Are there any websites to read reviews of day care centers / pre-schools?

Try naeyc.com and 4cforchildren.com. I am a child care director and use these all of the time. If you have specific questions feel free to e-mail me and I will be glad to help. :)

Sample schedule: I'm up by 6. Kids are up between 6:30 and 7. Get ready, get dressed, all that; sometimes do some little school thing before that. Around 8, get started with work/learning activities. We don't have a set schedule; it's worked out each day what will be done. Break around 11-11:30. Do a bit of cleaning up before lunch. Lunch. Kids help with clearing the table. Silent reading. For the afternoon, it's never the same. We'll have a park day one day usually, go to the library another afternoon, run errands or go on a field trip another afternoon...

The state website above was a great suggestion. I had forgotten that I did that. But, I've found that the best way to get "first-hand" reviews is to actually talk to the parents. Ask the babysitter or day care provider for a list of references. In my experience, most parents have been sympathetic of my concerns and understanding... we're all in the same not-so-exclusive club here. Make up a list of questions and ask them to each parent you talk to. You'll get a feeling for what is important to those parents and be able to see if their kids are happy and healthy and enjoy the location.

Good luck to you and your son! It's always so stressful trying to be sure to get something like this just right!

I live in Michigan and on the states government website they list every childcare that is licensed and you can see how they scored on their inspections and any complaints against them. My husband and I actually just spent 2 days doing this and then visited a few. Our children are starting daycare tomorrow for the very first time. The place we chose is awesome and I feel so lucky to have found them and that they actually had a few openings.

Make sure you ask lots of questions while you are visiting and if you don't feel comfortable..keep searching!!

Good Luck!

Ask your pediatiricain for reccomendations....Talk to the kids when you visit the centers, they are your best resource for truthful answers about what the teachers are like and what kinds of activited they do.

You can also see if there is a local moms group in your area, they are a great source for reviews too (many meet at the library, so ask around)

You're right... things ARE very different in daycare centers. I had an in-home sitter who used to work in a center. She quit to do in-home because she was not happy seeing kids (not neglected) but not given the attention needed. She knew her limits & was able to control them better by bringing kids to her own home instead. My best advise would be to talk to family & friends & try to find someone who sits in thier own home, RATHER than a center. Alot of times they'll be much less expensive too!

If you want to check out a new daycare. You should go and actually spend some time in the day care...