jewels
Opal
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Post by jewels on Aug 30, 2017 10:55:02 GMT -6
As I posted in the daily, one of S good friends is leaving DC. I've posted before that I have been toying with making a change myself. I know I did a poll before but then I just sort of stopped the process b/c I couldn't make a decision. A 3rd option entered the scene since then so I figured I'd start over. Here are my options:
1) Stay where we are at
Pros - VERY flexible. The teachers and admin LOVE my kids and they LOVE them. Tons of friends for S.
Cons - VERY disorganized. Less structured. Lack of communication.
2) Go to established national chain place
Pros - opening for both kids now - more structure and better education
Cons - S won't have his friends and teachers he loves, so rigid - almost seems the other extreme to where I am. Hard closing time that is the time I usually p/u so I would be screwed if traffic.
3) Go to new place
Pros - Small local chain place. I toured a different location when pregnant with S and LOVED it but it was a bit too far (this one will be 1 block from where I am at now). Great curriculum. Being opened by a local family with young kids who actually used to go to where I am at now. Open later.
Cons - doesn't open till December - would be possibly helping them work out the kinks. No director or teachers hired yet so I have no idea who/what they will be.
Other factors:
S 2 friends that still go to his DC. 1 friend "R" is looking to move and will probably move with us if we choose one of those options. "H" is likely not going to move regardless, but if he did, only New Place would be an option.
All 3 locations are under a 5 minute drive from my house.
Help!
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wedding
Emerald
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Post by wedding on Aug 30, 2017 11:13:26 GMT -6
Would both kids be going to these schools?
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jewels
Opal
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Post by jewels on Aug 30, 2017 12:02:51 GMT -6
Sorry wedding! Yes, whatever I choose would be for both kids. I don't have it in me to do 2 pick up and drop offs! |
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trtlcrzy
Moderator 
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Post by trtlcrzy on Aug 30, 2017 12:17:59 GMT -6
I guess personally I wouldn't take the friends/teacher relationships into account. They will make new friends and I'm sure the new daycare staff would love them too. Of the 3 choices the 3rd sounds like the best bet, to me.
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Post by wineallthetime on Aug 30, 2017 12:18:35 GMT -6
I would plan on option #3 and if things don't feel right once they've hired teachers and gotten closer to opening then I'd stay at option #1. I'd rule option #2 out because you don't seem thrilled with it at all.
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Post by wineallthetime on Aug 30, 2017 12:19:11 GMT -6
I guess personally I wouldn't take the friends/teacher relationships into account. They will make new friends and I'm sure the new daycare staff would love them too. Of the 3 choices the 3rd sounds like the best bet, to me. I agree with this as well. Kids will always be coming and going. |
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jewels
Opal
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Post by jewels on Aug 30, 2017 12:38:19 GMT -6
I think I have been leaning towards option 3, I just hate that it's new and it makes me nervous that there's no history. No one who's been going there and can tell me how great it is. But I'm probably overthinking it. Actually I am sure I am overthinking it. Because that is what I am best at  |
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jewels
Opal
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Post by jewels on Aug 30, 2017 12:41:07 GMT -6
IT's funny you say that wineallthetime. I loved #2 when I toured it. Then as we were about to leave, I asked what happens if we are late for pick up. She pretty much made it sound like they leave your kid on the curb with a sippy cup (obviously they can't do that, but that was the impression they made) and it just sort of rubbed me the wrong way. Everything else was fabulous, but that just stuck with me. Like if they are that inflexible to deal with a situation like a flooded road or an accident on the highway, what else are they going to be that way with? I dunno... just something about it didn't sit right. I guess you are right, and I should probably eliminate that option. It does have an AMAZING reputation in our community. But that doesn't necessarily make it right for my family. |
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vino
Opal
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Post by vino on Aug 30, 2017 13:16:11 GMT -6
I would choose option 1. They have teachers that care and love them, for me, that is most important at this age. I would not gamble on good teachers at the new place, what if they dont make a connection or you're disappointed with the promises they make but dont deliver.
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lfig
Sapphire
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Post by lfig on Aug 30, 2017 13:34:37 GMT -6
I would choose option 1. They have teachers that care and love them, for me, that is most important at this age. I would not gamble on good teachers at the new place, what if they dont make a connection or you're disappointed with the promises they make but dont deliver. I agree with this. And maybe once the new place is open and you might start hearing things about who the teachers are and how they are doing, then consider revisiting the possibility of a switch. The day care S is in was brand spankin new when we started. She was enrolled 3 months before they were open. Granted, there were no other options for day care here...only home babysitters (remember I am in a very rural area - limited options). But they have been fabulous! I feel like as a new business, they are going to strive to do everything great, so they can keep their doors open. There shouldn't be any "burn out" (yet). Whatever decision you make I'm certain will be a great one. |
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nam2013
Emerald
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Post by nam2013 on Aug 30, 2017 13:39:08 GMT -6
I would choose option 1. They have teachers that care and love them, for me, that is most important at this age. I would not gamble on good teachers at the new place, what if they dont make a connection or you're disappointed with the promises they make but dont deliver. Same here. Speaking from experience great teachers make all the difference. |
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wedding
Emerald
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Post by wedding on Aug 30, 2017 13:53:13 GMT -6
I'm torn. Have you spoken with families at #2 about the lateness thing? Is it really that inflexible or maybe her ass was chapped about a recent situation and wanted to make the hours clear? Either way, if it will stress you daily to get there in time, that isn't going to work.
#1's lack of organization bothers me, particularly with an infant. But #3 is an unknown. So I would probably stay with 1 until #3 is up and running and you can get some feedback.
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jewels
Opal
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Post by jewels on Aug 30, 2017 14:18:14 GMT -6
I would choose option 1. They have teachers that care and love them, for me, that is most important at this age. I would not gamble on good teachers at the new place, what if they dont make a connection or you're disappointed with the promises they make but dont deliver. Same here. Speaking from experience great teachers make all the difference. They are very loving teachers. But they are not teachers. They are caregivers. There are 2 or 3 that are actually teachers and the rest are very clearly just watching and playing with the kids. That is one of the things I waiver on, if education is important at this age or if comfort etc are more important. I actually heard grumblings from some of the teachers that they might apply at the new place. That would be ideal... best of both options |
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trtlcrzy
Moderator
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Post by trtlcrzy on Aug 30, 2017 14:26:14 GMT -6
Honestly, it seems to me like you don't want to stay at 1. If you were happy you wouldn't be seeking other options.
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Post by xolastunicornxo on Aug 30, 2017 14:28:18 GMT -6
I would choose #1 and second choice would be #3. I don't like the sound of how "rigid" #2 is.
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cagoldi
Opal
Vegan Demon
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Post by cagoldi on Aug 30, 2017 15:11:18 GMT -6
I would choose #1 and second choice would be #3. I don't like the sound of how "rigid" #2 is. This. I think their security and relationships are priority # 1 at this age. |
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Post by lahdeedah on Aug 30, 2017 16:42:22 GMT -6
Would you be comfortable waiting until the spring to start them at #3? Also, when will S start pre-k or kindergarten? If you switch to 3, will he have only 1 or 2 years at the new place? I see your dilemma and I'm not sure. I would wait until you have more information on the new place to make the decision.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2017 17:42:02 GMT -6
I said #3 bc lack of communication and disorganization would drive me crazy, though it would be hard to leave beloved teachers.
I like the idea of a small chain but locally owned. They tend to have a good balance of structured but not overly. I worked in DC for years before becoming an elementary teacher and the large national chains are hard bc they are so rigid it was often difficult to do what was best for the families.
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guster
Emerald
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Post by guster on Aug 30, 2017 18:39:44 GMT -6
My impulse goes to three, but when I stop to think about for even just a moment number one that makes the most sense. Flexibility and confidence in the caregivers would be at the very top of my list. I know you said there's a problem with communication, and that may not change on their end, but maybe you could talk to them about the communication you need. They may not even know they're lacking in that department.
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jewels
Opal
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Post by jewels on Aug 31, 2017 9:34:57 GMT -6
Would you be comfortable waiting until the spring to start them at #3? Also, when will S start pre-k or kindergarten? If you switch to 3, will he have only 1 or 2 years at the new place? I see your dilemma and I'm not sure. I would wait until you have more information on the new place to make the decision. Just realized I never replied to these questions Yes, I think I would be comfortable waiting till Spring to start at the new school... however, there are recent developments that have annoyed me even more about my current place (changes I found out about this morning with staff) S will stay at whatever DC he is at for PreK and start Kindergarten in September 2019. So depending on when I switch him, he'd probably have about 1.5 years at the new place. |
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jewels
Opal
Posts: 8,233 Likes: 43,719
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Post by jewels on Aug 31, 2017 9:36:04 GMT -6
My impulse goes to three, but when I stop to think about for even just a moment number one that makes the most sense. Flexibility and confidence in the caregivers would be at the very top of my list. I know you said there's a problem with communication, and that may not change on their end, but maybe you could talk to them about the communication you need. They may not even know they're lacking in that department. I have. Dozens of times. And every other parent I've talked to (both current and former) have the same issues with the DC. It is definitely their weakness!! |
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guster
Emerald
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Post by guster on Aug 31, 2017 9:45:54 GMT -6
Ugh, i'm sorry. That's super frustrating. What happened this morning?
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jewels
Opal
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Post by jewels on Aug 31, 2017 11:53:26 GMT -6
I found out B is moving up next week. The next class is the "pretoddler" class and the teacher (Ms. E) in there is one of the real teachers I had mentioned above. It's a small classroom and they are only supposed to be there for a few months. I truly believe she is responsible for so much of S good habits - she teaches the little 1 year olds so much.
The teacher in the toddler room left, and they couldn't find a replacement for her, so they are moving Ms E to that room and bringing one of the assistants into the pretoddler room. That assistant is super nice, but not a teacher and definitely not capable of what Ms. E is.
To top that off, they hired back someone who was fired a few years ago, and has since been at a few other local centers. She is going to be the assistant in that room. She is the daughter of B's current teacher and has had some issues over the years. She is... not professional.
B is already light years behind where S was at this age, and I was really looking forward to this next class for him to grow and learn.
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Post by lahdeedah on Aug 31, 2017 14:01:09 GMT -6
How frustrating. I would be so annoyed. Did you ask them if this was a permanent solution or are they still looking for a teacher for the 1 year olds? Would this mean B would get more time with the good teacher when he moves into the 1 year old class?
I asked about S because it was something I took into account. With the switch for us, M would have at least 2 years before he had to change schools again for K. If we didn't switch this year, he would have went to prek4 at a public school, then to the magnet school for K. I didn't want him to have to make 2 moves a year apart if we didn't have to.
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jewels
Opal
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Post by jewels on Sept 2, 2017 10:45:38 GMT -6
That's a tough choice but i would lean towards #3....is it possible to do a test day there? Possibly. Right now they are under construction for a December opening so I'd have to wait till it opens |
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Sunny41
Sapphire
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Post by Sunny41 on Sept 2, 2017 13:22:22 GMT -6
With #1 how is S coming along as far as cognitive development? Is it just play time? Is there structure to learning (even if play based? )? At this age I do think these things are important if you are paying a good fee. We went from a really unstructured play daycare with no teaching to an environment that focuses on learning. It does have daily set times for each activity and lots of play but has really showed his potential. Think about where S will be for the next 2 years and what will be best for his pre-k development. Will #3 have a good ciriculum or do you hand to wait until it opens to find out?
If you know some of the parents of kids that have left you might inquire as to their reasons. Some could be sending kids to a preschool through the district, some may have noticed things they are uncomfortable with. But when a lot leave in a short period you have to wonder.
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