Childcare

Hubby and I were told more than a month ago to begin looking for daycare for our bun in the oven. While we laughed at the thought of beginning our search so early, we did begin our quest not long after. There are numerous online resources to aid in these types of searches, though none prove as valuable as visiting the daycares in person. Actually, sometimes a phone call is all it takes to rule out a bad egg.
So far it has been tough for us. We know what we can afford – in Durham that only gives us about 20 daycare options. We called 15 daycares yesterday. Of those, 4 centers were beyond our means, 3 centers were only enrolling kids 2 years and up, 2 or so didn’t answer the phone, and 3 were already completely booked for October (when we’ll need care). That left 3 facilities.
One was located on Page Road, which is not considered convenient for us. Another place I had to call back when the “director” was available. She sounded very gruff on the phone. I asked if she had any openings in October. The answer was yes. I asked if she could tell me the tuition rates, as they were not listed online. “Why don’t ya just come by? I’ll tell you when ya get here.”
I’m sorry, but if you have to see me in person to tell me your rates, forget it. I’m not willing to drive to a place unless I know the cost upfront. Hubby thinks the lady wanted to see us and decide how much we could afford just by looking at us, then tell us the cost. Nice.
The final place, Harvest Learning Center in Chapel Hill, welcomed us with open arms for a visit. The director chatted with us for an hour, gave us the tour, and answered all of our questions. We both loved the place. Put us on the waitlist, we said. We’re number 26.
We are 4th on the waitlist at Cresset Christian Academy, a daycare I trust as I have a friend who sends two of her children there. We also are considering getting on the waitlist at KinderCare (though my first visit there smelled of rotten spaghetti, and my second visit, while it smelled fresh, there was “no one available to speak with me.”).
But beyond those options, things are looking grim. Locally, there are many home care facilities. But without the recommendation of someone I know and trust, I’m fearful of those. Especially in Durham.
Suggestions please…!