Between The Gan and Broadcaster's child development center?

[Anonymous]

Do current or recent parents have experiences with either The Gan and Broadcaster's child development center? We're trying to decide between the two. How is the communication with the staff for updates on how your child is doing? We're transitioning from a nanny and grandparents. Any particular pros and cons people can share?

If you'd prefer, you can email me directly at [e-mail]. Thanks.

[HarborLiving]

Following! We are transitioning too

[Anonymous]

I'm a former Broadcaster's parent. We really liked it because the hours were good, parking was easy and the outside facility was nice. Our son was pretty young when we went there, and we weren't expecting a preschool environment, which is what I would imagine you would get at the Gan. We moved our son because we wanted a more structured preschool environment for him, but we didn't consider the Gan because of closure for the Jewish holidays.

I liked BCDC and would recommend it, but it you're looking for more of a "school" than a "day care," I would go with the Gan or another alternative.

[Anonymous]

Current parent of a toddler at BCDC. We are very happy overall! Love the teachers for the baby/ toddler rooms, and the new director is great so far. In terms of your question about communications, I just received a 4-paged, very detailed, single-spaced print-out at a parent-teacher conference, which was more detail than I was expecting for my toddler, but I think this is the direction the school is going. I have a great relationship with the primary caregiver of my DC and generally stay up-to-date by chatting a lot at pick-up and drop-off. Overall we have all been very happy with the experience- it's got a really good vibe and warm, caring people.

[Anonymous]

Newbie question... What is "The Gan"?

[Anonymous]

Current Gan parent. It's a lovely warm place with great student teacher ratios, well-trained teachers and a nice infrastructure (and I think they are renovating the playground over the summer. It's a great play based preschool education. I have never heard of broadcaster's so I can't offer any comparison...

[Anonymous]

Gan parent here. We transitioned there from FT nanny care and found the low-child-teacher ratios helpful. I think communication is good. Weekly newsletter from the school as a whole. I think individual preschool teachers vary on communication. In our first year, it was a weekly summary, second year, 2-3x/week emails plus a captioned photo album at least weekly. But in any case, I would think all the teachers are easily accessible by email and phone, and you can always call the preschool office if there's an emergency.

[Anonymous]

I've had kids at each -- they are very different philosophically and you should tour each of them to see which is a better match for you and your child. The Gan is Reggio-inspired while I find BCDC a bit more traditional. Both are incredibly warm, loving environments and your child will be happy in either place, it's just a matter of preference, in my view.

[Anonymous]

I have no idea about the Gan, but I have loved BCDC for my two kids! Note that most kids leave BCDC for Pk4, so if you want something that will work through kindergarten, it wouldn't be the best option. (I mean, I'm sure it would be fine, but most kids now go to DCPS or elsewhere for PK4.) In summary, BCDC is awesome through PK3. Communication has been very good.

[Anonymous]

Our child goes to the Gan and we've been so happy with it. It is a warm and loving environment and our child's teachers have been so loving. It is also nice to be part of a larger community and a well established congregation.