Our in-home daycare was a positive experience from the beginning, when my child was 4 months old. We still drive by the house on a regular basis and my child will yell every time "There's Miss X's house, my best place!" The things that really stood out for me were the fact that she had a good balance of ages (she only took 2 babies under 16 months at a time), she staffed higher than her ratio required, she had once-a-month weekend playdates in her backyard so parents could meet one another, and she was an excellent communicator. All that said, on our initial visit I wasn't super impressed by her facility or her personality and I had real doubts, but enough people I knew had used her and recommended her so highly that I took the chance, and it was definitely the right choice.

We had a very good experience with in-home daycare from age 4 months to 2.5. We switched to a center for a more structured program at that point. My DD got plenty of attention and the providers were warm and loving. Do your due diligence and trust your gut.

I definitely didn't feel ready to put my older one in daycare when he was 2 months old. And there was no pandemic back then so I can't even imagine what you're going through!

I did find a nice, home based care provider who specializes in infants. I think that's key. Most daycares, home or center, don't specialize in infant care and just provide a wide range of care. When I toured some of them, it felt like the babies were sort of an after-thought, since they're immobile and don't need "education" yet.

Anyways, my kids went to this home daycare provider when they were infants/young toddlers. The lady did a really good job, plus very loving and attentive. She helped with potty training and introducing solids, and little bit of sleep training too. I got to know her and her family well and even left my baby with her overnight once when I was simply too tired.

Here's her information: https://parveenaktherdaycare.wordpress.com/, call or text 703-789-5344. Good luck!

Hello. My name is Elizabeth and I run a state licensed FDC in Falls Church, near the intersection of 50 and Annandale Rd. I opened the daycare about 10 years ago. Prior too, I was a Child Care Specialist with Arlington County, meaning I licensed and monitored FDC and Preschools in the county. Prior to that I was an Assistant Director/Lead Teacher at a local preschool. I can provide wonderful references from current and/or previous parents if you'd like.

I cook only homemade and organic meals for the kids and we go outside daily. We have plenty of developmentally appropriate toys for the children to work with. The daycare consists of 2 rooms on the main floor of my home. Both rooms have huge windows and we get lots of natural light. Both toddlers and infants go outside daily. They love watching the birds and dogs, seeing the mail man or my neighbors walking their dogs. Infants are in one room and toddlers in another so each age group is free to play without restriction. Infants are not confined.

We have a wonderful daycare program. I know it's hard. Before opening my daycare, I was exploring options for my now almost 13 year old. I was working for Arlington County and had a caseload of over 100 providers. Out of those 100, I only considered 3. That being said there ARE wonderful family daycares available. Currently I am full but will have two openings in June. Not sure where you live but if you'd like to speak further please feel free to give me a call at 703-663-8173.

Thanks!
Elizabeth

I get it OP- we toured a number of in-home daycares when I was pregnant with my first and there were a few where I was like, no way am I taking my kid here. But then we found one that we really liked. Just keep at it, but try to find some personal recommendations if you can from neighbors or other nearby families.

We love our in home daycare and have been there for two years. I know it can be scary trying to find the right place and imagining leaving your LO with a stranger. What made me pick our daycare was the provider seemed very warm and caring. During our tour she was beaming with pride when telling us about the kids in her care and previous kids she had cared for that had been with her from infancy until they went to kindergarten. I could tell she loved what she did and deeply care for the kids. We were first time parents and honestly had no idea what kind of things to ask her, but she took the lead and told us all about her program, licenses, training etc. It just felt right. Does she have the most beautiful home filled with the newest toys? No. But I know my son is beyond well cared for by people who genuinely love him.

What made you cry?

I’ve toured two in home day cares and I’ve cried after each visit. We’ll need to find child care for my LO when she is about 7-9 months old. For those that have gone the in home day care route, could you describe what standards you had for picking a provider? I’m not sure if I’m just too emotional (my LO is currently 2 months old) or if I’m expecting too much.

Please no advice re telling me to just go the nanny route or the child care center route. I may decide to pursue other options but at the moment, I’m just looking for messages from those who went the in home day care route. Thanks in advance.