A friend of mine who happens to be a graduate student, needs to place her toddler in day care.  She was pleased when her son became eligible to attend the daycare center at the University.  The director of the day care gave her a tour of the facilities.  To assure herself of the center's high standards, my friend asked about the curriculum.

Her son's been fortunate (rather she's been fortunate) to have been home with mom for the first two years of his life.  However, like with most working families today, child care has become an issue.  She's not one of the lucky ones with extended family that can help either.  I think Day Care can be great because they learn socialization skills, have fun and it prepares them for being in school.  It's wonderful to be at home with an aunt or a trusted babysitter but the group experience can be priceless.....actually, it's very price-y.  I think Day Care is an appropriate name for it because one has to work all day to pay for it. 

It's a tough choice but one many women have had to make.  Which do you prefer:  day care or babysitter?