Its a big step, that first step into childcare.  I found family day care to be perfect.  A home environment where your little one can relax and be herself.  Sure, daycare centres are good for interaction, but they are also high paced and stressful. Family day care mums (or grandmas) do their job because they honestly enjoy being around children.  There are extensive regulations to follow to obtain a position as a day carer, and only truely committed people last for long (you said that she had been doing this for 10 years - the woman is a gem).  What you are doing is great for your little one, and after the first week, will be good for you too.