Daycare Dilemma

Oh, the woes of searching for more-than-adequate childcare and being an over-protective and neurotically obsessive mother. I have been searching all over the internet, through the yellow pages, and asking every person I know (even some that I don't - and some of the shop's customers!) to find decent, loving, and reputable childcare for Aidynn in February.

Fortunately cost is not an issue. We have up to $1100/month to put towards child care for Aidynn. For that amount, you would think that it wouldn't be too difficult to find a loving, secure, long term, family-like environment for 35-45 hours a week right? BUT, for us, it's not about the money. It's about finding the perfect place for my daughter to grow and learn through her toddler years while we are at work, and someone to care for her that will love her like her Daddy and I do. (Or to make this more practical - nearly as much!)

For most of the applicants I have spoken with (sadly) it IS about the money! There are dozens of child care facilities that would like to apply for the position - slowly but surely I am weeding them out one by one by one by one.... The last applicant I had wasn't licensed and only cared for her own two children and her nephew who were all between 2 and 3 years old.

Yes, please. Lets place my 8 month old in an environment with children who are at ages when a typical child tests their boundaries of physical violence and dominance.

Then again... no, let's not. I like my daughter without scars and injuries.

So, my friends, I am looking for some help here. I have posted on several websites this:

I am currently looking for licensed in-home (yours or mine) child care for my infant daughter to begin February 11, 2008 in the Carmichael/North Highlands/East Sacramento area. She will be 8 months old at that time. If you anticipate having an opening on this date, and would be interested in providing a long term child care plan with prompt payment, please provide me with the following information: - Do you (or will you) have an opening? - What are your hours? - Are you licensed? If so, how long have you been? - What are your rates? - Do you accept Child Action? - How many children do you care for? What are their ages and sex? - What training or experience do you have? - Do you smoke? - Do you have pets? - Do you have infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training? Do you carry liability insurance? - Describe typical daily activities for infants in your care. - Can parents "drop in" for a visit? - Can you provide me with a list of references? - What would you like to know about me, my partner, and our child? I would like to provide my daughter with the most stable environment, and as consistent a routine as is possible. If you would like to be a part of our long term commitment to that goal we would be very excited to hear from you! Happy Holidays! Kristi, Duane, and Aidynn Grace

If any of you know anyone who may be interested in this opportunity, please pass along my information to them and include my email address.

Thanks guys!