Mt Hope Day Care Center

Disclaimer: I am a Y employee of the main Y organization. For this review purpose I am any other new mom, paying parent of the day care. And yes, I give it 5 stars. Here’s why:
1: location — I’m a 5 min drive away from home/​15 min walk and 10 min drive from work. It matters. A lot! Carrying 3+ bags everyday: purse, lunch, pump, diaper bag, big baby in carrier, you know sometimes I stop home first to drop it off before picking him up, and I still hate getting up early, and babies make you late to everything, so it’s good to be close. (Little after the Thayer/​Hope Split– parking is on the street, so not great, but always find a spot)
2: great staff: even as technical co-​employees, I had never been to the site prior to needing childcare, I had just met the director. But being there as a mom, it doesn’t matter if we work for the same org or not, I want a great, safe, caring place for my kid– which this place is at every turn. I’ve been a Y girl for 14+ years all around New England, so I knew there were good odds, that’s what we do, but not everywhere is great honestly. However, the director and the infant staff are fantastic (I haven’t met the toddler or preschool staff yet)
3. Cloth diapers: yes, I’m that girl with the cloth diapers and the glass bottles. All were welcome and not a problem. I know especially the cloth isn’t welcome everywhere. Don’t know why, I’m the one dealing with the poop at home.

My son has been at the Mt. Hope Y child care center since he was 3 months old. For new parents, the thought of finding child care and leaving your most prized possession with strangers is frightening. After visits to other day cares that ended in tears, I found the Mt. Hope Y and it felt like home. The infant caregivers Miss Francesca and Miss Donna are like a part of our family. They have many years of experience as child care givers and moms and offer advice along the way. They helped my little one transition from a crib, helped him to walk and when he was sick, they administered his albuterol breathing treatments. I’m looking forward to their help when it’s time for potty training! As a working mom, I know I cannot be with my child every minute of every day. For the times when I can’t be there, I’m so grateful for the Mt. Hope Y staff.