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D.C. Area Babies
Torn about pre-school vs. current daycare
Let me start by saying DD is in a daycare/pre-school right now that she can stay at until she goes to kindergarten. We love the current room she's in, but don't have a lot of insight into the rooms for the older kids.
We found out yesterday we got into a pre-school that we had been on the waitlist for. I'm having a hard time deciding what to do.
Current daycare: building is nasty, teachers are fantastic (at least in this room). DD has learned a lot while here, I can only assume she would continue to learn in the older kid classrooms. It gets very mixed reviews on the DCUM forum (though we've not had any issues in our 6 months there). She'll be moving rooms this summer, so who knows if she'll love it as much as her current room?
New Preschool - building is new and beautiful. From what we could tell on the tour today, the kids and teachers seem really engaged. It's a little closer to home (though it's the difference between 5 and 10 minutes). It's nominally more expensive. It gets great comments on the DCUM forum.
What else should I be thinking about? I'm leaning towards the new pre-school because it's a beautiful place that seems to have a great environment, but I think what's holding me back are both the fear of the unknown and guilt for pulling DD out of a place she really loves for a place she may or may not love.
WWBD? (What would bumpies do?)
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Torn about pre-school vs. current daycare
I would go with your gut (may or may not be the same as DCUM's gut). We just bit the bullet to change daycare situations. We were with a great provider, but she preferred under 2s. We planned to switch him at the same time as his daycare buddy this fall - but a spot opened up at our first choice so we're switching him. We just gave notice, which sucked, but we're looking forward to what the new situation will be. Daycare seems way more personal than just business!
Ditto DCtoLow. Go with your gut.
Personally, I think the teachers and the other kids should be the biggest factor - I mean, unless the building has rodents running around and is visibly dirty.
Can you visit the older kids room at your current place? Talk to other parents about their experiences? Go observe once more at the new place?
I'm considering switching from a DCP to a preschool also. Mainly b/c I feel as she's moving into the older classrooms the number of kids, and teacher to kid ratio are increasing and I don't think she'll get as much personalized time as preschool (depending on class size)