Childcare in Cody, Wyoming (daycare, how much, home)

[tajci]

I am new to this site so please forgive me if I do not observe etiquette that I am not aware of or if I have missed a post that answers my questions.

I have done a quick search through some of the posts pertaining to Cody and have not seen much discussion on elementary school, daycare, or care for children under 5 years of age.

My husband is considering a transfer to Cody and I would maintain my current job but work from home three weeks out of the month and travel for one month. I am excited about the move but my main concern is how it will affect our children. We have a six month old and a 2-and-a-half year old who are currently in a great school/daycare. Should we accept the transfer, I am sure we will travel to Cody to see what is available. However, before that happens I wanted to try to get a feel for the options available.

I was wondering if there are nannies (who can drive and are energetic) available for our youngest and what schools or other activities are available for our oldest. We have been spoiled by a daycare that acts more like a private school and sends out lesson plans every week. I want to maintain my son's progress if I can and keep him in an environment where he interact with other kids his age and has some daily structure.

I would love for our children to see a different part of the country, especially one as beautiful as Wyoming, and I know they will benefit from the wide open space and slower-paced lifestyle. I just want to make sure they are well taken care of and that our oldest doesn't have to go from the school environment he is used to to a life at home all day, every day.

If anyone has any suggestions, I would really appreciate them. Also, if there are places we should consider, how much should we budget for them?

[georgiainwyo]

Although I'm not personally familiar with them, I have heard that there are some great daycare/preschool providers in Cody. My daughter & her family have been here for about 3+ years and they have 3 children who are 6, 4, & 18 months. My daughter works 2 days/wk and has been fortunate to have friends watch her kids during the school year and I am watching them during the summer being I am in education. However, my oldest grandson went to a wonderful preschool that is at the community rec center for 2 years. He got such a great start on his education and went into kindergarten last year with a ton of knowledge. Her 2nd boy is just starting his 2nd year at the same preschool next week. I know that my daughter and several of her friends all have their children attend that preschool. Also, she has a friend who is opening a new daycare this fall. The gal did do some in-home child care, but has established an actual business with its own building,etc. that she is anxious to get going. She was one of the friends who watched my grandkids now & then. When she opens my daughter is going to have her youngest there all day and the boys there when they aren't in school the 2 days/wk she works.

As for elementary schools, I have heard a lot of good about the Cody schools. My daughter really liked her oldest boy's school last year and so far this year she said the teacher seems awesome. I am a special education director in a close by small town and I know quite a few educators in Cody who I hear things from regarding the schools. I think Cody would be a nice place for you to raise your family.

Like you said, you need to come visit to check things out, but I would think you would find it a nice little community. If you do come here, keep in touch and I'll introduce you to some young families!

[tajci]

georgiainwyo, Thank you so much! Your post was very encouraging and cleared up a lot of anxiety I had regarding our potential move.

I will definitely keep in touch as we learn more. Perhaps when we do, I can ask you for more specific preschool/daycare names. We would also love to meet other young couples with children.

We are fortunate to have very hands-on grandparent who currently spend as much time as they can with our little ones. In fact, one of the hardest decision we had to make was whether or not we could leave them for a few years. I am sure they will be traveling to Cody often should we move .

Again, thank you for taking the time to respond to my post.

[georgiainwyo]

You are more than welcome! Let me know if I can help in any way. I am also a very hands on grandma, so I know that it will be difficult to leave. But like you said, grandparents have airport, will travel!!! LOL