Childcare Options Part 2 – Finding The Right Fit

Preparing yourself for work or back to school is hard. We get it. Add in searching for childcare options and the stress-o-meter can hit overload. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with either too many or not enough childcare options we hope this post will help. But first, stop and take a deep breath. Let it out. Repeat. Now keep reading.

We want to build on our previous post about all the different types of childcare options available with some practical information to help you narrow down your search and find the best fit for you.

Referrals

Begin your search by asking friends, family, co-workers and other people you trust for recommendations based on their experience. Another simple way to get feedback is to post a message on social media. Friends are quick to give input and the information you receive will most likely be unfiltered, giving you an honest review of providers.

Research

Also, start doing your own research online. Look up day care providers close to your home as well as close to your work or school. You can also check up on these facilities to see if they’re a good fit for you based on the type and size of the operation. Do they post reviews online? Do they have pictures and staff bios? By taking a little bit of time with your online search, you can narrow your options down in no time.

Interviewing

Once you have narrowed your options down to 2-4 childcare providers you’ll want to meet them face to face for an interview. Call ahead and schedule time to talk with either the day care director or individual day care provider. Do some prep work prior to going to the interview and have a written list of questions you want answered with you at the meeting. This is the time to gather specific information, so be sure to ask a lot of questions like:

What is the cost and are there hidden fees?
What is the payment schedule – weekly, monthly?
Are they licensed?
How do they handle meals?
Are there scheduled naps?
What is their philosophy of discipline? Education?
How do they report incidents, accidents or illness to you?
What is the policy for sick days?

References

Be sure to get names and numbers of other moms with kids there and call them! Ask them about their experience and take some time to see if the provider is a good fit. Remember your child will be there every day, so this is time well spent. If they can’t give you references mark them off the list and move on to the next provider.

Take a Tour

While you are interviewing, ask for a tour of the facility if it is a childcare center. If it is someone’s personal home, ask to view where your child will be during the day. Is it clean and well organized? Do they have a specific area of the home dedicated to play and rest? Are the playgrounds safe? Where will meals be provided? Do they have their credentials posted? If it is an in-home facility, do they have the maximum number of children? How do the kids get along? At this point you’re trying to get a feel for if this is a good fit for you and your baby. If you don’t feel good about something you see, then ask more questions to narrow down your search.

Think It Over

After you have taken the time for the interview, give yourself a few days before making a decision if you can. Think about your options and weigh the pros and cons. Talk to friends and family about each option and get feedback. Once you’ve decided, make sure to get all of your paperwork (i.e. physicals, shot records, forms if you are qualified for government assistance, and releases) signed and returned to them so that there are no glitches on your first day. You want your focus will be on transitioning your child that day, not on logistics.

We hope this has been helpful to you. Have we missed anything? Please leave us your thoughts in the comments. It will be helpful to other moms as they search for childcare options.

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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.