what's play care?

[averlee]

Tonight our whole family is going to a meeting, and I'm going to let my daughter, 25 months, go to "play care". I've never left her with a babysitter or in child care before, and she's still nursing.
What's the deal with play care? Will it be in the same room as the meeting? Who will be the care givers?
Should I rest easy that my daughter will be safe and happy? Should I change my plans since I'm a little nervous about it?

[averlee]

Has anyone used a "play care" service before?

[annettemarie]

It sounds like a nursery. Perhaps you could call and ask?

[jeanine123]

I'd call and ask since every place is different.

[lolar2]

Are you in Canada by any chance? I've seen that term in a Canadian comic strip.

[averlee]

We're in California. This is a meeting for First5, a kids' organization, so I assume it will be OK. What do you think? Any bad experiences with play care?

[annettemarie]

I've always said something like this to the nursery workers:
Look, I know some parents will say it's OK if she fusses, but please do me a favor and come and get me if she starts to fuss. I'd rather have to step out of the meeting and come get her and have a chance of trying the nursery again another time than have her get all worked up and be afraid to come here.

It seems to work.