Looking for 2 days a week Day Care for our 14 month old -Northampton to Southampton Area

[MrGwen]

We are a queer family that is looking for a day care option for a couple days a week for our 14 month old Daughter. I am home with her all week but believe it would benefit her to be around other children as well. (I also need to get some work done!) Would love any recommendations or contacts! Ideally, the group would allow for me to provide her food or be dedicated to organic options. Not looking for a place where they plunk her in front of a tv at all. We want her to play, make art, learn, dance, etc.

Thoughts?

[geri_52]

Hey, mom of a 13 month old here. Moving to Massachusetts (Westfield) next month. I have found for childcare, nothing beats hiring an individual to care for your child - the one-on-one interaction is priceless. I have not seen a daycare yet that made me feel like my child would get enough individual attention, which I think is so important at this stage. But you aren't really looking for childcare - you want your child to interact with other kids. Have you thought about joining a playgroup? You could take a music class together, or regularly go to the library for toddler story hour. It seems like Cradle has some great classes/groups too!

For us, we've been regularly getting together with the same group of kiddos (all within 3 months in age) since they were 2 months old. It's just once a week, but it's been a great experience for all of the kids! They interact way more with others as a direct result of this play time.

Hope you find something soon :)

[Maedze]

I'd suggest hooking up with a MotherWoman meeting :-)   http://www.motherwoman.org/groups/

There are a bunch of different kinds of meetings, but I'm thinking specifically of the Wednesday morning MotherWoman circle at the Family Center in Amherst (basement of the UU meeting house).    The babies and kids (under five) get to stay out in the main area and play with a bunch of age appropriate toys and really sweet and fun caregivers, while the moms get to have a two hour meeting in the back.    And the younger ones come back all the time if they're lonely or nursing. 

I found it to be a life-saver for all of us when my kids were a bit younger.    (Adult hoo-mans!  Yay!) and my babies got a break from me, without any pressure that we *had* to separate if they needed to be back with me and nursing.  

[heathnjai]

Hi,

I'm a stay at home mom to a 4 year old (currently in camp and then preschool) and an almost 10 month old. I live in Westfield which is probably too far for you but I'm actually looking to do day care to a child or two part time now that my oldest is in school. We personally try to eat as much organic and natural foods as we can but you would be more than welcome to provide your own.

Let me know if you are interested.

Thanks,

Heather

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