Help me make a decision!

[73jewels]

OK so I am spinning with this decision. I apologize in advance if this is long.

I have been at Day Care Center (W) since S was a baby.  He has been incredibly happy there and is well loved.  B started there when I went back to work.  I truly believe that they are very loved there but the school is lacking in a lot of ways. Every few months I contemplate switching.

I looked at Day Care Center (G) last week.  They have an opening for both boys in the summer.  It is the polar opposite of W.  It is one of those big chain places and is incredibly structured, etc.  But it has a hard close time of 30 minutes earlier than W which can be tough some days.  And no wiggle room on that (If I am late at W no one really cares).  Currently, I work an hour away so on a bad traffic day anything can happen.  My job is not stable though, so that may be changing. 

Pros for W
Lots of Love
Extreme Flexibility
Comfort factor
Later closing

Cons for W
Lack of Organization/Structure
Lack of communication
Less focused on education
Hit or miss discipline 

Oh, also, he has a little group of friends that everyone jokes are like brothers.  One left last fall.  One is staying no matter what.  The third one is probably going to leave for G in June.  He is very attached to these boys.  

I tried to put most of the pertinent info in here but feel free to post questions to help me decide what to do.  I am so stressed about this situation!

[73jewels]

mwhipple77, I have been talking to her (we get together often b/c the boys are so close). She has most of the same issues as I do.

By lack of organization, I more mean the administration and teachers and their communication.

Examples - We can buy lunch by the day, and there is a monthly calendar that goes out to the families to pick lunches. We usually get it on the 30th or 31st of the month. We got an email about a pajama day at 6:30 the night before. The email system has been down for about a month, and during that time for about a week they didn't even have the papers to hand out b/c they didn't get toner for the copier machine. I never know what they are learning unless S tells me.

As to closing time, I would have to have a back up. Fortunately my dad is retired and lives about 20 minutes away so it probable would be ok. I actually forgot about that option when I typed the first post b/c he just moved back into the area a few months ago so I'm not used to having him help.

[yummeecookee]

Is the disorganization/lack of structure that bad? Can you give an example of why, just so I can put it in perspective?
I feel our DC's admin team doesn't run he tightest ship either but the teachers are great and the kids are loved/well cared for. So I'm really interested in your situation!

[73jewels]

Also, those are the 2 that are super close, which in my area traffic can be a bear so I'm not that keen on going too much further. There was a 3rd option I was really excited about but they don't have room for S.

[73jewels]

yummeecookee, I posted at the same time, so see my post above yours. Those are minor issues, but picture that, but with absolutely everything.

[mamabear13]

That's tough. Lack of organization would drive me crazy, but I've had/may have to switch before and it ends up being a gut decision for me. That being said, lack of organization would bother my gut. But knowing my child is loved and comfortable would make me feel more secure leaving him.
In addition to your dad helping when needed, would your work let you start a half hour earlier so that you can leave a half hour earlier, thus less of a chance of missing closing time?
Have you made a pro-con list for G? And can you prioritize whats on the list by what's most important to you? (I'm a decision making nerd). For now I'm voting more research...

[yummeecookee]

Mar 27, 2017 15:58:47 GMT -5 73jewels said:

yummeecookee, I posted at the same time, so see my post above yours. Those are minor issues, but picture that, but with absolutely everything.

Ok another question - do you know anyone at the new place that can give you a review? I'd hate to move my kids and then realize the love and great teaching is not the same.

[kim22]

I think I'm on team stay. As a teacher, I don't think what school matters as much as what teacher you get in a school. For the little ones, I think love and a sense of security matters more than a fancy curriculum. Since you have 2 more years before kindergarten, I would stay one more and if you feel he needs a real academic boost, move the beginning of next school year.

[tallblonde]

Is price a factor?

I'd maybe stay if happy and comfortable environment for everyone.

[73jewels]

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses. I left some info out of my original post. The infant room where he is is great. Any move I made would be after he 'graduates' in August.

Price is slightly more for 'g' but not enough to make it a factor

When mh is not traveling he works from home so the pick ups would only be an issue about 20% of the time.

Yes, if some of the current teachers left, I would be very upset. One of his favorite left while I was on maternity leave and I was devastated

I don't think anything will ever change at the old school. There are more issues like:

The teacher in the 2sclass left right after S moved up. Apparently she had brought in most of the stuff in the classroom and took it with her when she left. The school still hasn't replaced it (this was last August). The room is literally barren. I would be livid if my kid was in that class.

I guess I feel like some of the individual teachers care but the owners don't? That's the feel I get from some of the teachers I have gotten close with.

I feel like I am leaning more towards moving. I am meeting the other kid's mom tomorrow before pick up to discuss it with her

[73jewels]

Mar 27, 2017 18:33:16 GMT -5 yummeecookee said:

Mar 27, 2017 15:58:47 GMT -5 73jewels said:

yummeecookee, I posted at the same time, so see my post above yours. Those are minor issues, but picture that, but with absolutely everything.

Ok another question - do you know anyone at the new place that can give you a review? I'd hate to move my kids and then realize the love and great teaching is not the same.

Don't know anyone at the new place. Unfortunately. I don't really know anyone w young kids in my area except the friends I've made through this day care

[73jewels]

Sunny41 the 2 centers are on the same street about 2 blocks from each other! So literally no difference in commute time. Both are walking distance from my house.

[lahdeedah88]

I could have written your post except for the part of the great teachers. I talked a little about having issues with M's Montessori school once he moved up to the primary class. Had I felt differently about his teachers, I could deal with the other issues. He is still there through the summer, but will start a new school in August. It was a really tough decision and I still worry about switching him. The two times we were at the new school for the open house and testing, M loved it and the teachers were awesome. I think he'll do great, but it still gives me a bit of anxiety. If his teachers are great and you love them, I would put more weight on that.

ETA: I just read the part about the twos class. Definitely move before B gets to that class if things haven't improved. 😕