This subject is very close to home for me right now.  My 15 month old started
in a daycare center here (Little Rock).  My first three were not in day care.
 I have allways had to work, Yes had to....  Have to pay the electric bill,
have to pay the morgtage, have to buy food! you get my point.   Anyway, I was
very unhappy with the choice of day care here.  Madeline stayed with me in my
store for the first year but I had to find care once she was a proficient
walker.  She is in a school for "Special needs children".  The Francis Allen
School For Exceptional Children.  They accept 1/2 "Normally developing"
children into the program in order to keep federal funding I presume.  She is
in a room usually with 9 children her age (some are older but the same
developmentally) They have 3 teachers.  One of the teachers has a masters
degree  she has been there 20 years.  The other 2 teachers have been there 20
and 28 years respectively.  They are served breakfast and luncheach day and I
am ashamed to say she probably eats better there than she would at home:)
All of this costs 1/2 of the going rate of Private day care.  I never thought
I would feel good about leaving her anywhere but I Do here.  This experience
has changeed my views on what we should be doing as a people for families who
need this service.  All children should be treated as "special needs
children".  The Center allways has volunteers in the center every day.  It is
truly a wonderful place and I am blessed to be able to have my daughter
there.  My other three children are in school literally across the street
from this school.  Now all I need is an ejection seat in the van, like on the
jetsons!!

Jessica Donahue RN IBCLC

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