I live in Orange County, Ca. Where can I find quality, low-cost day care for my 2 and 7 year old children?

Question

My kids have always had a parent at home and never had to go to daycare, but now my husband and I both need to work. My 2 year old is not potty trained and is digging his heels in on the matter. He's also gifted. He knows his alphabet and numbers and will probably be reading by age 3 like his 7 yr old sister. I need to find a nice place for both children that will help them progress academically, creatively, and socially; and be inexpensive. I think my husband and I just barely dont qualify for state funded child care. Any recommendations?

Answer 1

Contact your local Child Care Resource and Referall Agency

Just google "your county,state" + Child Care Resource and Referall Agency

Answer 2

Call your local elementary school, social service agencies, and churches and make a list of the programs they tell you about.  Call the programs and ask what license they hold, and what credentials their teachers have.  Ask what curriculum they are using and what kind of schedule the children follow.  Try to observe a class in progress.  The potty training should not be an issue.  A good program will help you with that.  I really sympathize with you on the subsidized day care issue.  Too many families fall through the cracks on this issue.  If there is an early intervention program, you might want to look into it to see if they provide support for gifted children.  (We are not in CA but my son is gifted and qualifies for special education because of it.  I know this sounds a little goofy but special education just means any education needs that are not the norm).