[JosieWales]

DH and I have talked about finding jobs elsewhere--teaching for me, head ftball coach and athletic director for him. We like where we are now, but facilities are awful and we can't get a levy passed to fix our school's leaking roof (buckets in classrooms and baby pools in hallways when it rains). Owen and Ian go to a sitter's house, where one woman cares for 6 toddlers and her SIL cares for just 3 babies. O LOVES it there, and the whole family is like part of our own. We love them, trust them, and thank God for them every day. I almost cried yesterday when thinking of taking O out of there to start over somewhere else. He is only 2yo (on the 28th), but he loves them fiercely. Can we really stay here till they are in school, just for the childcare? Or is that just too ridiculous? My mom said she never found any care for us she liked, ever...how rare is our great situation? (and she only charges $65/week per kid--yes, I'm bragging) Anyone dealt w/this? What do you rhink?

[dac_cincy]

I think there is great child care whereever you are- be where you are now or where you might be in the future.
You are assuming that the childcare situation you have now will not change until you are ready for it to change and that may not be case. You have to look at all the facets- childcare is one factor to consider. I would start by making a out a list- pros and cons for staying, pros and cons for changing jobs, and then really discuss each issue. You can place child care in both the pro and con catagories.

Love to you,

[guatparents2be]

Becca, you'll find great childcare wherever you go...and you can keep in touch with the family.

Changes are so difficult but really inevitable. We had the BEST childcare and the woman had to close her home daycare because she needed a job with health insurance for her family. We ended up moving J to a school that is Spanish immersion 2 days a week...the teacher is great and the program is fantastic. Would I still like to be at the other daycare, yes. Is this one great? I hope so.

Now back to you. I think that your heart will tell you if you do the footwork then listen very closely.

In other words, what if you start looking right away? You can make a list of EVERYTHING you want in a job, neighborhood, environment, day care, school system, home, all of it. Start applying for jobs in places that meet your wildest dreams. When it comes, it's the right time. If nothing shows up, then you reassess.

Win-win.
What do you think?

[JosieWales]

I think you are both right. It would hurt to leave them...but it would be ok, and we'd fine someone good. If not, I'll quit my job!!!

[2xaround]

Becca,

I understand that it's hard to imagine finding a day care situation as good when you are so thrilled with what you have now. I agree with the other responses. There are very good daycares all around the U.S. and it's possible that you could find something even better than what you have now.

I wish you luck as you and your hubby try to decide making a move in your jobs and location. That's a very big decision and one that we'll also be making in the next couple of years.