I’ve always heard that childcare in the military can be a nightmare. Why is that? No, the people aren’t bad, it’s just a popular place. Popular meaning, it is always booked up and hard to use when you really need it. This week I experienced this first hand. Have you ever tried signing up for the childcare service available on the base? If you have then chances are you’ve dealt with hearing they are all booked up. Don’t even attempt dropping them off at the drop in daycare because that too is booked.
In the past I have needed to use the day care as a drop off for an hour while I took another young one to the dentist. I mean who wants to bring all their children to a dentist visit and try keeping them silent as a drill goes into the mouth of another. Ha, that’s not happening. You can probably bet the minute the drill comes out one is shrieking, another laughing and another is running around the place like it’s a zoo. Or if you are lucky, all of your children are sitting down in their chairs, legs crossed, hands placed nicely in their laps and not a peep. Yeah, I doubt that.
If this has ever came up then you’ll probably want the possibility of dropping your child off at the childcare office. I know I did, however that day they were booked, but on the opposite side of the base there was one available. I didn’t take that up since it was really out of the way and I knew I wouldn’t make it to the appointment in time.
I was all signed up to take a computer class that I’ve been wanting to take for some time, and got the call today that I am in. But it was up to me to set up childcare. I did try, however they are all booked up the week I need it.
Steps in Avoiding the Childcare nightmare:
1. Enroll your child in the program early, it doesn’t matter their age. As we all know in the military there are all types of meetings that call for both the active and the spouse, which means having to leave the kids with someone. Daycare is free in these types of situations, however you must be signed up before hand in order to use this service. Re-enroll every year to have accurate information.
2. Call ahead of time to make sure there is a spot available.
3. If there is no spot available find out if they can recommend someone. I, myself will only allow my children to go to someone I personally know. If I don’t know anyone my only step is to drop them off in a place that has cameras. However, the military keeps a list of recommended in home day care addresses.
4. Make sure you’ve got everything needed before dropping off your child. If diapers are needed, make sure you pack plenty. Same thing goes for food or snacks, while most places will supply this, not all do. Find out ahead of time, you don‘t want to leave the meeting early to bring a clean diaper to daycare.
These steps should help you avoid the childcare nightmare that many of us face. If you are still unlucky I guess there’s always next time.
To read about other childcare stories, click the links below:
How to Choose the Best Childcare for You