Hello parents and caregivers,

Evan is 16 months, and we just had to leave his most amazing in-home daycare because of a long distance move. I had a difficult time finding a new daycare in the new location on short notice. While I don't feel that he is unsafe in the place we have him, I just don't get the right vibe - I feel like they do not provide enough individual attention, that he is just on his own to "fend for himself" in a more chaotic environment than he is used to, and he is having a hard time adjusting. When I come for pick up, I see other young toddlers crying and not being immediately tended to. The two caregivers are always carefully supervising, but don't seem to interact or play with the kids beyond feeding or other direct care needs.

Were we just spoiled before by the amazingness of his previous caregivers? He received tons of individualized attention with lots of adult interaction, and play with others his age was fostered and moderated by the adults. Some lightly structured time for dancing, singing, reading was incorporated into each day.

I am reluctant to switch him AGAIN after he just dealt with two huge transitions in the last month, and a baby sister that is going to arrive any day now and really turn his world upside down. BUT, I just don't like this place long term. Again, I'm not worried for his immediate health and safety, but I don't feel as good as I should about leaving him there each day. I really can't imagine leaving he new baby there in a couple months either. Am I just being paranoid?

The limited availability of in-home care around here means I won't be able to switch him for at least a few more weeks anyway - will this be asking too much of him to have him go through another big change soon?? We cannot afford a nanny or larger center based daycare (no openings anyway).

Any help, thoughts, advice, or follow-up questions are greatly appreciated.

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