Emergency Childcare?

[Anonymous]

I need some advice. After several years with a Nanny, I've just moved my children into school/ full-time daycare. My youngest is 19 months and I'm fully expecting many sick days. What do you do when the kids are sick or when the daycare is closed? Are there any alternatives to my husband and I staying home? Do any of you know of any emergency daycares in DC where you can bring sick children? I looked into White House Nannies. Does anyone have any experience using them for last-minute babysitting? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I am not aware of any childcare facilities that take sick children.

Some bright horizion programs have emergency backup care for coverage when your primary care is closed.

[Anonymous]

You can look for emergency care from some of the nanny agencies like White House Nannies but..sometimes they won't babysit depending on the sickness because many of their nannies look after infants and cannot take a chance on Cross contamination. They are usually okay with little illnesses that aren't contagious but too much for daycare and can work out snow days when daycares are closed and holidays.

[Anonymous]

I signed up with A Choice Nanny in Arlington after missing about three weeks of work the first year after my daughter was born. I have not yet had to test it, but Jeff says he has a 90% probability he can find you a nanny if you notify him the night before you need it. It was $100 to sign up, then $20 every time you need a nanny referral. You pay the nanny directly.