Our preschool gave us three options. Help us choose

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. We hesitate to withdraw because on the off chance it’s open sometime in May or June, we need to send them to school. I don’t know how long we can wfh full time. If it’s between option 1 or 2, which would you choose?

I would respond asking in the case that they are not able to re-open in May, what is the plan and use this to influence your decision.

OP here. We asked about May and the school said we will deal with May when the time comes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. We hesitate to withdraw because on the off chance it’s open sometime in May or June, we need to send them to school. I don’t know how long we can wfh full time. If it’s between option 1 or 2, which would you choose?

1. What's the typical annual increase?
2. You are wise to retain your space. Children require maximum stability, so returning to a familiar place is paramount.

It would have been an increase of about $2,400 for the entire year for 2 kids.

On one hand we feel that it’s a saving of $1000 for the entire year which isn’t a lot but it will be canceled out if we pay in May. We go back and forth like this as we can’t anticipate what’s going to happen in May or what the school will do.

[Anonymous]

OP, do you *have to* maximize this decision? Is this a razor-thin financial decision for you? If not just accept that if you overpay you are helping a business stay afloat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you *have to* maximize this decision? Is this a razor-thin financial decision for you? If not just accept that if you overpay you are helping a business stay afloat.

That's a good question, I guess I don't have to maximize this decision. I feel that I am already paying so much for two kids and since we are not utilizing daycare at all, it feels wrong not to maximize this decision financially as much as I can. I am not worried about helping the business stay afloat. They have numerous locations in MD, and it's one of the most expensive ones, in my opinion. They are not a single location coop, and I can tell it's run well financially.

[Anonymous]

What's the monthly fee per child?

[Anonymous]

OP here. $1800 and $2000 for both kids.

[Anonymous]

I’m at the same school. In the same boat.

I did #1 for April. I’m thinking of withdrawing for May if it isn’t significantly reduced - I may need to find a nanny.

[Anonymous]

This sounds like our school. We choose #1 for April, but will probably choose #2 for May/June if it comes to that.

I was a little annoyed, because I thought I had read an email that they were going to freeze April tuition. However, I want to help out if we can, and to preserve our spot for the fall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would withdraw. There will be preschool spots somewhere in the Fall.

No there will not. Several preschools have closed for good. Spots will be at a premium. Keep you spot and no increase for next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This sounds like our school. We choose #1 for April, but will probably choose #2 for May/June if it comes to that.

I was a little annoyed, because I thought I had read an email that they were going to freeze April tuition. However, I want to help out if we can, and to preserve our spot for the fall.

What would be the point of choosing option 1 if you are going to still pay for May?

[Anonymous]

Option 2

[Anonymous]

Depends how much you trust them to not screw over people who paid in full for April but then can't pay May. If you don't trust them, just withdraw.

[Anonymous]

I’m a pp who goes to same chain. I’m on the fence about trust. here is my personal dilemma, maybe it resonates with others for more context:

+ We love the teachers and the local administration. Truly exceptional. My kid is so happy there. she has bad anxiety and they have been great getting her from a melting down mess to a confident, comfortable kid who loves learning.

- It’s one of the more expensive centers. The decisions are made by central office. I’ve had some issues previously navigating them. The letter last month did say that tuition would be frozen if you paid full April. There is a big price increase for next year - ranges from $100-300 a month depending on age/program. If you pay May and June with no childcare - it negates any savings.

We were razor thin tight For next year before this all happened. We stretched for our kid. Our financial situation is looking shaky at best for next year. We are barely holding onto our jobs Due to economic crisis - coupled by my now poor performance due to full time childcare while working.

It’s a hard choice - if we do #2 50% for May and June - it’s still $2000 with no childcare. Or, I can do #3 - take that $2k hire a close friend as a babysitter or stash it away as an extra mortgage payment if there is job loss.

If we go into the fall and get shut down again then...we are back to deciding between mortgage payment or childcare.

Try to find a cheaper option for Fall - assuming there are options... our backup still has space but less childcare coverage. They are not charging for May/June, did a more reasonable financial split for March/April.

It’s a catch-22.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spots will NOT be plentiful next year. Many centers will have to close down permanently.

Um....permanently? Really?

What happens about a year from now when there's a vaccine and the stock markets start to pick back up? Everyone who was laid off from daycares and all other businesses just sits at home for the rest of their lives.

It will take some time for the economy to get moving again. But it WILL happen.

[Anonymous]

Um....permanently? Really?

What happens about a year from now when there's a vaccine and the stock markets start to pick back up? Everyone who was laid off from daycares and all other businesses just sits at home for the rest of their lives.

It will take some time for the economy to get moving again. But it WILL happen.



I believe that many places will not be able to wait this out and will close permanently. People will be scrambling for places.