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the babbling blondes

How to choose the best childcare

in Lifestyle, Mom Advice, Mommin', Toddler on 01/06/20

As I think back to a few years ago when we started our search for the best childcare for our family I was lost. I want to help you bypass things I missed, so you might better understand what to look for. Major tip is to start taking tours early as so many of the best facilities have waiting lists. Luckily we found our perfect match at Kiddie Academy.

St. Louis families I would put them on the top of your list to take a tour of one of their 3 facilities : Des Peres, O’Fallon and their newest in Chesterfield.

In -home vs Facility

This is the big first decision a family needs to make. We tried in-home and we loved who we used, but it wasn’t a great solution for our family long term. Below are a few things to think about….

  • If your in-home needs to take a family vacation you are stuck searching for back up care.
  • If your in home provider is sick or their children are sick, again your are out of daycare for the day or week.
  • Licensed and insured. These are two huge things you need to consider when you are looking for a facility. Are they being regulated by the state? Are they meeting any standards? A big part of this is the ratio of kid to caregiver, which changes for each age. At Kiddie Academy our boys are separated by their age and the curriculum matches their age. For our in-home, the ages ranged and there simply isn’t a great way to manage a curriculum for all ages.

Security

As a parent, leaving your child every Monday though Friday you have to know that they are safe. If not, there is no way of going on with your day without worry.

  • What security measures are in place?
  • Who is allowed in the building?
  • Do you have access to live cameras?

Kiddie Academy has two entrances that are both secure at all times. To get into the facility you need an access code. You can easily add family to your child’s’ pickup list and they can create their own access code. I also love that the director offices are between the entrance as well as the front desk!

Technology

Technology is going to be such a huge part of our children lives, so its important to introduce it correctly at the right age.

  • Do you use technology in the classroom?
  • How often do the kids use technology in the classroom?

Our kids have a few centers at Kiddie Academy that are technology based. In our family we don’t let the kids use phones or ipads very often, so I like that the time with them at school is limited and used when they are learning.

Curriculum | Play

I want my kids to go to school and have fun but learn at the same time. It is really important to me that they have structure, and are learning at the correct pace to keep them on track for school.

  • How are the children separated by rooms?
  • Who comes up with the curriculum?
  • Do you have parent / teacher meetings?
  • What if my child is falling behind or needs extra help?
  • How much of day is spent on play vs. learning?
  • Is there an outdoor area for kids?
  • Are there any extra programs provided?

We have found the perfect mix of fun and learning at KA. My boys have been at this school since they were one and most days they are excited at drop off. They come home showing me their projects that they made or telling me about running around on the play ground with friends. I love all the extras that KA brings in for our boys too. Since we have been there they have had a bubble bus, comedian, water slide, soccer coach, even Santa!

Cleanliness | Healthcare

You would think this wouldn’t need to be a category but trust me it is HUGE! Ask about the cleaning schedules, tour the facility, ask to walk in various rooms.

  • What is your cleaning schedule?
  • What is your shoe policy in the infant rooms?
  • What is your immunization policy?
  • Can I bring medication for my child?
  • What is your sick policy?

Another area that KA knocks it out of the park is maintaining such a clean facility even with tons of littles running around. They have a cleaning company come 5 nights a week to clean for 12 hours! Plus they have a fancy add on for their HVAC system called AirPHX, it helps to fight the germs in the air! My boys know to wash their hands when they arrive too!

Communication

  • What form of communication is used at the school?
  • Is there a daily report?
  • What about emergency communication?
  • How do you handle discipline?
  • How do you handle any injuries in the classroom.

This was another big area for me. ( control freak ) I want to see what is happening daily with my boys. Each day we get an update via our app from Kiddie Academy that shows what they did and has pictures and videos. The report breaks down into multiple categories including restroom breaks, meals, and curriculum.

Staffing

  • What is the average tenure of employees?
  • What kind of education does your staff have?
  • Are staff background checked?
  • What certifications do your employees have?

I leave my boys with the Kiddie Academy team from 8-5 Monday – Friday and it makes me feel so much better knowing that all their employees have an education background . Every employee has their associates in education, psychology, family development area or Kiddie Academy St.Louis will pay for studies to complete and test for the CDA (Child Development Associates), which is required to be completed within one year. On top of all of that they are background checked, are CPR certified.

What sets you apart….

To me this question should be very easy for any school or provider to answer. Remember you are essentially here to “interview” them so never feel bad asking questions.

Start Scheduling Tours

In the end you just want to find a place that fits with what you need for your family. You want to feel confident that they are giving your child the best environment for growing and learning. I created an easy printable sheet for you to take to your potential meetings with day cares / pre-schools!

Click here for the printable.

I am happy to answer any questions that come up too, reach out via socials or email! To schedule a visit with one of the three Kiddie Academy locations in St.Louis, click here.

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theHey girl! Thanks for stopping by. We are Lindsay and Carley. This is our little area of the world where we share everything we love from fashion, mom life, laughter, cocktails, fitness and home decor.

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life & style, 2 moms- 4 boys + 2 girls, figuring out life, one mess at a time! #betterbeauty, margs & laughs!
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Lindsay + Carley
What life has looked like these past couple of day What life has looked like these past couple of days… snuggling my sweet baby. Our middle child had some nasty virus last week and it’s seemed to slowly make it’s way through our entire house. 
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The hubs and I have also been under the weather all while still trying to parent these three littles. 
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I truly wouldn’t have it any other way bc after catching up on “This Is Us” I know someday the roles will be reversed and these littles will hopefully be taking care of us ❤️
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Babe on my hip, boys by my side and margarita in h Babe on my hip, boys by my side and margarita in hand. Life couldn’t get more magical 😍🥰! 
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Cheers 🍹It’s Cinco de Mayo and Lindsay and I Cheers 🍹It’s Cinco de Mayo and Lindsay and I get to meet up for drinks later! Clearly it’s one of our fav days of the year bc it’s the perfect excuse to drink margs! 
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Swipe to see how we celebrated today 15 years ago 🤣 
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#collegememories #collegegirlsgocrazy #areasontoseason #cincodemayoparty #cheersdears #cincodrinko #margaritamommas #masmargaritas #spicymargaritas #cheersfriends #happyhourtime #momsnightout #welovemargs
First time in YEARS we have dressed up and first t First time in YEARS we have dressed up and first time ever someone was sassy to Palmer. 
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I figured we could turn this Karen experience around 🤪🤪💥💥keep the kids in the restaurants🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 drop your favorite kid friendly restaurants below and one of you will get $50 to go to dinner! 🥂🥂🥂cheers friends! 
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#kidsforkaren #karensgonewild #karenstrikesagain #stlmom #stlmoms #stl #stlrestaurants #kidfriendly #kidfriendlyfood #parenting
Happy Saturday, time to get pampered! It’s almos Happy Saturday, time to get pampered! It’s almost Mother’s Day and we want one special lady to feel the love with an incredible giveaway brought to you by local small businesses! Includes some spa time, charcuterie, jewelry, desserts, shopping and more! 

🌷 @theadoredboard Charcuterie board 

🌷 @themonthlyrefresh 4 week meal plan

🌷 @thebabblingblondes $50 PayPal 

🌷 @ktschreiber Blondi blow dry brush

🌷 @trufusion_stl One month membership 

🌷 @katiespizzaandpasta $50 giftcard 

🌷 @shopthereshegoes $150 gift certificate 

🌷 @shannon_woodnp Botox treatment (50 units)

🌷 @bowood_lane Rosemary beach stack

🌷 @theconsciouskitchenstl Cookie cake 

🌷 @paintstlouis Uptown pedi 

🌷 @oliveandopalinteriors Design consultation 

🌷 @9monthstoglow Facial

💰$2310 value💰

HOW TO ENTER:
🌟Like this post 
🌟Follow @mothersdaygiveaway_stl and must be following all the accounts we are following 
🌟Tag 3 friends in the comments
🌟Share in stories for an extra entry 

THE FINE PRINT: 
-This giveaway is not associated with Instagram
-Winner must pick up winnings in STL
-All services must be utilized in 2022 calendar year 
-None of the goods or services offered can be exchanged for cash or credit 
-Giveaway ends @10pm on May 3rd 

Good luck friends!!! 🌷💐💕
💕GIVEAWAY TIME 💕Spring is here which means t 💕GIVEAWAY TIME 💕Spring is here which means the weather is finally starting to change! This is a friendly reminder to call @hoffmannbros to schedule your AC tune up, duct cleaning, & maybe have an air scrubber installed to help reduce allergies. 
.
It simple why we love @hoffmannbros so much! They can take care of everything. We highly recommend purchasing their Home Protection Plan. 
.
You get free filters, reduced service fee, priority service, and discounts on all repairs and installations. 
.
Lucky for you gals, we’re giving one away this month! Share your favorite thing about spring below to enter! 
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#hoffmannbrothers #hoffmannbros #patiosipping #cheerstotheweekend #homerepairs #homemaintenance #freeperks #momsofinstagram #patioweather #cheerstolife #cheerstoyou
It’s definitely not the first time we’ve been It’s definitely not the first time we’ve been on a bar, but this time it’s for a good cause and we’re thrilled to share ❤️
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Did you know that nearly 1 in 100 babies are born with a heart defect each year? Did you also know that @mightyoakesheartfoundation helps provide support to these families financially and emotionally? 
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Here’s where we need your help! May 5th is #givestlday and we’re trying to raise money for these families and their babies! Every little bit counts. Click the link in our bio to donate and head to stories for more info 🙏🏻
📷: @stlouis_photographer 
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A little sunburnt, a lot of fun! Today was my most A little sunburnt, a lot of fun! Today was my most favorite day of vacay bc we had zero plans. 
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We stumbled across the cutest little bar right off the beach and they made me the yummiest spicy marg! Happy Saturday friends! 🥂☀️🎉
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Good luck to all the teachers today…these kids w Good luck to all the teachers today…these kids will all be coming off their sugar high ❤️
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Tag a teacher and we will send two $$ for coffee or wine! 🤣🙌🏻
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#stlmom #easter #dress #spring #springstyle #momlife #momanddaughter #momandme
Happy Easter from our family to yours We hope ever Happy Easter from our family to yours We hope everyone has a blessed day! 🐰🎉💐 
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Wearing one of my fav tops from @shopthereshegoes 
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When you’re both caught wearing matching sets, y When you’re both caught wearing matching sets, you instantly have an impromptu photo shoot. Swipe to see Lilly’s “blogger pose!” 🥰
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#parentsbelike #parentsnightout #trivia #triviathemes #stl #stlmommy #stlmom
Patio weather ☀️ wine sips 🍷 and snugs with Patio weather ☀️ wine sips 🍷 and snugs with my girl 💕 These are just a few of my favorite things! Speaking of favorite things… I’m feeling nice today and wanna gift someone our fav @calpak belt bag!
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Like this photo and tell us what you love most about spring time! 
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Full heart with my favs this weekend… . . . . . Full heart with my favs this weekend…
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🎉HBD to the best dad, hubby, and friend we coul 🎉HBD to the best dad, hubby, and friend we could ask for! This past fall we celebrated 10 years of marriage and I’m still smitten by you! We hope you have the best day, Kev! xoxox 
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There is nothing a mom loves more than a clean bat There is nothing a mom loves more than a clean bathroom + leggings + cutting back on waste. #ad With a busy family of 5 we go through a lot of @windex and @scrubbingbubbles to keep our home clean so moving to the concentrated pods saves space and 94% less plastic! 
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You can shop these at your local @target ! What’s your fav and least fav cleaning chore?!?!? 
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Spring break in the Bahamas was a huge success! I Spring break in the Bahamas was a huge success! I now need a vacay from our vacation bc traveling with kids is exhausting…  BUT we’re making memories and that’s all that matters. 
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I just pray that they will remember these special trips someday 💙I also shared all the deets about our trip in stories today.
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#springbreak2022 #springbreakbahamas #bahamarresorts #bahamar #nassaubahamas #targetstyle #targetdeals #targetdress #springstyles
Lilly’s 1st pony tail, so naturally I had to doc Lilly’s 1st pony tail, so naturally I had to document it. I’m sure going to miss this sweet princess this week. 
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Excited for a little time away with the family and good friends at @bahamarresorts !!! The house is clean and our bags are packed. Now I need a marg asap 😜🌴🖤
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LUCKY would be an understatement with these leprec LUCKY would be an understatement with these leprechauns 🍀💚🍀💚 
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THANK YOU NOTES. My son turned 8 last month and I THANK YOU NOTES. My son turned 8 last month and I thought it was a great opportunity to start teaching him how to write them on his own. 
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It’s important to me as a mother that I teach my kids to have a grateful heart. I also want to try instill manners and proper etiquette because both these can carry someone very far! 
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Not only does it help with their handwriting skill but also shows respect and appreciation to others. My wish is that eventually it will become a habit and they can spread kindness no matter where life takes them! 
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thebabblingblondes

life & style, 2 moms- 4 boys + 2 girls, figuring out life, one mess at a time! #betterbeauty, margs & laughs!
📧thebabblingblondesblog@gmail.com

Lindsay + Carley
What life has looked like these past couple of day What life has looked like these past couple of days… snuggling my sweet baby. Our middle child had some nasty virus last week and it’s seemed to slowly make it’s way through our entire house. 
.
The hubs and I have also been under the weather all while still trying to parent these three littles. 
.
I truly wouldn’t have it any other way bc after catching up on “This Is Us” I know someday the roles will be reversed and these littles will hopefully be taking care of us ❤️
.
.
.
.
.
.
#happylife #mybabygirl💕 #timepleaseslowdown #snugglesfordays #thisisus #sickbabes #sweetsnuggles #forevermine #thesearethedays
Babe on my hip, boys by my side and margarita in h Babe on my hip, boys by my side and margarita in hand. Life couldn’t get more magical 😍🥰! 
.
.
#mothersday #momlife #momstogetherstl #mom #momof3 #stlmom #stlmoms #momlife
Cheers 🍹It’s Cinco de Mayo and Lindsay and I Cheers 🍹It’s Cinco de Mayo and Lindsay and I get to meet up for drinks later! Clearly it’s one of our fav days of the year bc it’s the perfect excuse to drink margs! 
.
Swipe to see how we celebrated today 15 years ago 🤣 
.
.
.
.
.
.
#collegememories #collegegirlsgocrazy #areasontoseason #cincodemayoparty #cheersdears #cincodrinko #margaritamommas #masmargaritas #spicymargaritas #cheersfriends #happyhourtime #momsnightout #welovemargs
First time in YEARS we have dressed up and first t First time in YEARS we have dressed up and first time ever someone was sassy to Palmer. 
.
I figured we could turn this Karen experience around 🤪🤪💥💥keep the kids in the restaurants🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 drop your favorite kid friendly restaurants below and one of you will get $50 to go to dinner! 🥂🥂🥂cheers friends! 
.
.
.
#kidsforkaren #karensgonewild #karenstrikesagain #stlmom #stlmoms #stl #stlrestaurants #kidfriendly #kidfriendlyfood #parenting
Happy Saturday, time to get pampered! It’s almos Happy Saturday, time to get pampered! It’s almost Mother’s Day and we want one special lady to feel the love with an incredible giveaway brought to you by local small businesses! Includes some spa time, charcuterie, jewelry, desserts, shopping and more! 

🌷 @theadoredboard Charcuterie board 

🌷 @themonthlyrefresh 4 week meal plan

🌷 @thebabblingblondes $50 PayPal 

🌷 @ktschreiber Blondi blow dry brush

🌷 @trufusion_stl One month membership 

🌷 @katiespizzaandpasta $50 giftcard 

🌷 @shopthereshegoes $150 gift certificate 

🌷 @shannon_woodnp Botox treatment (50 units)

🌷 @bowood_lane Rosemary beach stack

🌷 @theconsciouskitchenstl Cookie cake 

🌷 @paintstlouis Uptown pedi 

🌷 @oliveandopalinteriors Design consultation 

🌷 @9monthstoglow Facial

💰$2310 value💰

HOW TO ENTER:
🌟Like this post 
🌟Follow @mothersdaygiveaway_stl and must be following all the accounts we are following 
🌟Tag 3 friends in the comments
🌟Share in stories for an extra entry 

THE FINE PRINT: 
-This giveaway is not associated with Instagram
-Winner must pick up winnings in STL
-All services must be utilized in 2022 calendar year 
-None of the goods or services offered can be exchanged for cash or credit 
-Giveaway ends @10pm on May 3rd 

Good luck friends!!! 🌷💐💕
💕GIVEAWAY TIME 💕Spring is here which means t 💕GIVEAWAY TIME 💕Spring is here which means the weather is finally starting to change! This is a friendly reminder to call @hoffmannbros to schedule your AC tune up, duct cleaning, & maybe have an air scrubber installed to help reduce allergies. 
.
It simple why we love @hoffmannbros so much! They can take care of everything. We highly recommend purchasing their Home Protection Plan. 
.
You get free filters, reduced service fee, priority service, and discounts on all repairs and installations. 
.
Lucky for you gals, we’re giving one away this month! Share your favorite thing about spring below to enter! 
.
.
.
.
.
#hoffmannbrothers #hoffmannbros #patiosipping #cheerstotheweekend #homerepairs #homemaintenance #freeperks #momsofinstagram #patioweather #cheerstolife #cheerstoyou
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