SEEC vs NCRC for toddler program

[Anonymous]

Hi all - we're deciding between SEEC and NCRC for our 2 year old. We love NCRC's program and campus, but are tempted by the prospect of museum based learning and longer hours. Any recent reviews of either program? Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

Both good programs. NCRC is a preschool and SEEC is a daycare. Do what works for your family. Do you want daycare hours so you can work or do you want a half day program?

[Anonymous]

For a long time SEEC was considered to be excellent childcare. The museum aspect was very attractive to many families. SEEC is in a downward spiral. For the first time, their infant class has an opening. This was unheard of in years past. Their preschool for the 24-25 school year has dwindled in numbers significantly.My friend who was in threes knew the preschool director from the 23-24 school year who was terrific but she was leaving and most troubling is that teachers were leaving all through the year and the year before. The preschool director the previous year left as did an entire classroom of teachers. Not a good sign! The teachers are unhappy with administration. One of the two top administrators works from home across the country! I have spoken to a few parents who pulled their dc before their pre-k year. I recommend you see for yourself, but I know families who are very relieved that they pulled from pre-k.
Good teachers from all age groups leave causing constant turnover. It's great to have the museums, but it seems that the school is disorganized, lacks funds and there are too many unqualified teachers. I visited once to see for myself this summer, went on a scheduled tour and the head administrator forgot to show up. While I was there, a teacher was yelling at a child while she was changing her and telling her she's too big to have accidents! The child was no older than 3. Just hearing the tone of the teacher told me all I needed to know. When I visited the preschool had no director. The head of school known as the executive director is in a different building with other classes. I know summer is more relaxed, but it was also a mess and didn't feel warm and safe.
A decent DCPS 3's and 4's is a better choice. The teachers were just okay babysitters. Very unprofessional vibe. Given their access to the museums it seems a shame.

[Anonymous]

This might not be an issue for your family, but NCRC has also changed since its previous director. We visited again for our 2nd kid and it felt much less inclusive and the admins and other parents seemed overly focused on getting kids into expensive private elementary schools. Just wasn't the social vibe we wanted.