I need nursery advice. Would you switch schools? Would you pull your kid from a school and then utilize their summer program? So long...

So, here's the story. I could use some thoughts.

DS1 has been going to a 2yo program that takes place in a daycare (led by daycare providers). He started in April. He adjusted decently in the spring and then had a pretty good time in their summer program. The daycare has a nice yard and they do cute little neighborhood walking trips to the library, playground etc. This coming September he could start their regular 3 & 4 year old nursery, which is in a different building and then continue with their summer program as well.

Anyway, he hasn't been wanting to go. This mostly started in September when the summer program was over. The couple of kids that were in his "2yo program" stopped going. So basically, it is him going to daycare for 2 hours three times a week along with the kids (of mixed ages) that go full time. It's basically is structured so that the 2 hours that my ds is there is a lesson/music/etc. and not say a meal and nap that the full time kids would do. This is how they kind of squeeze this program into the typical daycare day. I don't know honestly how much the example schedule actually gets followed since I'm not there- but what I do know is that it is not a classroom type setting and think in cold weather when everything is indoors it ends up a bit more like the kids just playing in the living room area and then some crafts, mostly coloring.

Okay, so now DS2 goes to Mommy and Me at another place. He is 20 months and a grade behind DS1. I really like these people a lot. I just get a really warm feeling and the impression that they truly care for the kids. Now, I don't want to say the opposite for the other place- b/c I don't think that's true- but spending an hour a week with someone gives me much more personal insight than the drop and go gives me at the first school.

DS2's Mommy and Me school also has a 3 and 4 year old nursery and I just found out that starting next month they will be offering a 2yo program. This would be a structured classroom program with all two year olds taught by a teacher. I like the idea of that. However, there is one big negative and that is the whole outdoors thing and summer option. When the weather is nice there is no yard etc. and they do not offer a summer program at all.

I feel like I have to do all or nothing. Or do I? I could technically switch him to the new school but keep sending him to the old school's summer program- but I feel so awkward doing that. The other thing is that once september comes it's a bit of a game changer b/c then he is in a normal classroom environment no matter which school he goes to. I can't really say which one would be "better" and why. They both look good, have positive reviews, etc. I would really need to attend each for like a week haha to truly know. There is also the matter of ds2 who will start a 2yo program this september. I think I am already decided on the fact that ds2 will remain at the mommy and me school for the 2yo program. But then what?

Does anyone have any other points to raise? Maybe questions I should ask myself or the schools? Is it acceptable to cut out of the current school but do the summer prog? I was thinking of saying something like I want to see how DS does in a more classroom type environment. But that's a little silly since he'll get that come september either way.

Message edited 1/3/2013 3:47:46 PM.

Re: I need nursery advice. Would you switch schools? Would you pull your kid from a school and then utilize their summer program? So long...

I would put your child in the place that is easiest for you. I think you are reading a bit too much into the situation. Your child is only 20 months old.

Message edited 1/3/2013 4:03:18 PM.

Re: I need nursery advice. Would you switch schools? Would you pull your kid from a school and then utilize their summer program? So long...

"I could technically switch him to the new school but keep sending him to the old school's summer program"

I would do exactly this - sounds like the best of both worlds to me.

Re: I need nursery advice. Would you switch schools? Would you pull your kid from a school and then utilize their summer program? So long...

Posted by MrsDrMatt

I would put your child in the place that is easiest for you. I think you are reading a bit too much into the situation. Your child is only 20 months old.

Re: I need nursery advice. Would you switch schools? Would you pull your kid from a school and then utilize their summer program? So long...

Re: I need nursery advice. Would you switch schools? Would you pull your kid from a school and then utilize their summer program? So long...

My DD is older than your kids, but I did just that. For this year I pulled her out of her daycare, but I seriously don't think I can afford any summer program other than the place I just pulled her from. Thus far, every single place I have priced out is out of the question.

Re: I need nursery advice. Would you switch schools? Would you pull your kid from a school and then utilize their summer program? So long...

I don't think your DS would be treated poorly if they only attended the summer program. I teach dance for a living and there are times when I lose students to other dance schools. And then there are times when those same kids come back to me. I never treat the children differently because they went somewhere else. In fact, I'm happy to have me back. It means they like me and my program better.