finally finished looking at all 4 and have made our choice! To be honest, on paper many of them look similar so we really needed the on-site visit to make our decision. And it truly helped!

Daycare #1: the first one we visited was the one I liked the best over the phone. The center is less than 2 years old, hasn't had any violations, has a great open "field" all around that they go on walks in and "explore" and is not located on a major roadway. Rooms were bright, fun and really seemed to be a close-knit group with good security. Also had an indoor playground for the really cold/hot/rainy days so the kids can still get exercise. About 10 minutes from the house and easy access to interstate to get to work. Price: $235/wk

Daycare #2: closer to the house and not too far from interstate to get to work. Nursery smelled and all the classrooms just seemed to be dirty. Just really didn't like it from the minute we walked in. Price: $245/wk

Daycare #3: a little further from the house, but seeemed fun. The rooms were a bit smaller and the center itself seemed kind of cramped. The 3 year old and 4 year old rooms were not enclosed so it was really loud and just seemed like it would be distracting for each other. Price: $245/wk

Daycare #4: we liked the theory on this one - it's an intergenerational daycare. Meaning it's located in a senior living building and they interact on a daily basis. Story time, put on plays, etc... But, when we got there, we just didn't really like it. Not sure what it was, just didn't like it. Price: $210/wk

All 4 provide formula (assuming we end up needing to go that route) and once eating solids, provide baby food. Then, when even older, provide breakfast, snacks and lunch. I never wouldd have guessed! They also have daily report cards and will work with us during the summer for a reduced schedule when DH is home.

So, in case you can't tell, we chose #1! Despite being told we needed to hurry up and make a decision and get on a waiting list, none of the places I called (even those that weren't in our final 4) said no worries, call us when the baby is born. Well, I don't work that way! lol So I called today and official made our yes. She added us to the list, but still - nothing "official" will happen until November. She said not to worry at all, that we'll have a spot, but you can bet I will check back periodically just to make sure! lol

Despite not wanting to pay that much for daycare (even though the one we chose was one of the cheapest around!), we're excited to have someone for our little guy to go once I have to go back to work - it was a big decision!