Relocating to Tuscaloosa and looking for child care

[Terri Raines]

Hi Ladies,

 

I will be relocating to Tuscaloosa this summer from DC.  I have a 5 month old and a 2 year old.  I'm researching quality child care but reviews of facilities are impossible to find for Tuscaloosa.  I'm not adverse to home day care or a nanny.  Can any of you recommend (or recommend AGAINST) any specific day care facilities or do you know of anyone looking for a full-time nanny position and you can recommend them?

[Moozle]

We moved here from the DC area 6 years ago!  It's definitely a big change, but I think you'll like it here.  We have fallen in love with Tuscaloosa.

My youngest is at the UA Children's Program (and my oldest went through that program too), so if either you or your husband will be working at the University, I would suggest getting on the waiting list there.  We have been extremely pleased and have nothing but amazing things to say about the program, the teachers, and the staff.

[Terri Raines]

I heard that there was one, but I have been unable to find ANY info on it!  I will be working at the university and even the other faculty know nothing about it.  Do you have a contact number?  How big is the program?  What was the wait list when you started? 

[Terri Raines]

Never mind, I was using the wrong name to research it and thus it wasn't coming up!  I have their # and plan to call today!

 

[Moozle]

Terri - I can give you any info you need.  We waited almost a year and a half, but it was SO worth it.  For our second child there was no wait.  Robin Hollingsworth is the director and who you will want to talk to.  Any questions, let's chat about it.

[Moozle]

I believe we have 100 families in the program, from ages birth to 5.  The teacher/student ratio is wonderful.  I believe when my youngest started at 8 months old she had 8 in her classroom, with 2 full time teachers.

Now, at 5, there are 16 in her room with two full time teachers.  As a research program, there is also almost always a student intern in there at all time, so it's often like 3 teachers.  

[Zarkarella]

I can give you names, but not too many opinions because I haven't personally dealt with them all. But, you can at least keep them on your radar and do your own research.

 

Here are some of the ones I know of in no specific order :)

Calvary Baptist

First Presbyterian

UA CDRC

Little Peoples

First Wesleyan

Imagination Station

Sherwood Forest

The Little Red Schoolhouse

St. Luke

Maw Maw's

Three Bears

Northwood Hills Baptist

There have got to be more that I can't remember right now. Tuscaloosa has a ton of child care centers. I recommend taking A LOT of tours. :)

[Diana R]

My son, age 2, is at Little People Child Care on McFarland Blvd, around the corner from the university. That I know of they don't have a waiting list. Their prices are great, they provide healthy meals and snacks, the teachers and directors are all amazing. My little one had a very hard adjustment because he was at home with me for 2 years, then started daycare fulltime. They are great working with him.

 

Good luck with your move!! We've been here 1 1/2 years and LOVE it! Very family friendly!!! :-)  

[Laura Buysse]

HI Terri,

I currently am a stay at home mom with a 2 1/2 year old and a one month old. I have been doing drop in care since we moved here in August.  I am looking to gain some full time kiddos. I am a licensed teacher birth - grade 3 through the state of minnesota and have been working with children of all ages since I was about 12 years old. I have worked for home daycares, licensed daycares and nationally accredited centers. If you are interested in a home daycare let me know or if you have questions or would like a list of references please let me know. Good Luck with your search!

I also have another posting on here in the classifieds it is a little old (from when I was still pregnant)

Laura

[Debbie Hobson]

Imagination Station not recommended. My daughter will be keeping babies/children in her home as a full time nanny. text her at 454-4561