WWYD daycare related

My DC attend a daycare center that I'm not too happy with. They have been going there since they were 4 -5 months old and they are now 3.2 and 20 months. They seem happy for the most part, but my main concern is this:

1) teacher turnover is high and always has been

2) my DD has some issues with anxiety and has been doing much better since we started working with a social worker through CPSC. The social worker does NOT love the center. She feels the toys are old and there isn't alot there. She agrees with the turnover since she's worked with other children there over the years. She also feels my DD's particular class is the worst she's ever seen as far as behavioral issues. Meaning alot of children in her class should be receiving services but are not. There are lots of disruptions, bad behaviors and while the teachers are great, they can only do so much to keep order. She said she's never seen them get through a story or lesson without incidence.

So we found a new center, but here are the pros and cons:

Pros:
1) mature staff (meaning older teachers (not old just teachers that are probably there because they want to be in childcare and not a stepping stone to get into teaching in a school district)

2) center has been in business for 16 years, but new building with state of the art equipment, new toys, bright, open, etc.

3) class has little to no behavioral issues (outside of typical 3 year old stuff) - she works in that building for another child with anxiety issues that has done very well since moving there

Cons:
1) little out of the way/not as convenient location (maybe extra 15 minutes)

2) more $$$ $7,000K more a year. While we can afford it, it does take away from other things. We don't have a cushion or extra cash laying around. KWIM?

3) they have a small after care program which she may not get into once she starts Kindergarten.

The real issue is the money. I think it's worth to sacrafice things to have them in the right place, but my DH hesitates because it is a lot of extra money a year that we don't really have without giving up other things and he's afraid that it could turn out to be a new center with the same problems in the end.

What do you think?

Message edited 2/2/2010 2:45:29 PM.

Re: WWYD daycare related

I say- if you can afford it, go for it. It won't be THAT much longer in the grand scheme of things until both of your DC's are in kindergarten....especially since the social worker doesn't like the 1st one given all of the issues- and also because she is familiar with the 2nd one.

Re: WWYD daycare related

I would do it and switch daycares.

Re: WWYD daycare related

I'd switch

Re: WWYD daycare related

I'd switch. Sounds like you'll feel a lot more comfortable with your children.

Re: WWYD daycare related

I would switch.

Re: WWYD daycare related

I think it really depends on exactly what you would be taking away from to free up the extra $$ every month. It's close to $600 extra per month. Personally DH & I couldn't come up with that kind of money without SUBSTANTIAL sacrifice.

The other factor to me is the time. 15 minutes doesn't seem like a lot BUT if it's 15 minutes each way, that is 1/2 hour total per day, which is 2 1/2 hours extra per week in the car with the kids. What roads would you be taking to do this? Are they major and subject to lots of traffic jams (like the LIE), or are they mid-level like Jericho Turnpike, or back roads? And if it's major like the LIE is it really ONLY 15 minutes extra??

Weigh it out. Only you can make the decision.

Re: WWYD daycare related

Is there another center you could look at that would be better than the one you are at now, but fit more into your life? Closer...not out of the way, or on your way to work, less money than the 7K/year?

Maybe you could go check out a few more new daycares before you decide.

Re: WWYD daycare related

Are there other options? Since it sounds like the one they are in is not really good for them at all, there has to be another center with the same pros and not as many cons.

Re: WWYD daycare related

Re: WWYD daycare related

Message edited 2/2/2010 6:17:29 PM.

Re: WWYD daycare related

Re: WWYD daycare related

Based on what you just wrote about the center, I would pull my kids out asap. The social worker gave you a heads up for a reason and to be honest, what good is it doing keeping your kids there?

You mentioned that you scoped out other options and there are none. IF you can afford the new daycare, I say send them there. Your DD will be in Kindergarten next year, so your daycare expense will decrease and then in 2 years your DS will start Kindergarten. The extra expense is temporary.
Good luck!