Columbia, MO - child care question (Vandiver: day care, home, preschools)

[afk211]

Hi everyone,

We will be needing child care for a 5 month old starting in January of 2009. I'm not sure how soon we need to get serious about waiting lists, etc. in Columbia, and I'm hoping to get some advice! We're not dead set on any certain type of care - center, in home, etc. We will really only need care Monday-Wednesday, and I'm pretty sure at a center we're going to have to pay for Monday-Friday care anyway, because they are a lot less flexible. However, we're willing to do this if we can find a good place!

Does anyone from Columbia have any good recommendations on centers, preschools, or home daycares that I should check out? Also, how soon do places usually fill up here? We live in the southwest area of town (off Scott Blvd.) and I would prefer something in that area or close to Mizzou.

Thank you!

[kareybear]

I am sorry I can't help you since I live North of Columbia but I would post in craiglist.com,mothering.com( click on tribal areas) and there is also a couple of groups in columbia area check it out- yahoo.com/groups. Hopefully that will help you out.

[Thepreacherswife]

Check your PM. If that referral doesn't pan out, check out the Missouri Child Care Resource Referral Network - they'll do searches for you based on criteria you specify, and I believe they also keep files with referral information. Free.

[TGS]

Try Green Meadows Preschool.

[mammamarteen]

End of the Rainbow. It's the best!

From my experience calling places too early only tell you to call back. Also, check with Childcare Connection as they print a list of daycares that have openings periodically. You can also visit the office on Vandiver and view daycare licensing files.

[2beamissourian]

Start with your area Resource and REferal and your local DCFS office will have a list of daycares of all types home center etc ........... and those will be back ground checked and checked out by them ..

I own a professional childcare --- and have been doing this for years .. just not in your area!

When choosing you can ask DCFS if the individuals have had any marks against them - and if they do ask what for - this can be complaints to cleanliness! Abuse or neglect they wont be open!

go visit the first time announced .. sit and make an interviewing appt - ASK LOTS OF questions .. after all this person maybe caring for your child and you only want the best!

Then come unannounced at least a few times .... once signing contracts and all make sure you keep the provider up to date on when you plan to return to work and all.

[Nanny4u]

I have an opening comming in January for FT Mon-Fri.7-5:30 times and days are negotiable. I have a great rate very flexible. I have been in childcare for over 13 years and came from Albuquerque. I have refernces and can provide them if you would like. i am in Columbia and live close to the areas you need. if you would like to find out more send me an email and we can go from there. I do fill up fast and do require you to save your spot. Let me know if i can help!!