child care
We are going to be taking some more tours and everything depends on what space is available. But I am curious to know what some of you think.
Would you choose a place 2 blocks away from your office for … oh around $620/month or a place that’s 5 minutes from your house by car for around $540/mo? All things being equal I mean. Keep in mind that house and work are about 20-40 minutes by car/bus from each other depending on traffic.
Mom, 
wyndancyr and one other person are discussing.
rhiameah 8:47 pm on April 12, 2006 Permalink
Do they charge fees if you are late picking up? Most places do.
Tamara 12:17 pm on April 13, 2006 Permalink
That is an excellent question! Something Carla brought up to me just the other day as well. I hadn’t thought of that one.
Adding that to my list of questions to ask, especially if there’s a storm or traffic or whatever. Also, having something close to work would reduce the lateness, or actually, I think I would never be late because they are so close!
The other reason we like close to the office is because the hospital and our doctor’s office are all in the same area. If he’s sick or has an immunization due, I’d hate to drive back to Dartmouth to pick him up and take him back over to Halifax for an appointment.
wyndancyr 3:42 pm on April 13, 2006 Permalink
Although he would be closer to you in Halifax, the price is more expensive to begin with but I’d assume you’d then take your car to work, right…which you will have to factor in for bridge toll and parking (unless you get it free). You do take the bus now so the cost of the passes may balance out anyway.
Hmmm. However, if he was in Dartmouth there’s always the high speed bus to get you home to get the car quickly. But then again you’d have to drive him there in the morning and pick him up in the afternoon so unless you’re thinking of giving up the bus either way I think the bus would be a pain…driving him there, getting the bus…coming home by bus, getting the car. A lot of extra planning…then what happens if the buses are late, etc?
My gut instinct says the one closer to you at work. It would give you more peace of mind. However, if it were me I’d seriously try finding someone to come into your home. He’d be a familiar environment, have the caretakers undivided attention and he could sleep in his own crib/bed and it woudl be much easier to keep him on a schedule. As well he’d be less prone to catching “whatever is going around” the daycare.
Once he is a little closer to school age you could put him in a pre-school/daycare environment where he gets more interaction with children.
Home childcare would be cheaper too I’d think.
My 2 cents
Tamara 3:55 pm on April 13, 2006 Permalink
Yeah… I should have also mentioned that there is no way I’m taking the child on the bus in rush hour
hah! I have seen that and it’s not pretty.
I should get free parking here, or if not, Rick will get $ towards it – part of his perks. They pay for his bus pass right now but yeah, it will cost us a bit more…
I just wouldn’t want to take the bus and keep him in Dartmouth because of the extra time and hassle involved to get to him if he needs us. Especially where the difference is only $120/mo – although that is a bit of a chunk.
We have been crossing our fingers regarding our neighbour who is a retired nurse and was a nanny until the 3 boys she was sitting started going to school. We ran into her last night and she was really excited about our new baby. Like REALLY excited. I had mentioned to her that maybe she could look after ours if we have some … back when we moved in 2 years ago and she thought that was just great.
I kind of figured no one would come into our home for less than $10/hour which works out to a LOT more than daycare, alhtough I would have the flexibility to work 4 days a week which is what we want.
I don’t mind paying a bit extra considering that it would be so much better for him at home while he’s so young, and we are looking into a nannyshare situation … I have at least one lead on that
(although she’s planning on going back to work in January – ugh) Besides, she might do the floors or some other minor housework too so it would be worth the extra heheh.
wyndancyr 11:57 am on April 14, 2006 Permalink
I’ve done childcare over the years. From ’94-’95 I did it for $20.00 per day and in ’95-’96 for $25.00 per day (same child and took care of him from 16 months to 3 years of age) in Liverpool. In ’98 I did it and got paid $7.00 per hour (8 hour day) in Dartmouth for a boy who was just under a year old. In both cases I did laundry, cooked, cleaned a little, etc.
It is definetely a case of shopping around but it the lady next door is willing then she seems like a good fit for you.
Tamara 12:13 pm on April 14, 2006 Permalink
wow – you were cheap!
I guess it will be 9 years since you did it, so I can figure on $10/hour anyway.
We’ll need someone for probably June 2007.
I suppose since my friend is going back in January, I could just look after her baby for her until June, and then we can share the nanny maybe. Wow – then I can make up some of that lost cashola. HM! Interesting!
I need a double stroller!
hehehe
Mom 7:51 am on May 1, 2006 Permalink
I personally would do the day care that was close to the house. Get the baby settled and then catch the bus to work. Otherwise you’ll have to drag all the baby stuff with you all the way to work. Might even end up being spit upon your work clothes during the trek.