I stayed home for a year. Abby was at home with me, not in daycare. I went back to teaching full-time and put Abby in daycare. We had a rough first few months. She caught everything. Just know that flexibility will be an important factor when considering your options. I was really slammed by my principal about my absences at the beginning of the year since I'm under contract. I felt bad about it, too, but FAMILY FIRST!