I wanted to share my experience with Tita's in home daycare. We've been with Tita's since my LO was 6 months old (he is now 26 months old).
Pros: We found it to be a very warm and nurturing environment, especially for infants. We never had the issue with crowding. On average, just 3 children (although it's licensed for 6) and two care givers (plus Tita floats if necessary). It seemed more like a nanny share than a daycare, considering the wonderful ratio. The lead care taker did have surgery years ago to remove a tumor, hence her slurred speech. But she is very compassionate with our son. The hours stated 8 hours/day on the contract, but we negotiated 9 hours/day (to accommodate commuting) and paid $25 extra per week to get the extra 5 hours/week. The facilities were always clean to me, and the outdoor playard is a bonus, considering some daycare centers in DC don't have this at all. They taught him his shapes, and his age, colors, etc. Up until he was 1, we got a written report every day of when he ate, drank, slept. After that, just an oral report. Logistically, it was great for us; only 10 minute drive from our house and work. They'd be open during snow days, too, so if we could physically get there, they'd take him. This was great since our work schedules were inflexible to inclement weather. Another pro for us was the price. We couldn't afford a private nanny, and corporate daycares were a 30-45 minute trek across town, so this was the next best thing. They also made him a hot lunch each day, which included items like chicken adobo, rice, vegetables, etc. We provided snacks (our choice) and milk. Easy drop off/pick up with parking behind the townhome. He also had his own room to nap in, which was key for him to get good sleep. They throw birthday parties for the children and (on occasion) will send me photos during the day.
Cons: It is challenging to understand the caretaker due to her slurred speech. The other caretaker had limited english. Tita's communication is perfect. I had the impression that they watch Phillipino news cast, because my LO started saying "TV PATROL!!", one day, which is the name of the broadcast. They're snacks often include processed foods, such as animal crackers, saltines, etc. Which is why I provided my own snacks for him. Yes, it is in a basement area. But they do have a playard, so the square footage compared to other corporate daycares is comparable (or better).
Overall: I would recommend Tita's in home daycare. They genuinely love my LO and I trust them with his safety, etc. He seems happy and LOVES going to "school" every day. On some Saturdays, he'll have a tantrum when we tell him he can't go to school. I know he's happy there. They certainly aren't perfect, but they worked great for our family, our schedules, and our finances. A nanny would have solved a lot of our "cons" with Tita's, but it wasn't financially feasible for us. It was overall a positive experience for us, but again, every family is different in what they want/need for childcare. We preferred Tita's to another non-profit daycare he was in from 2-6months.
Our LO is leaving in two weeks, because he finally got off the waiting list at Georgetown's HoyaKids Learning Center. Its a better option for us because of convenience (I work at Georgetown) and the cost is subsidized. Tita's only takes children through 3 as well, and HKLC takes them through 5. The teachers are very sad to see him go, reflecting their love for our child.
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