I just took my toddler out of his daycare...

[ShawnJ]

I know that I made the right decision but I'm still feeling bad for my son and trying to figure out what is the best next step.  I want to see if I can manage with him at home for a while (I only work 2 hrs per day) but I also know that he needs and loves the social interaction.  He is 2.5yrs and I can send him to another daycare but the only option I know of now is a place where I've been told the children 'don't wash their hands after the toilet' and I don't know how to wrap my head around that because it seems like a very basic and necessary thing for little children who are being toilet trained in daycare.  

Any suggestions as to how to proceed in this situation?  I don't want to deprive my son but also don't want to put him in another daycare that isn't ideal.

Thanks!

[SplashingPuddle]

Would a child care swap work for your family? If you only need a couple of hours of care, you could possibly alternate with another family.

[pammysue]

Have you looked into preschools? They may work since you only need a couple of hours a day.

Welcome to MDC!

[Asiago]

I commend you for following your instincts and intuition. What about a mother's helper in your house or a sitter (?)

You would still be available for your son and to fulfill his needs, yet have the freedom to do your work.

[nextcommercial]

I think he might love to go to half day preschool.  

How do you know kids don't wash hands after the bathroom?  I don't know anybody who does that...so, maybe you misheard, or someone was spreading gossip?

[ShawnJ]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I know the kids don't wash their hands because the provider told me that herself when I asked- she said it's just too difficult because there are so many children.  She wasn't even apologetic in any way...definitely strange but I'm trying to figure out how I would approach the topic if I would want to make it work for my son there.  

Also- any suggestions as to what to say to my son if/when he asks why he's not going to daycare?  I'm lost as to how to respond to that!

Thanks!