Drop-In Daycare: The Search Continues
I know many of us working parents struggle with finding adequate back up care. We've posted this previously, but we're wondering if some of this information needs to be updated. Daniel recently sent us this question:
We have a 16 month old and another due in December. Mom has debilitating nausea and could use a drop-in infant care center on 'bad' days. I found a list of drop-in centers (http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:rM8XNZmz__IJ:www.icse-conferences.org/2003/travel/childcaredropin.pdf+portland+oregon+infant+care&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6&gl=us&client=firefox-a) and was curious to know if any of Urban Mama community has had any experience with the Joyful Noise centers? Any other suggestions would be helpful too.
Does Joyful Noise centers do drop-in? Besides Grandma's Place, are there drop-in centers you would recommend?
I've heard good things about Joyful Noise. Not to be snarky, but instead of waiting for an answer on this site, why don't you just call Joyful Noise and ask if they do drop-in?
I've heard mixed things about Grandma's Place...seems like they fill a much-needed niche, though.
Posted by: NE Mom | May 21, 2007 at 11:41 AM
We used the drop in daycare once at the Kids Clubhouse on the corner of Barnes and Miller next to the Starbucks. My daughter loved it. I went on the recommendation of a friend of mine who uses it about once a week when she needs to get some work done around the house. They have another location by Washington Square that I know takes infants.
Another option I used when my oldest one was little and I had a newborn, was to use a mother's helper in my neighborhood. She would come over and play with my daughter for a couple of hours at a time. It was nice not to have to drive anywhere and it was really cheap. She has now become a regular visitor in my house and apparently does not tire of playing Polly Pockets! :)
Posted by: Rosanne | May 21, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Our two year old is at Joyful Noise. It is a very nurturing environment. It is my understanding that they only offer drop-in service for their non-full-time existing students if there's space that day (child out on vacation, etc.).
Posted by: Melinda | May 21, 2007 at 04:07 PM
I teach Spanish in a variety of local preschools, including all 4 of the Joyful Noise Child Development Centers. I have at least one student at Joyful Noise East that does drop-in on days when we offer Spanish, in addition to her regular 3 days a week there. I find the Joyful Noise CDCs to be friendly with caring teachers who use a process vs. product teaching & learning philosopy, and they seem to have an active & involved parent community. They are amongst my favorite schools to teach in!
Posted by: Kara | May 22, 2007 at 08:01 AM
I have a wonderful woman in the neighborhood who watches our son (11 months) when I am at work. He is only there two days a week and I love her. I found the drop in daycares to be not our style because of staff turnover. She is older and not as active as she once was with her kids, but she has a lot of love to give!
Posted by: Kim | May 22, 2007 at 09:55 AM
I have had nothing but bad experiences the few times I brought my son to Grandma's Place. I was a sucker and bought their 20-hour "discount ticket" the first time we went, and I'll never ever use the remaining 16 hours I paid for, and they don't give refunds. Bah! AVOID!
Posted by: Sonja | July 17, 2007 at 10:38 PM
I used to take my daughter to Grandma's place - we needed a social outlet for her and could not find a preschool for two year olds. This was three years ago. At the time there was a woman working there who was really great but she left suddenly. They could not tell me why because of employment laws which is understandable. It was still hard for my daughter.
The biggest issue I had with the place was the use of TV. At the time my daughter was not allowed to watch it at home. Whenever the check in/out desk got busy the kids were put in front of the TV so the worker could work the desk. This really ticked me off - I can put her in front of the TV at home if that is OK. I never experienced this but other parents have told me that their children were sometimes forced to watch movies that were too old for them. The children actually complained.
Posted by: Sarah C | July 18, 2007 at 10:20 AM
Just to confirm, Joyful Noise only offers drop-in for its current students when there is space. it is not available for non-students.
Posted by: LTF | June 20, 2008 at 03:41 PM
I realize this is an old post - but I am in the situation where I need a drop off for my 5 and 1 year old daughter. Turns out the Kids Klubhouse on Barnes doesn't take children younger than 2.5. If anyone has a recommendation for a "mommy's helper" or a drop off place that is reputable, please let me know!
Posted by: Mama G | August 28, 2008 at 05:39 PM