Help with a daycare decision (long)

PREFACE: I have just had a part-time schedule approved for work As such, I'll need only 2 full days of daycare for my boys (my mom/MIL split the third day). I want to add 2 half days to my older son's schedule b/c just 2 days is not really enough for him.

So, I took a tour yesterday of a new daycare center. This place offers half days but also full day care as well from 6 months up.

Now I'm torn. There are a bunch of factors in favor of moving them... really except for the "moving them" part!

Pros:
-The classrooms are considerably larger (physically, not children-wise) than their current ones. I never would have thought of that before but DS1 has been in 2 pretty small classes the past 2 years. He'll move into a larger one in September but DS2 will just transition into the smaller ones at that same time - with 2 years in them ahead of him.

-They have a separate "snack room" - sort of a lunch room, I guess. I especially like this for days they can't get outside because it's at least a change of scenary for them 3-4 times a day between lunch and snack.

-They operate on the Zoo-phonics curriculum. I have to look into this more, but it sounded great and seemed like they really kept up on it given what was in the classrooms. I don't know the curriculum in DS1's next room where he is now but I do believe it is a bit more school-esque. However, DS2's room is on the curriculum in the new place and he definitely is not for the next two years at his current one.

-I'll find out the new tuition today for the current place with the move to 2 days a week but given what we're paying and what little I do know of the price schedule, the annual differential will be somewhere around $2400.

-It closer to where we live, saving us about 15 min both in the morning and afternoon. It's also likely they'd be with kids they'll ultimately go to school with just b/c of the location.

-DS1 will be with the same kids all four days instead of daycare kids and then preschool kids. I am not entirely sure this is a pro - I guess it could be a con too.

Cons:
-DS2 is only just NOW getting comfortable with the drop off... 15+ months in. The idea of throwing him into a new place is killing me.

-DS1 has a ton of friends at the school he's in (though most of them will not be in our school district).

-Although it's "business", I feel like I'm cheating on my current center

-They don't take infants until 6 mos. I don't get that much time off so when we go for #3 I'd have to juggle a bit for probably 4-6 weeks before they could enter the daycare. Current one would take them right away.

I know there is a pretty obvious choice here. My mother actually yelled "Are you CRAZY?!" when I told her the likely savings hahaha.

Tell me I'm being ridiculous!!!

(and thank you if you took the time to read this epic!)

Message edited 5/19/2011 8:41:49 AM.

Re: Help with a daycare decision (long)

It sounds like a great fit! I know you feel like your 'cheating' on your current daycare, but your needs have changed and they don't fit them as well now (not to mention the cost savings!) I can't really speak on your younger DS and switching schools how it may or may not effect him at drop off, but I do know from reading posts on here that kids usually adjust well--but perhaps someone else can weigh in on that. I also have some concerns with my preschool choice in regards to having a 3rd (I am required to volunteer 2 days a month and I am not sure who will watch #3 esp if they are newborn)--but as my DH says these things can be worked out, no need to worry about them now. GL with your decision!

Re: Help with a daycare decision (long)