child care set up for two working parents? (New York, York: daycare, public schools)

[movingbacktonyc32]

Hi,

My family is moving back to New York after about six years away, but the big difference this time is that I'm coming back with a 4 year old and a 1 year old who will need care between ~8 AM and ~6 PM on weekdays. In my current city, the typical daycare center takes kids between 8 and 6, and that's that. The public schools also have after-school programs that last between 2 and 6. However, I'm seeing that in Manhattan, a lot of daycare centers end at 3 PM and it seems like for pre-K students, the public after care situation is all over the place depending on the school.

I'm looking for some advice from current or recent parents on what our childcare set-up will likely look like. We'll be living in Manhattan, likely on the UES between the 60s and 80s. These are my specific questions:

1. I'd like to send my 4 year old to public pre-K. How do I get him care from the close of school to ~5-6PM when our work ends? Similarly, how do parents handle it if the childcare center ends early afternoon? Seems too few hours for a nanny and it seems like universal pre-K can't guarantee an extended day option. What do people do?

2. We'll need care beginning in August, before the school year starts. What are my options for a 4 year old to bridge the gap to the school year?

3. For the younger one, I understand that I might be on a waitlist for a few months. What are my options to bridge the gap there?

4. Looking ahead to next summer, I assume my youngest's daycare will handle him as usual, but what are the options or other resources for the older child?

Anyway, hope these questions aren't daft, and I know millions of working parents have gone through these issues. Thank you so much for the advice.

[Esacni]

I’m going to lol but I know of your pain. This city is full of people that don’t work and those that don’t work tend to have the children. The city revolves around the welfare class. People with means can obviously solve their problem via a full time nanny.

Be prepared to spend at least $4-$5K per month if you can’t afford a full time nanny and be treated like they’re doing YOU a favor.

Obviously, the more you can/are willing to spend, the easier the solutions become. I hope you’re moving back because you’re making substantially more money.

[Maimai518]

1. I'd like to send my 4 year old to public pre-K. How do I get him care from the close of school to ~5-6PM when our work ends? Similarly, how do parents handle it if the childcare center ends early afternoon? Seems too few hours for a nanny and it seems like universal pre-K can't guarantee an extended day option. What do people do?

—These are good hours for a college student. I would start looking on care.com for an education major who needs part time work

2. We'll need care beginning in August, before the school year starts. What are my options for a 4 year old to bridge the gap to the school year?

—A paid full day summer camp