Anonymous wrote:We are restructuring childcare because I got a new job and our DD will be ready for preschool next year. She is 3yo now and has been at an in home daycare since she was 6 months old. Here are my options:
1. Catholic preschool 1 block from our house + aftercare $1250/month
Pros:
Our older DD went there so we know the teachers and some of the families
I absolutely cherished the walks to and from school everyday with my older DD
Our neighbors and best friends also have a child going there next year
Cons:
School goes from 7:45am-2:45pm and then we'd need aftercare until 5:15 which seems like such a long day for a 3yo
The school breaks do not align with older DD's public school schedule
School doesn't start until late Aug so she'd be at the in home daycare all summer still and I feel like she's aging out
2. Morning preschool 3x week + going back to in home daycare after $1300/month
Pros:
Her 2 other buddies from the home daycare will be going there, the daycare lady will walk them there and then school is 9-12 and she will pick them up for lunch, nap, playtime.
She would be going back to her "second home" after school
Cons:
The preschool is only 9 hours per week and I feel like she will crave more than that at 3.5yo when she starts.
Two days a week she would still be full day at the in home day care and I just feel like she's aging out/going to be bored
School doesn't start until Sept so would just be full time day care til then
3. Montessori school $1525/month
Pros:
It's in one place with drop off from 7-8:30am and pick up from 4-5:30pm
It's on the way to older DD's schools so morning drop offs would be much easier
I really think she would flourish there- be stimulated, they do outside time 3x per day, she loves playing with kids of different ages
Cons:
Cost (we are not dcum rich HHI $250k and we've never paid that much for childcare so it just feels like a lot)
I'd go with #2 for another year and look for something 5 days a week as a 4 yo. I wouldn't do Montessori, however, as they usually expect you to stay for the kindergarten year.