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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We had DD at an in-home with a 1:8 ratio temporarily right around when she was 1.5 years old. The provider had amazing references, and she was clearly very skilled, but we didn't feel she got enough attention. My sense is DD was much happier at her center where there were 3 teachers for 6 babies.[/quote]

OP here. This is exactly how I'm feeling. This in-home daycare has amazing references and she seemed very capable, but there's something in me telling me that 1:8 would be too much to get him the attention and care I'd prefer[/quote]

OP, trust your instincts.  We looked at an in-home that had a similar ratio, with the same explanation around older kids.  I'm sure the care provider is a lovely person, but it was a hard pass for us.  We chose a center with small ratios and are so glad we did.  Our kids are older now (youngest is 6) and we never regretted paying more to have our kids in a care setting we trusted.  We're lucky we could afford to, of course, but it was definitely a priority.[/quote]

+1.  I also recall visiting a daycare that was one provider for 8 kids and just not feeling comfortable with it, despite the recommendations from parents.  My DC was an infant at the time.  But there were others we visited where the provider had an assistant with that many kids, which felt a lot better to me.  We actually ended up at a large in-home with two assistants so it was 3 adults to 12 kids.  That worked out well and our oldest was still there when we had a second child so they overlapped for a bit.  Now, we actually had more staff turnover at the in-home that we have at a center, particularly when my youngest was there (it was fairly stable early on).  We actually moved my youngest earlier than we would have because of it.  Sure the main provider is always consistent but the assistants are often not paid well and if there is any sort of intrapersonal drama it can have a dampening effect on them retaining staff.  I guess that's another downside of in-homes overall- so much is dependent on one person vs. at a center.  But overall it was a good environment and felt more nurturing at the infant/early toddler phase.[/quote]

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