Working Moms - Daycare issues

Hello. I'm considering getting a day time job in a very good daycare as a provider. It is a Child Development Center which I'm told is better than regular daycare centers because of the educational aspects. If I get the job, I'd put my three year old in the daycare. He's never been in daycare before and I worry about whether this would be a good experience or a bad experience? He's gone a few times just for hourly care so I could get some errands run, etc., and loved it, but I don't know how he'd do full time every day. The ratio is about 12 to 1. I guess it's higher with the older kids. The babies ratio is 6 to 1. Still I wonder if he'll just be a number? Although, I've watched parents leave with their kids and the kids saying bye to the caregivers and them calling them by name and giving hugs, etc.
I guess the main thing I worry about is he'd be more exposed to hitting, pushing, things from other kids that I'd rather he'd not pick up. However, he doesn't really get any exposure to other kids his age except once a week at church and I would like him to be around other kids.
I guess I feel torn about whether this would be a good thing or will I regret it? I've been fortunate and so grateful to be able to stay home this long with him. However, we are deeply in debt and I'd really like to see us get out of debt and actually save a little money so that we could get a better house in a few years. I thought this would be the best situation because I'd at least be fairly close to my son, although I wouldn't be able to work near him.
I feel so torn! Part of me wants to stay home with my baby and part of me wants to see him be with other kids and part of me wants to help out with the bills. How do all you other working moms do it? And are there any hints or things I should do or look out for? Will daycare hurt my child or make him more social? Help! I feel so torn!

[LiviaC]

Hi. I think that maybe you should take him to daycare more often and maybe stay a while and evaulate him. If you feel comfortable then he will be fine. Sometimes you just have to concider about your childs future and do what you need to do. Yes, your child will most likely be exposed to hitting and stuff like that, but all kids are. You just need to teach your kid whats right from wrong. I belive every parent has to go through that phase. I wish you best in your decision.

[Agiesmom]

Is it possible to do home daycare?  You could get licensed and take only a few kids and charge a bit more because of the caregiver to child ratio.  That way your child would be around other children and you at the same time.  There are tons of things on the internet that can help you with activities and schedules, etc.  Many states also have a nutrition program and subsidize you financially to feed the children in your care if you participate.  You might even look to see if another home daycare provider needs help--that way you can work for someone else first in order to see if it's something you would want to take on and then you'd still have your son with you.

[Agiesmom]

I didn't notice at first that you are in Canada, but there may still be some sort of nutritional programs there.

[April2]

Actually I'm not from Canada! I forgot that's on my profile. I'm from the States, just didn't put where I lived. I don't know, I guess I was just being cautious. I didn't want to put too much personal information on there.
I've thought about doing home daycare. Actually, I've done it before. The paper work is a killer! And the taxes so confusing that I had to have someone do it for me. I love watching the kids, but I hate all the paperwork involved. Also, I live in an older home and would have to fix up more before they'd let me watch kids. It's nothing really dangerous, just costly. I've already checked into it. I'd have to fix my porch because the slates are too wide and the stairs are open. And our privacy fence is the original fence so I was afraid they'd say I'd have to replace that which I can't afford. I started to go that route and then I had to have major surgery unexpectadly so I put everything on hold. Now they're saying I'd have to reapply. When I got to thinking about it, I thought I'd probably make the same amount of money whether I worked at home or at the daycare. I don't know. I'm just not sure what to do. Just trying to check out all my options.

[Trialanderror]

Tough decisions... The director of my son`s former daycare had all of her 3 children in the same daycare, subsequently. Her youngest was 2 years old when he joined and had a bit of a hard time first knowing that his mom was right there working but he could not just leave the toddler room to see her, at least not all the time. But he adjusted soon and was super-happy to have both his mom and all of his best friends in the same building. She said it was the most perfect situation anyone could have. Anything new will be hard first, but starting at age 3, most kids don`t just enjoy parallel play but love to develop friendships. I think daycare would be the way to go. If you were to run a home daycare, it could be harder. Your son would rather see the other kids as intruders who take away your time and attention and his toys.