There are two daycares that I toured and I really like. I can't decide which one to pick though. I'm thinking about doing a second tour of both and wondered if that is weird or not. Dh wasn't able to the tours at the last minute (DD's preschool had a power outage in the morn and he had to miss the morning of work to watch her so couldn't leave early). I feel like I could be happy with either and DD would thrive at either.
Option 1- through a church- Had a really good vibe. Met one main teacher who was great and we had a really good conversation. The other teacher was off that day but a sub was there. Both teachers have been there for close to two years. Teachers were middle aged and very warm and welcoming. We went at nap time and all 5 of the babies were sleeping. She said they try hard to get them on the same schedule of two naps per day. Take the babies outside daily, weather permitting. Very strict with state rules- no paci's in crib (WTF?!), no swaddling, blankets, etc. Directors seemed very nice and attentive. I had a few questions and I received call backs within an hour or so. When the assistant couldn't answer my question, she found the answer and called me back the same day.Very clean, keyed entry that you need a code to enter with. CONS- doesn't accept babies till 12 weeks for some reason (was planning on going back between 10 and 11 weeks).
Option 2- through a community college- has the best reputation in town. New building, larger classrooms. Teachers were nice and very attentive to the babies but didn't hit it off as well as with the first. Teachers were younger- 20's I think. Go with babies schedule- doesn't try to get them on the same schedule. The food program here is much better- better and healthier food when they hit table food. Also secured entry with a common area anyone can get into and then an office person that buzzes you back to the classrooms after she see's who you are. Very clean. Has an active PTO type committee. Can pay your bill online. CONS- does not take the babies outside, not as strict with state rules (says they aren't supposed to let the babies nap in a crib but will if that parent says it's ok--- I wouldn't care, and they do allow pacifiers), Closed a few more days a year than option 1. In transition with directors. From what I hear some of the parents aren't happy with the changes.
Same price, almost the same location, option 1 closes at 530, option 2 closes at 6pm. A few times a year we aren't able to pick up until right before 6 when emergencies happen at work. Option 1 is a four star facility and Option 2 is a five star facility. According to the state website neither have had any major infractions since 2011.
ETA- both try to stay below the state ratio of 1:4. Option 1 has a max number of kids of 8 but has a floater come in for a few hours a day to give them a third person. When I stopped by they had two people for 5 kids. Option 2 says they like to only have 7 kids. There was 7 kids with two teaches when I was touring.
Post by jeaniebueller on Jul 31, 2014 14:43:57 GMT -5
I would do an unannounced drop in on both to see if that seals the deal. Why not? Based on what you said, I like the sound of the first one due to the experienced caregivers.
How hard is either one to get a spot in? I think I would go with number 1. I am all about that "at ease" feeling with DS's teacher's. I want to be able to talk to them and feel comfortable. With the main con being the 12 week thing, and that being such a short term issue I would pick one, but at least you have a good back up if you end up not loving it.
@drewly I don't think it will be hard to get into either. I called very early on into my pregnancy and while they told me they can't guarantee me a spot they said they have kids moving up when I would be needing a spot and said that I called very early and they didn't anticipate it being a problem.
Post by mandapanda18 on Jul 31, 2014 14:54:38 GMT -5
What sealed the deal with me was watching my current provider interact with C. I know you are pg so that isn't a reality, but watching how his teacher treated him, held him and snuggled him compared to the colder vibe I got at the other place helped me fork out the extra $!
Is this somewhere your baby would stay long term (like through toddlerhood and preschool)? If so, I'd go back and see how they run those rooms, what curriculum they do, what the "big kid" side is like, playgrounds, meals, naps, rooms, materials etc.
One might stand out more than the other and your baby will be spending more years in the toddler and preschool rooms than the baby room!