Would you be put off by a daycare that was too inexpensive?

Looking into a three day option for my two year old for next year and have been contacting a lot of daycares. I am interested in a Montessori setting.

Yesterday I contacted a place that told me for three days (7:30-3:15) it would be $300 a month. I was shocked and asked two or three times if that was right. Full time, 5 day is $750 a month.

I really liked everything else the teacher was telling me about the school. Especially liked that there were 3 adults for every 13 children as the other places I have called have told me 6:1 for 2 yr old programs.

There doesn't seem to be a catch other than why is it so cheap? The woman explained they are a not for profit and have been around for 27 yrs. They have one review on yelp and it is positive.

Obviously I plan to check it out in person but looking for your thoughts.

eta: Also the 2 yrolds are in the same class as 3 yr olds. Not sure if that is a drawback or not as I am new to the whole daycare world.

Message edited 2/26/2013 7:54:05 AM.

Would you be put off by a daycare that was too inexpensive?

If everything else is good in your mind, then I would give it a chance. By the time your DC is 2 you will be able to figure out whether they are happy there or not, even if they aren't verbal. Where is this place? I'd love to check it out for my DD!

Re: Would you be put off by a daycare that was too inexpensive?

I looked at a place that was about half of what we are going to be paying.

Sounded great over the phone.

When we toured the facility, we decided we were not comfortable there. It was ok, nothing majorly wrong except the location was no where near as convenient and there were several other things we were not comfortable with.

You get what you pay for with childcare - make sure you tour the facility.

For me, the difference in price, although huge, was not worth me worrying about DD all day. I'd rather pay more money and know she is well cared for. JMO

That being said, check it out - in my example, an inconvienent location for me might be fine for someone else. There are pretty big differences in prices in daycare, and there's not always an easy answer as to why.

Would you be put off by a daycare that was too inexpensive?

The price wouldn't trun me off since its a NFP but what would turn me off is the fact the 2 YO are in the same room as the 3 YO.

When kids are young there is a big difference in just a year. IMO they should be separated.

Re: Would you be put off by a daycare that was too inexpensive?

Both my kids go to a Montessori school in NJ. My DS is 5 and my DD is 2 yrs 3 mths. DS has been at the school since he was 3 and DD since she was 21 mths.

I think if I take the cost of before and aftercare out, the number that you quoted would be a little less that wha we pay for each child. It's comparable to other Montessori schools in our area.

In regards to the mixed classes, I actually really like it. During the school day, my DD is in a class with 2/3 year olds. A 3.5 they move to pre-k. My son is in a class with 3.5-5 yo. They then move up to the primary class which could be K,1 &2 grades. The school is small so they are all together. During aftercare, the class could be comprised of 2-6 yo. Sounds scary. The are usually 8-10 kids in aftercare.

I was a bit cautious when DD started the school. Her schools day was fine, it was more aftercare that concerned me. She has excelled at the school. She was shy when she started and now communicates pretty well with even the older kids. The older kids were kind and treated her like a little doll....even the boys. No one thinks she just turned 2 yo. She acts like a 3/4 yo. Her fine motor skills are amazing.

I would tour the school. The one question I would ask is if they are a certified Montessori school. There are plenty of schools that say they are Montessori and all they do is adapt the teachings. We have 5 different Montessori schools around us (crazy) and Bly ours is a certified school.

Message edited 2/26/2013 8:47:58 AM.

Would you be put off by a daycare that was too inexpensive?

Thanks ladies. Talking to friends and they are telling me that 'school settings' usually have prices like this. Also the location is literally 5 blocks from my house so it is perfect in that regard. Of course I will tour the facility and see.