Torn about switching day cares

[Anonymous]

Both children at a BH-the tuition is a big financial burden, their staff turnover is high, plus the management is not friendly or helpful. We've stayed because the providers in both our children's room have been very good. There is a day care close to our house which would save us $1000/month, the facility is o.k., nothing fancy like BH but certainly acceptable. They claim that their turnover is "below average," the director has been there for several years and seems to know all the families and children. Now I'm so torn. I'm anxious about switching day cares because current providers at BH have been very good to our children, and one of the kids doesn't do well with change, the other one adapts very easily to change. Should we switch?

[Anonymous]

I would look seriously at the classrooms in the new setting. Are the teachers engaged and happy? Can you see your children there? Just because your BH facility is fancy it does not mean it is better quality. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Talk to current and former families at the potential new day care.
We switched from a BH downtown to an in-home day care very close to home. Although I preferred the BH facility (big open room where babies could roam freely vs. private home with smaller spaces, stairs), I decided that not dragging a baby downtown every day was better for all involved.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PPs. Plus saving $1,000 a month is nothing to sneeze at. For the child who has transition/change issues, could you cut your hours for a week and let that child (or both) go half days to begin with....gradually working up to a full day by Friday? That might help with the change issue.

[Anonymous]

How soon would your children be transitioning to new caregivers at BH anyway? If it's a short time, then you'd have less to feel guilty about. $1,000/month is a decent sum of money. The new caregivers could be terrific and a few months from now, you might be wondering why you ever hesitated.

Good luck! I'm moving my daughter from her current daycare (which we LOVE) to a new preschool in a few months because we are moving. Taking her out of a situation we love is the hardest part of the whole process! Hopefully the new place will be great too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with PPs. Plus saving $1,000 a month is nothing to sneeze at. For the child who has transition/change issues, could you cut your hours for a week and let that child (or both) go half days to begin with....gradually working up to a full day by Friday? That might help with the change issue.

Thanks for this advice. i think transitioning her to a new setting will be easier for her.

[Anonymous]

We moved our son from a big center to a home daycare when he was 9 months. WHile I was totally torn about it, we are thrilled. The home daycare does not have the bells and whistles in terms of facilities (though it has a large lovely yard) but the small size, and extremely loving, competent and caring providers are the best. I don't think my kid was as attuned to the space as I was--he seems very happy there. We also have an easier commute and save $$$.