While I was getting my college degree I worked for a private daycare. That was the most eyeopening experience for me. There were some good parents(who had to work, but still tried to put their children first) and then there were the people who put their jobs first. We had a brother and sister at the center who had parents that worked for the state and who got all the state holidays. On those days the children were still there by 7:00 and left at 5;30 while the parents "enjoyed" their day off. These parents were upset when the center closed on Christmas eve because they needed the day to shop. The children came sick often and when would call for them to come and get them, like you stated they would wait many hours, exposing their child's germs on all the other kids. Needless to say these children behaved very badly. This was just one case, we had so many others. This was a center for the more elite. Not many single parents, just parents who were not wanting to bother. I vowed to myself when I had my own children they would know how much they were loved and wanted and that their father and I would make any sacrifice for one of us to stay home. I have 3 now and I proudly say I am a stay at home mom! :)
You sound exactly like me and our family, right down to the number of kids. I had the same experiences at the day cares I worked for, and learned the exact same lessons. It really is a shame. I was always amazed at how many kids came to daycare too when I knew the parents had the day off!!! Pathetic!