We used Kindercare (in a different state) from about 8 months
until 3 years old. They kept a ratio of 3:1 most of the time,
but could call in a floater if some task was taking somebody's
full attention. That's a feature you won't find in many home
care settings.

This was our experience at a kindercare-type agency as well. I agree that
school-age care in these settings (we tried it briefly when Henry was 9) is not
good at all. But for babies I think group/agency daycare is good, even (for
me) better because of the ratio, the supervision, and the available backup. If
a sole caregiver becomes ill or is just tired in the home setting, there may be
no back-up and the kids may suffer that day. With older kids, no biggie. But
so much can go wrong with infant care -- I liked the reassurance that there was
a full team on hand.

YMMV, and all day care settings vary widely -- check them out and get
references. Stop by when they aren't expecting you. Spend time there before
you decide. But good daycare is just that - -good, even great. We had a
wonderful experience and still exchange holiday cards with several of the
caregivers.

-Dawn
Mom to Henry, 11