BCDC vs SAECC for 3 yo

[Anonymous]

I am trying to decide between BCDC and SAECC for my 3 year old son. I would appreciate any feedback from current parents about their experiences - especially in regards to teachers, outside time and communication practices. SAECC seems to only offer 30 mins of outside time along with 30 mins gym play for a 9 hour day - perhaps this is commonplace at other centers due to COVID precautions? Thank you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am trying to decide between BCDC and SAECC for my 3 year old son. I would appreciate any feedback from current parents about their experiences - especially in regards to teachers, outside time and communication practices. SAECC seems to only offer 30 mins of outside time along with 30 mins gym play for a 9 hour day - perhaps this is commonplace at other centers due to COVID precautions? Thank you

Uggh. Neither

[Anonymous]

I’m a current BCDC parent and am very happy. The teachers are very warm, enthusiastic and creative. My oldest is in the pre-k age class and he’s excited to go every morning. We get pictures throughout the day and a daily report at the end of the day. I’ve been pleased with the organization and communication of the administration. Pre-Covid they were out on the playground at least twice a day but now I think it’s just once. It’s less now because they are not allowing classes to mix. However, in addition to going out on the playground they do go for walks and use the park as well so I do feel like they’re getting a good amount of outside time. Hope that helps.

[Anonymous]

Didn’t tour SAECC but was not impressed with BCDC (crying snotty pre-verbal kid came up to me on the tour trying to reach me through the gate and teachers were just ignoring him). Have you toured (I guess virtually?) Two Birds? That’s where we chose and are very happy.

[Anonymous]

Current SAECC parent with a 3 year old and very happy! Before Covid there was a lot more outdoor time, but due to restrictions on how many kids are on the playground at one time now they are only getting 30 min. However, they also supplement it with going for outdoor walks and visiting a local outdoor park space. It’s a fantastic program and we have been extremely impressed with how they have handled Covid changes to the facility.

[Anonymous]

Which schools are these?

[Anonymous]

St Albans Early Childhood Center and Broadcasters childcare Development Center

[Anonymous]

Another vote for BCDC. Our kids have been there since 2016 and we are so happy with it. They have spots open now (moved to a larger location, so for the first time in 40 years they don't have a wait list for some age groups!).

They have lots of outdoor time and a great playground. In non-COVID times there is also lots of indoor play, gross motor stuff, etc. COVID is changing things a bit, but my daughter is outside multiple times a day even now, though some are walks and not playground time.

We love BCDC and the amazing teachers and staff!

[Anonymous]

Is your school Janney? Do you have a younger child? If yes, SAECC logistically is so much easier. It is effectively one stop to drop multiple kids (and easy parking at SAECC)

[Anonymous]

We also have a 3 year old and love SAECC. He's been going since he was 18 months. I love that they have a gym, so even when the weather is really bad my verrrry active kid can still get his energy out!

[Anonymous]

bump. OP what did you end up deciding? We are in the same boat of where to apply.

[Anonymous]

We have been an SAECC family for 5 years and we are very happy! They have done an excellent job handling COVID; preparing the facilities and teachers thoroughly. The teachers and the admin have always been very warm and friendly. Our kids love it there!

[Anonymous]

We've been at SAECC since 2016, and have sent both of our kids there, one is still enrolled. We've been very happy and think they have handled re-opening during COVID as best as they can. Real talk - there are certainly some annoyances with the admin team, but the teachers are great and our kids have been happy.

[Anonymous]

Its been a while but the one difference I found between the two was that for BCDC when you call them you communicate with the Director, with SAECC its the admin which to be honest as the PP suggested is a bit rude. We ended up sending our child to Huckleberry but would have chosen BCDC just based on our communication with the admin.

[Anonymous]

BCDC all the way! Our oldest went from 2.5 yrs old through 5 yrs. She has started Kindergarten and is so well prepared thanks to BCDC. Our second, almost 3 yrs old, is currently enrolled. The care and attention of the staff is amazing. A lot of teachers have been with the Center for 10+ years (a few have 30 years!). The 3 year old class teachers are wonderful. They do so many enriching art, science, math, and reading activities each day as well as dance parties other fun. Lots of outdoor time at the park and playground each day. Today in the rain, they went outside in coats to sail origami boats. Communication from teachers is good despite adjusted drop off and pick up. Parents receive a daily report of activities, pictures, and personalized updates about their child. The new space at Van Ness and Wisconsin is fresh and clean. As mentioned, the ED and Admin staff are seasoned and responsive. The COVID procedures are being adhered to strictly to keep everyone safe.

I think one of the main differences is the size of the Center. At max, pre-COVID restrictions, BCDC is around 120 while SAECC is 250+ children, if I'm not mistaken. With COVID restrictions of 8 per class BCDC will only be just over 100 kids. The smaller size of BCDC means that its a very personal experience. They really care about each family, child, and staff member.