How comfortable do you feel with your DCP?

[eav2c]

OMG this got long... Sorry

C was in a program at the university I graduated from and I really trusted it because as a college student I did my practicum at that program. I know the safety procedures, the director, what the program is all about, etc. The negative about the program is it is 2 days a week for only three hours. Throw in a 20-30 minute drive each way and a 6+ month old. C will be in the afternoon program this year too. 1pm-330pm. Traffic will be awful and add a lot of headache and time to the drive home and when would he nap? But I love the program. I feel good about it but at this point I'm realizing it's not worth our time. I'm bummed because they are the only NAYCE accredited program in my area and that is important to me.

There is a MDO program two miles from my house. 9am-2pm two days a week. Price is right, the director seemed nice enough, most hallways required a key pin entry, etc. The negative is the teachers aren't certified which is a BIG DEAL to me. The classrooms aren't overly stimulating and they don't seem to follow TN curriculum standards. I know he's 2 so I don't expect him to be learning math or anything like that but being in a good program is important to me. They also do a car line pickup which scares the crap out of me. I don't think Colin is ready for that.

There are two other programs within 10 minutes of us that are the same thing. I don't know how I will ever feel comfortable with this. Should I just KNOW that it's the right place? I know I sound nuts. I'm a bit of a helicopter parent. Being in early childhood education as totally distorted my view on things, I feel.

When I toured the school the kids seemed perfectly happy and all that. How am I supposed to knoooowww if it's right!? Ahhhh

[eav2c]

Also, all of these programs are at churches which I guess isn't the worst thing but most do bible study. I want him to learn about religion and all that but I don't want it pushed upon him either.

[Deleted]

I can't chime in on all of your concerns but Thad's old school did car line pick up and it was no big deal. He didn't like it very well when he was riding RF because he couldn't see me but once he was flipped he didn't care. They had the one year olds in the kiddie Cadillac and the two year olds sat inside and were carried to the teacher installing them in the car.

[eav2c]

Jul 25, 2014 11:10:21 GMT -5 @thadsrad said:

I can't chime in on all of your concerns but Thad's old school did car line pick up and it was no big deal. He didn't like it very well when he was riding RF because he couldn't see me but once he was flipped he didn't care. They had the one year olds in the kiddie Cadillac and the two year olds sat inside and were carried to the teacher installing them in the car.

This makes me feel better because the pickup was causing me a lot of anxiety. The director said it concerns a lot of parents in the beginning and then they love it.

[eav2c]

Oh, my other negatives.

-I didn't see changing tables in the classrooms and here is no bathroom attached to the classroom. Ive never seen this before. If/when he is potty trained I don't know how he would get down the hall while being watched by a teacher. I'm sure they have some sort of plan for all this but logistically I don't know. I need to ask.
-they have to cross the street to get to the playground
-recess is with three year olds. Much bigger three year olds


I don't know if these should even be concerns

[Faevantastic]

For us it was kinda like finding a wedding gown. I remember H and I looked at each other and gave the silent nod that this was the place (after already visiting two). Go see the places and trust your instincts!

[Deleted]

On the changing table thing: the 2s room didn't have them at Thad's school. Potty training was their job basically. They had a floater teacher when necessary. I don't know what they did about accidents though....

Thad has to cross the street for recess at his new school and despite my breeziness it is giving me anxiety. So I think that is a justifiable worry but not enough to nix it.

[katie]

I am completly comfortable with ours. Lillian goes to Primrose Schools, do they have any in your area? As soon as I met them there I knew they were the one.

[eav2c]

Jul 25, 2014 11:59:49 GMT -5 katie said:

I am completly comfortable with ours. Lillian goes to Primrose Schools, do they have any in your area? As soon as I met them there I knew they were the one.

In the town over they do. It's about a 15 minute drive. Do they have a parttime program?

[katie]

Jul 25, 2014 12:03:42 GMT -5 eav2c said:

Jul 25, 2014 11:59:49 GMT -5 katie said:

I am completly comfortable with ours. Lillian goes to Primrose Schools, do they have any in your area? As soon as I met them there I knew they were the one.

In the town over they do. It's about a 15 minute drive. Do they have a parttime program?

I was told they didn't BUT Lillian has always had part timers in her class, especially as she moved up rooms. My friends child was going to go PT there but ended up going to their church's DC instead mostly due to cost and that's were his cousin goes. Can't hurt to check and something else to compare to. This is stressful looking, I hope you find one that fits your needs!

[thedahliharpa]

We are on kid 2 at the same preschool that we've been at since H was 20 months. So we feel VERY comfortable with them. We love them and they are a true extension of our family. They are not FTR NAEYC accredited. That said H scored a grade level ahead on all but one category of her developmental Kindergarten assessments so I'm confident in the play based curriculum. I'm still having a hard time with H not being there and being at the new school. She loves it but its not the same. But, the things that bother me probably wouldn't bother other people as much...laxed sunscreen application and tons of junk food.
We chose the pre-school based on gut feelings even though I felt a little weary of not choosing one of the more exclusive well known schools in the area.

[thedahliharpa]

Jul 25, 2014 11:20:58 GMT -5 eav2c said:

Oh, my other negatives.

-I didn't see changing tables in the classrooms and here is no bathroom attached to the classroom. Ive never seen this before. If/when he is potty trained I don't know how he would get down the hall while being watched by a teacher. I'm sure they have some sort of plan for all this but logistically I don't know. I need to ask.
-they have to cross the street to get to the playground
-recess is with three year olds. Much bigger three year olds


I don't know if these should even be concerns

*There isn't a bathroom in the room H/D wil potty train in. They have a floater who helps a lot with PTing.
*18month olds play w/ 5 year olds in the playground in the late afternoon *this was one of my biggest concerns when both girls started. I don't like bumps and bruises but other than H mooning her friends the big kids were never a bad influence. The physical issues that happen seem to be isolated to the 1.5-2.5 year olds and within their group.

[devotchka]

I am SO comfortable with ours that it's not an option for us to switch even though rt now we are driving 30-45 mins from where we are staying to the preschool. After I looked at this school I didn't want to put him in anywhere else. All of the concerns you posted are totally valid. If you want an accredited place I would stick to your guns. It was important for me too, that's part of why we are paying more and chose a preschool over a daycare... although really for the 18m-2yo the environment is very similar to a daycare, but the teachers are either certified (The main teachers) or on their way to becoming certified. The preschool is Jewish and they talk about it being more focused on the culture than strict religion. It's very diverse, so not just Jewish kids (maybe 25-35% jewish) and that was important for me but bc we are not religious and my H was Christian it was important for me for Max to learn about the culture. It is a little funny to me that he will probably know more than me by the time he graduates

Anyway we had a VERY tough time picking something and like I said, part of the reason we have this horrible commute is because I am not willing to go anywhere else Although we are working on either buying or renting a place closer to there (and closer to H's work.)

If you ever want to chat about this privately, feel free to PM me. I am totally a helicopter parent when it comes to this stuff too

[eav2c]

Jul 25, 2014 12:37:51 GMT -5 thedahliharpa said:

Jul 25, 2014 11:20:58 GMT -5 eav2c said:

Oh, my other negatives.

-I didn't see changing tables in the classrooms and here is no bathroom attached to the classroom. Ive never seen this before. If/when he is potty trained I don't know how he would get down the hall while being watched by a teacher. I'm sure they have some sort of plan for all this but logistically I don't know. I need to ask.
-they have to cross the street to get to the playground
-recess is with three year olds. Much bigger three year olds


I don't know if these should even be concerns

*There isn't a bathroom in the room H/D wil potty train in. They have a floater who helps a lot with PTing.
*18month olds play w/ 5 year olds in the playground in the late afternoon *this was one of my biggest concerns when both girls started. I don't like bumps and bruises but other than H mooning her friends the big kids were never a bad influence. The physical issues that happen seem to be isolated to the 1.5-2.5 year olds and within their group.

This is very reassuring. I am just used to *one* program and thinking it's best and need to get away from that. I am admittedly being very over critical. This program starts the second week of Aug and C's old program starts the 2nd week of September... Worst thing that happens is I pull him from the one and go back to the other. The moms at his old program were incredibly snobby anyhow and since it was such a short program I was blowing all my time (and money) at Target. The new program I can do things! Nap! Clean! Shower!

I need to let go a little. Which is hard

[devotchka]

Jul 25, 2014 13:00:25 GMT -5 eav2c said:

Jul 25, 2014 12:37:51 GMT -5 thedahliharpa said:

*There isn't a bathroom in the room H/D wil potty train in. They have a floater who helps a lot with PTing.
*18month olds play w/ 5 year olds in the playground in the late afternoon *this was one of my biggest concerns when both girls started. I don't like bumps and bruises but other than H mooning her friends the big kids were never a bad influence. The physical issues that happen seem to be isolated to the 1.5-2.5 year olds and within their group.

This is very reassuring. I am just used to *one* program and thinking it's best and need to get away from that. I am admittedly being very over critical. This program starts the second week of Aug and C's old program starts the 2nd week of September... Worst thing that happens is I pull him from the one and go back to the other. The moms at his old program were incredibly snobby anyhow and since it was such a short program I was blowing all my time (and money) at Target. The new program I can do things! Nap! Clean! Shower!

I need to let go a little. Which is hard

Max's current situation is that the 18-2s play with the 2-3s but the 3-5s all play in a bigger playground. 

[eav2c]

Jul 25, 2014 12:55:50 GMT -5 devotchka said:

I am SO comfortable with ours that it's not an option for us to switch even though rt now we are driving 30-45 mins from where we are staying to the preschool. After I looked at this school I didn't want to put him in anywhere else. All of the concerns you posted are totally valid. If you want an accredited place I would stick to your guns. It was important for me too, that's part of why we are paying more and chose a preschool over a daycare... although really for the 18m-2yo the environment is very similar to a daycare, but the teachers are either certified (The main teachers) or on their way to becoming certified. The preschool is Jewish and they talk about it being more focused on the culture than strict religion. It's very diverse, so not just Jewish kids (maybe 25-35% jewish) and that was important for me but bc we are not religious and my H was Christian it was important for me for Max to learn about the culture. It is a little funny to me that he will probably know more than me by the time he graduates

Anyway we had a VERY tough time picking something and like I said, part of the reason we have this horrible commute is because I am not willing to go anywhere else Although we are working on either buying or renting a place closer to there (and closer to H's work.)

If you ever want to chat about this privately, feel free to PM me. I am totally a helicopter parent when it comes to this stuff too

Oh! This reminds me. The program he was in last year is very diverse. They learn about other counties and various holidays other than just Christmas. They talk about the Chinese New Year, kwanza, etc. His classmates were different ethnicities too and didn't speak English as their first language. Diversity is very important to me. It did not seem diverse at all at the new school.

[devotchka]

Jul 25, 2014 13:18:41 GMT -5 eav2c said:

Jul 25, 2014 12:55:50 GMT -5 devotchka said:

I am SO comfortable with ours that it's not an option for us to switch even though rt now we are driving 30-45 mins from where we are staying to the preschool. After I looked at this school I didn't want to put him in anywhere else. All of the concerns you posted are totally valid. If you want an accredited place I would stick to your guns. It was important for me too, that's part of why we are paying more and chose a preschool over a daycare... although really for the 18m-2yo the environment is very similar to a daycare, but the teachers are either certified (The main teachers) or on their way to becoming certified. The preschool is Jewish and they talk about it being more focused on the culture than strict religion. It's very diverse, so not just Jewish kids (maybe 25-35% jewish) and that was important for me but bc we are not religious and my H was Christian it was important for me for Max to learn about the culture. It is a little funny to me that he will probably know more than me by the time he graduates

Anyway we had a VERY tough time picking something and like I said, part of the reason we have this horrible commute is because I am not willing to go anywhere else Although we are working on either buying or renting a place closer to there (and closer to H's work.)

If you ever want to chat about this privately, feel free to PM me. I am totally a helicopter parent when it comes to this stuff too

Oh! This reminds me. The program he was in last year is very diverse. They learn about other counties and various holidays other than just Christmas. They talk about the Chinese New Year, kwanza, etc. His classmates were different ethnicities too and didn't speak English as their first language. Diversity is very important to me. It did not seem diverse at all at the new school.

Even though it's technically a Jewish school, I've seen some of the older preschoolers do all kinds of projects about different cultures. It's really neat.

[oso]

I wasn't happy with my old DC, but I really couldn't find another place. We'll see how the new one goes.

[Deleted]

I clearly love education and all but I am not terribly worried if Thad's school doesn't teach diverse culture. I can cover that at home at age 2.

I DO care that he isn't getting a bunch of Christian teachings I don't care for. My experience with the southern church schools is that it is basic Bible stories. I can live with that.

[shevacc]

We just moved G about a month ago to a different daycare that she'll hopefully be at until K, barring any major unforeseen life changes between now and then. I think you really have to be comfortable with the place and the program but you also don't want to spend entire afternoons in the car if you can avoid it. Can you meet her actual teachers in the nearby programs? Visit classrooms? Accreditation was something I looked for but none of the programs nearby had it so I ended up going with what felt right.

Our old daycare emailed me a daily report with a few photos every day while I barely get anything from our new daycare. I miss knowing what's going on quite a lot! But...G is so happy every time I pick her up and will tell me she had fun playing with her friends at school. So I have to go on that and learn to let go a little. Her head teachers also leave between 3:30 and 4pm so I never see them. But when I do talk to them, they're really great and she loves them. I've been learning to let go and right now that's working for me.

[redheadk]

Well, you are comparing apples and oranges here. Dd goes to mdo. It's basically babysitting when you get down to it. Sure, they work on letters and circle time and crafts and songs, but, at it's core, it's somewhere safe and fun she can go 12 hours a week. We have one more year of mdo then she'll start preschool. Preschool is much more academically focused (in comparison) than mdo and much more purposeful. Her new mdo is very light on religion, which I like but I also don't have any problems with her praying before meals or singing Jesus Loves Me. That's about the extent of it.

If you have concerns about logistics, I'd call the director and talk through them with her.

I understand wanting more. We switched places for the upcoming year bc I want her to go to preschool at the new place and it's easier to get in at 2 for mdo than at 3 for preschool. Her old place was mdo straight through, no preschool. I was not interested in that at all.

[spaghetticat]

I have never found a place that I completely 100% love. It sucks but I don't have any other options. I hope it's better than you expect. If not, you can always switch.

[ruby412]

Jul 25, 2014 14:35:37 GMT -5 spaghetticat said:

I have never found a place that I completely 100% love. It sucks but I don't have any other options. I hope it's better than you expect. If not, you can always switch.

I'll agree with this. We really love our DC, but there are things about it I would change if I could (healthier snacks, eliminate movie days, etc.)

I'd look at MDO as a time for you to have a break and C to work on his social skills with other kiddos. You can focus on the shapes and letters with him at home, especially having a good background in what to work on! My biggest concerns would be ensuring that the teachers are loving, the ratios and facilities are safe and that C enjoys going.

(Also, our local MDO is held in a church but is non-sectarian, so I would have absolutely used it if I chose to SAH long-term.)

[fusion]

I'd give my left tit for car line pickup right now. It's such a PIA to unload all 3, walk them in, then bring the other two right back, load them up, repeat in the afternoon. We love our program though, I just wish it was offered more days per week than just T/Th.

[nilex0102]

I love our daycare and they have a great preschool and I program as well (coated to others and their rep with teachers) and they are part of my family. We have been there since DS was 5 months and DD was fort months. We had also looked at a daycare across the street which is a nationwide chain and while at first glance they may "do more" because they all have the same curriculum the place felt very cold to me. In the end I think it has to feel like your child is in a place that feels right for you and they learn a good amount.

[Deleted]

I've seen some great naeyc accredited programs and some poorly accredited programs. Staff experience and education are high on my priority list as well as continuing education or trainings for staff. I am also a big believer of the importance of environment as a teacher.

[eav2c]

Jul 25, 2014 15:04:04 GMT -5 fusion said:

I'd give my left tit for car line pickup right now. It's such a PIA to unload all 3, walk them in, then bring the other two right back, load them up, repeat in the afternoon. We love our program though, I just wish it was offered more days per week than just T/Th.

I admit it does sound exciting. It was such a hassle last year. You are a superhero. I just fear that he will end up in the parking lot or lost or something.

[fusion]

Jul 25, 2014 15:52:00 GMT -5 eav2c said:

Jul 25, 2014 15:04:04 GMT -5 fusion said:

I'd give my left tit for car line pickup right now. It's such a PIA to unload all 3, walk them in, then bring the other two right back, load them up, repeat in the afternoon. We love our program though, I just wish it was offered more days per week than just T/Th.

I admit it does sound exciting. It was such a hassle last year. You are a superhero. I just fear that he will end up in the parking lot or lost or something.

As long as they have a protocol for it then it sounds like a bonus to me. Also for the mixed age recess - J's program is completely mixed 3-5 year olds and it has always been a bonus to me. They split them off for different sections of the day, but have them together for others. He looks up to the older kids and it has helped him more than anything. 

[shevacc]

Jul 25, 2014 15:57:10 GMT -5 fusion said:

Jul 25, 2014 15:52:00 GMT -5 eav2c said:

I admit it does sound exciting. It was such a hassle last year. You are a superhero. I just fear that he will end up in the parking lot or lost or something.

As long as they have a protocol for it then it sounds like a bonus to me. Also for the mixed age recess - J's program is completely mixed 3-5 year olds and it has always been a bonus to me. They split them off for different sections of the day, but have them together for others. He looks up to the older kids and it has helped him more than anything. 

I wanted to comment here too. G is just starting to occasionally go with the "older kids" (3-4 year olds) at afternoon recess. She'll make the switch to the preschool class full time by October I think. They actually seem less physically aggressive than the toddlers since they've started to have a small amount of self-control. She's a bit intimidated but also equally star-struck by being with the "big kids". I worry more about the transition than the older kids themselves.

[eav2c]

This what I needed. Thanks