In two days, life in Saudi will resume its usual pace. Schools, universities and governmental sectors will reopen. With that comes my postponed search for a daycare in Riyadh!
I did not realize how tough finding a daycare in Riyadh is until now. And if ANY investor is looking for an opportunity, let me tell you, invest in 3 daycares with the following categories:
Universal Standard + Affordable + 6 weeks and up + 6 a.m.-6 p.m. + Brand Name + Set in 3 Districts (Central, Eastern & Northern Riyadh) + With an extension plan.
You see, here’s what’s changing in Saudi. Economy is getting tougher. Young couples are getting married, moving away from their family’s house to wherever their jobs might be. Many find themselves living in apartments rather than spacious homes, unable to bring in a maid. If both mommy and daddy are working, comes the tough part of what to do with the child.
Existing pre-schools in Saudi take children of 3 and up. But these as well as nurseries hardly have operation hours that match private companies. Most daycares (pre-schools and nurseries) operate until 1 p.m. or less. Some childcare units open evenings, but that only helps if mom wants to go out (after work).
My child is not 3 yet, so my journey which will begin Saturday Oct 11 is NOT going to be an easy one. The list I have so far of schools I want to check out is as follows:
Little Stars: 462-5958
My School:
Little Jim (gem?):
Daycare Unit (King Faisal Specialist Hospital):
Tiny Tots: 462-8860, 462-2751
Al-Madrasah National School:
King Saud School:
King Abdulaziz School:
University National School: 205-1010
Asrari School (Middle East School):
International School: 477-7555
And this is an additional resource for schools:
http://www.arriyadh.com/En/cgi-bin/f/ALL/r_subprivate_schools.asp?page=1&AttOrder=3
I’ll be collecting further information and checking some schools on Saturday then reporting back with detailed info on some of the above mentioned schools. If any of you have any further additions or suggestions, please do collaborate with me on setting a list of daycares that accept kids under 3 of age and open until 2 p.m (minimum).
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Wednesday, October 8, 2008
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9 comments:
Hi Aysha, I should put you in touch with another Saudi friend of mine, a female doctor who shares your same views (and challenges). Her experience prompted me to write about 8 months back on my own blog about daycare in Saudi Arabia and what a market opportunity it is. Sadly due to the culture the infrastructure is not yet fully in place to support working women. They are expected to either stay at home and not work; have a live in maid who acts as nanny; or a family member will watch over a child. Yet at the same time there are so many benefits to the children too by being exposed to the early learning principles of daycare and interacting with other young children.
Good luck in your search.
American Bedu
That's very true. Would it be possible to get a link to your post on daycares, Carol?
Hi
I have the same problem with my kids. Your best bet is to get them into one of the hospital employee daycares. The one I send my kids to has a waiting list but they are very good. High standards, lots of supervision and maintenance and the biggest plus is that they are open from 7 am to 6 pm!
Only thing is that you or your husband have to be an employee. I’m really interested in starting my own daycare and after school center but the whole bureaucratic illogical process put me off for now. Another idea is to get a local high end nanny and share her with some other mother, A cousin or sister, in your predicament. You set up a room in one of your houses and the nanny comes in every day during your working hours.
Hi Aysha,
I am afraid that there are so many working mothers (even Saudies)share your exact same challenge! its difficult to find good enough daycare in the kingdom for you beloved ones easily. not to forget that those high standards ones are kinda expansive are far from the city center. I have a 14 months old and also searching for a suitable daycare close to where i work, haven't cross one yet:( I don't blame you criticizing our governmental bureaucratization because its so obvious!! i wish we all success in this mission and would love to hear ur feedback about those daycares you have selected.
best of luck
Matela
Oh man I'm practically an expert at this--and I don't even haave a child.
So I went to King Saud as a kid, my gripe with them is that they're a bit careless--kids will be outside for hours at a time and it's freakin hot! but the brits are notorious for discipline, so one of my baby cousins goes there--he's a bit of a handful.
My other cousins have been going to Tiny Tots for a while and they love it.
Hi Aysha,
here's the link which I had written a while back about daycare:
http://americanbedu.com/2008/04/10/market-opportunity-daycare-in-the-kingdom/
The post is short but the subject matter generated a lot of interesting comments.
Best Regards,
Carol
I have enrolled my 3 years old at Tiny Tots. I find it a high standards and wonderful daycare.
Have you heard of Bambolina? I can try and get the # - I've been there once a year or so ago & loved it. All I remember is that it is close to the Intercontinental Hotel - I think in Nojood Mall.
Very Good article , this article make some interesting points .
Day Care Centers And Nurseries directory
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