Daycare climate in Barrie ON

[Momof4]

Marie, my best caregiver friend here in London grew up in Barrie and her parents are there so she visits lots of weekend. I will definitely ask her if there are any places you can contact to meet other providers. I don't have a vehicle so she picks me up every Monday evening and we get our groceries together. I'll ask her and get back to you.

I definitely agree that it takes a while to become established in most cases and there is a definite learning curve to become a successful self-employed businesswoman. You have to learn to keep your business mind for the parents and have a fantastic contract and then you must have a wonderful/fun/program/schedule/nutritional menu for the children.

[Marie999]

Thank you for the replies and the advice.
I just moved to this area about a year ago so I don't many of my neighbors yet. The families on either side of me have kids but they are stay-at-home moms so I'm not sure if they would know the local daycare providers or not. I am already a member at The Early Years Center so I will see if they have any resources for me next time I'm there. I haven't noticed any daycare providers at the park but I usually go there on the weekend....once I'm on maternity leave and the weather is nicer I will go during weekday mornings and check it out.
My search of my local neighbourhood turned up some home day cares in my immediate area so that gives my an idea of what to charge I would just feel weird contacting them to ask questions about their business you know.....also a kijiji search showed a lot of daycares in my general area advertising spots - and they seem to be advertising that they are ok with shift work, part-time, overnight, etc...
It makes me nervous that I wont fill-up as I have nothing to distinguish myself, I don't have an ECE or anything, and I don't want to be open 24/7 or really early....this is a scary leap to make but at least I have lots of time to make my decision.