wwyd daycare?

[teamhayes]

We have been on a waitlist for a daycare place right by our house since late 2011. A place for K and the new baby will be open in Sept 2012. The place we go now is just ok. It is a typical daycare where the new place is more like a school. They have a huge playground, swim lessons, zoo animals come etc. It is awesome. The cost is more than double BUT we would save a little bc the place we currently go is 15 miles away whereas the new place is under half a mile so we save on gas.

Wwyd? Stick with the daycare and use the "savings" for more activities. Or enroll in the new school and potentially have smarter more well rounded kids?

Husband works a reverse schedule, mom watches on friday and I have monday off so they only go to school 3 days a week for 3-4 hrs a day.

[The Foozzler]

As long as you can afford the difference in price, I would pick the one closer to home that you like better. However, I don't think your kids will necessarily be smarter because of it.

[teamhayes]

Eta its not double bc one to two kids.
We could make it work financially but we would need to make changes. there are a zillion things I would rather spend the $ on besides someone to watch my sleeping newborn.

I know the right answer is to just bite the bullet and enroll and we can make sacrifices and make it work but part of me is selfish andwants to save the $ and keep the kids where they are. Does daycare matter that much? Ahhh

[Faevantastic]

Yeah, if you can afford it... Go for it.

[teamhayes]

I know they won't be smarter it just seems like a more structured and stimulating environment and there is an opportunity for them to be exposed to more.
I hate $

[spaghetticat]

I would not spend all of that money to have what you perceive as "smarter, more well rounded kids." Especially for 9-12 hours per week. I really don't think it's going to make a difference, other than make you feel better.

[jaime183]

I can see the pros of that being you wouldn't need to feel like you need to rush around on your days off taking them to activities (swim, etc) since you work- at least I feel like I need to do those things on my days off since he sits in an infant room other days.

But for an infant it might not matter. It really depends on your budget and priorities.

[pinkpeony6210]

I would rather have the extra money to spend on activities that I could participate in with them, such as mommy-daddy and me swim classes, or a baby gym class.

[Deleted]

I would definitely go with the closer one! (If it is something you can reasonably afford) It sounds awesome. I know it may be more expensive, but it sounds worth it.

[mikehoncho]

Jan 14, 2013 19:40:23 GMT -5 spaghetticat said:

I would not spend all of that money to have what you perceive as "smarter, more well rounded kids." Especially for 9-12 hours per week. I really don't think it's going to make a difference, other than make you feel better.

I agree with this. I would stick with the regular day care and take that extra money to do swim classes with my kid or go to the zoo with my kid or other stuff like that on the weekend. I would much rather take a swim class with him then have him doing that in daycare.

[rjamz]

Jan 14, 2013 20:06:19 GMT -5 mikehoncho said:

Jan 14, 2013 19:40:23 GMT -5 spaghetticat said:

I would not spend all of that money to have what you perceive as "smarter, more well rounded kids." Especially for 9-12 hours per week. I really don't think it's going to make a difference, other than make you feel better.

I agree with this. I would stick with the regular day care and take that extra money to do swim classes with my kid or go to the zoo with my kid or other stuff like that on the weekend. I would much rather take a swim class with him then have him doing that in daycare.

Agreed

[Deleted]

I'd go with the learning center.

[katie]

There are definelty pros and cons to both. Lillian is at a school which is more expensive but not double compared to a center, about $200 more per month. She also goes full time. It's very close to our house so it's convenient when I work from home. I also love the teachers and curriculum. They don't have swim classes or have zoo animals visit but I agree with others in that is something you can do with the kids. That wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. I think you live in the Boston area and from what I remember others posting the cost is insane so double of what you're paying...I can't even imagine.

You can always push it back until your second baby is a bit older if it's something you still think you will like that much better. Tell them to put you on the list for January if you don't want to completely give up the spot.

[ruby412]

I would probably go with the center that I liked more/felt more comfortable with if I was planning to have the kids there long term. I would be willing to pay more to be totally happy. Also, I like places that are conveniently located. But ultimately, it depends on your financial situation and what is a priority to you at this point in your life. Like, if you need money for a new house, that is more important. But if it's just to be able to order takeout more often, then maybe not.

Let us know what you decide.