Need a Pep Talk...accepted a 12 month old into my program

[daycaremom9]

First let me say I've been doing daycare for years. Having said that my crew consists of 2.5yrs - 3 yrs of age. The last time I cared for an infant that young was when I first started my daycare. This was almost 4 years ago and my own dd was 12 months and I had another little dcg who was 13months. So...it's been awhile.

My crew is very active. I'm wondering how other providers handle a mixed age group? My crew aged up together and when one left I always replaced with a similar aged child. However, it's getting more difficult to find 2 and 3 year olds. I was swamped with requests for infant care as moms are coming off maternity leave. As it is, I have a waiting list for September and October with 3 moms looking for care.

I've avoided infant care (under 18 months) for as long as I could, but decided to take on this 12 month old for purely selfish reasons (I looooove babies ) Parents seem like a really good fit, the child is very easy going and loves her sleep. Sounds great!

How do you other providers mix up an age difference in your crew? I'm going to have to invest in some age appropriate toys, but other than that? Do you gate off a section of your daycare during freeplay?

Ackkk....I'm nervous. Lucky for me my sister in law is now working 3 days a week at my daycare until September 2015. this will help tremendously.

I had a couple of infants a few years ago (of which one is still here and 3 now) along with the toddlers and preschoolers. It can definitely be tricky if they're not walking yet and if they're still having 2 naps a day. I've found it to be so much easier with the older kids. I have an interview with a parent of a soon to be 12 month old. I've discussed the fact that I only do one nap a day and she's willing to accommodate that and she seems really excited to see the daycare and meet me. She got a referral from a previous client. But I have to say that I'm a little nervous about how the 12 month is going to integrate with the older kids and vice versa. One of my clients whose 4 yo daughter started here in October mentioned that she's glad that I don't have babies so I'm also a little concerned about that.

[daycaremom9]

Ok, I guess I should have read the whole thread. Now I feel better!