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s/o daycares - switching and adjustment
So we are moving to a different part of town. I have toured I think 6 daycares now. I have only looked at centers thus far. I like that a center will always be open and that each has a specific preschool program so that DD can get to learning since her current in-home doesn't do much on the learning front. In fact I'm starting to suspect they watch a ton of TV in the winter since when DD was sick last weekend she seemed to know the name of every show I let her watch while we were lounging.
Anyway, I can't decide where to send her. I am caught between two schools right now. And then I wonder if maybe I should just find an in-home place for her still that might have a better learning aspect to it, but again the flexibility of a center that will virtually always open and such is nice. And DH is no help because so far he has only seen school 1 and says it's up to me - he trusts my judgement, well thanks, but seriously I need help here!
School 1 - We know two families who go there - they love it have wonderful things to say about it and their program is a good one. Cons - they don't take infants. We hope to TTC in 2012 sometime so come 2013 I'd prefer not to have two drop offs. And they are closed one week in December and one week in like May I think it was - no super convenient considering we both work full time and those two weeks may not conincide when we really want to take our vacation time. And there was only one spot left in the 2 year old class there and when we toured the other parent had a child who would go in that class to so the director almost made it a competition between us on who could get that spot first and that turned me off a bit. And said we could see if DD would fit in the 3 year old class, but we'd have to get her potty trained ASAP and I don't know how much I want to pressure her on that - my kid is pretty strong willed and I'm pretty sure I'll get tons of push back.
School 2 - They take infants - bonus. Only closed major holidays. They are a bit more expensive than school 1 until she is potty trained, then it's the same price. We don't know anyone who goes there, but one of their sister schools gets great reviews from friends who go to the sister school. The program seems good and the vibe was good at that school to. Con - in Feburary they had a child abuse finding on their license. My understanding is the person was let go and they are now being supervised by the state, but that all has been fine since then. This makes me uneasy, but after visiting there two times now all seems fine there and both times I didn't have an appointment so it's not like they could do extra cleaning or whatever to prep for my visit. But I got a good vibe there and think DD would fit good into their system.
Either school will be fine I just can't decide. I need to win the lottery so I can just stay home with her!
I guess I just needed to write this all out and see if anyone had feedback. I'm torn and nervous on how she will do switching. My biggest fear is the big giant meltdown when I drop her off the first day. I know it will happen, but it still sucks.
Re: s/o daycares - switching and adjustment
Can you get more info on the complaint on their license? That would make a difference for me.
There is a giant range of problems that could lead to that, so I'd want more information.
I just went and re-looked at the license and then called over there and apparently it was an unfounded complaint. Apparently a parent complained after finding a scratch on her baby she felt happened at the school and no one reported it to her that day. So seems like a believable story and after re-looking at the license it was an unfounded allegation and cleared.
Growing Up Olson
Yeah, that would not bother me at all then. I think I would go with #2, for the infant care.
Also, from your post, it sounds like you felt more comfortable and welcomed there.
Are recommendations/reviews and people's experiences or schedule more important to you? Also, do you have to bring food to either location or is there some other reason for the price difference (montesorri, primrose, etc.)
I was originally leaning towards the #1, until you mentioned the week-long closures. I also wouldn't push to get into a 3-yr-old room, especially if she hasn't been in that environment, I think it might overwhelm her even if you did manage to succeed in potty training. So if the 2-yo spot isn't available, I wouldn't do it.
#2 sounds great, except as you say, I would be concerned about the abuse case. Are all parts of the rooms open and visible from the door, etc.? What steps are being taken by the center to prevent this in the future? It's a red flag if they get defensive or rude about such questions, you have a right to know.
my read shelf:
Obviously, I'm not a mom, but based on the way that you wrote each about each place, it sounds like you really like (and want to go with) #2 but are concerned because you don't have an "in" to talk to someone that already goes there (which you have with the first place).
I'd likely go with the second place (but again, not a mom here, you gotta go with your mama instincts!)
School 1 we would have to pack her lunch each day and also do a snack for the whole class as couple of times year I think it was.
School 2 when I called was very upfront about the allegation and yes you can see the rooms from the door - they have windows - and don't seem to be to many red flags.
Growing Up Olson
I would go with #2. Infant care, not having to pack meals, basic holidays off instead of weeks at a time. Sounds good!
my read shelf:
Yeah the not packing meals is a bonus for sure. I mean I can't even seem to manage to pack myself a lunch everyday let alone one for DD!
Growing Up Olson
I think packing a lunch is nice if you're particular about what food your kid gets. Personally, I do not want to add another task to my day, so I like that our daycare provides food!
The week-long closures would bug me, and not having two drop-offs is a plus.
Definitely #2. It is such a relief having another baby on the way not to have to hunt for daycare again and two dropoffs would be really tough.
I feel like you have to trust your gut as a parent, so if you got a good feeling with #2 then go with it. Also if you start DD there and you decide you don't like it, you can switch but at least you will know.
DD -- 5YO
DS -- 3YO