WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

I am currently looking for a new daycare for my 17 month old (he would start at 18 months). I have been to over 20-30 daycares in the past 2 weeks to make sure I am making an informed decision. I definitely want a center based program as opposed to a home based center. I narrowed it down to two choices. Based on my descriptions, which one would you choose.

Center 1 is a brand new center opened in Sept. They run from 6:30 am - 7 pm. They charge 946 a month for 18 months and up, but it drops down to 756 when they turn 3. They have large classrooms, a great security system and you can watch your child on cameras in a central location so they can't see you. They have a great indoor and outdoor play area. The place is out of the way for me, but is on the way for my husband. Because it opens early, I could drop him off too. I am a teacher and sometimes work summer schools but am looking to get off a summer. If I do this at that center, I would have to pay a registration fee again and possibly could lose a spot. When we went, the kids looked like they were having so much fun. The only thing I didn't see is that many toys (like centers) out. When I asked, they said they rotate their toys and do not like to overstimulate them. They also provide food for kids and limit food coming in. When the children get older they have a computer program. They also have a movement program.

Center 2 is an established center for 30 years. It is housed in a church where it leases space. The center looks a little dingier, however there are lots of toys for the kids to play with. They have a great outdoor play area, but their indoor play area is in an auditorium setting with mats and cars and stuff. They run from 7:30 am - 6 pm. My husband would have to drop him off because it would be too late for me to get to work. However, this place is on the way to work for me, but is all the way on the south shore and he works on the north shore. It would be doable though. They run on a school schedule and you can opt to have the children go summers or not. They charge 880 a month. If you want vacations, you would have to pay additional money. They do not provide lunches, which is not such a big deal for me right now, because I pack DS lunch bag every day. The kids in this center looked like they were having a lot of fun too. They have a "school" program that runs from 9-4 and then before and afterschool which the kids would be in a different classroom. Their security system consists of being buzzed in and asked to go to the main office. There are no cameras.

I liked both so I am unsure. If you got this far, thanks so much! Based on these descriptions, WWYD?

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

I would go with #1. tHe new center. I just started sending my DS to the New Tutor time in Massapequa. Brand new facility. Love it there. I would go with the new facility.
Good luck

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

I would go with #1 as well. Less toys is NOT a bad thing. ANd it seems they have everything else you wanted. Plus when you are on vaca, say for columbus day, if you have make a drs appt for yourself or do something, you could bring DS to daycare for a few hours as you are already paying for it....

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

Thanks everyone! Anyone else??

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

before reading the other 2 responses i thought to myself i would definitely pick #1.

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

It seems from your post that even though you like both, there are more pros to #1, so thats my vote.

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

i'd go with # 1 as well; i like the fact they have a monitoring system for you to check in on, new facilities, etc.

with the Kindercare we use if DS is out for a week (lets say vacation etc) we have to pay 1/2 the week's tuition..which is normal for most daycares.

if you were off during the summer, could you send him part time to daycare. you will still get time with him, and at least have some days to yourself to do things.

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

based off what you wrote, it seems like you prefer #1. Go with your gut.

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

Sounds like #1 is the way to go!!

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

definitely #1. #2 sounds like the Children's Nest in Merrick. I wasnt crazy about the place and they were very expensive. But I could be wrong that that's what you're talking about.

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

Posted by QTDimps23

definitely #1. #2 sounds like the Children's Nest in Merrick. I wasnt crazy about the place and they were very expensive. But I could be wrong that that's what you're talking about.

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

Thank you everyone. I really like number 1 too I am just afraid b/c they are new. I also called to see if they would negotiate on their price and they wouldn't so that ****** DH off (even though they have a really great price I figured it was worth the shot LOL!)

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

Posted by Jacksmommy

Posted by QTDimps23

definitely #1. #2 sounds like the Children's Nest in Merrick. I wasnt crazy about the place and they were very expensive. But I could be wrong that that's what you're talking about.

Its not the children's Nest but I did go see them. I didn't really love the director. I thought she had shifty eyes LOL I am being REALLY picky - can you tell!

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

Posted by MikesWife

Posted by Jacksmommy

Posted by QTDimps23

definitely #1. #2 sounds like the Children's Nest in Merrick. I wasnt crazy about the place and they were very expensive. But I could be wrong that that's what you're talking about.

Its not the children's Nest but I did go see them. I didn't really love the director. I thought she had shifty eyes LOL I am being REALLY picky - can you tell!

I feel obligated to jump in here since my DD goes to the Children's Nest. I must say that I absolutely LOVE all of the teachers.

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

Posted by Jacksmommy

Posted by MikesWife

Posted by Jacksmommy

Posted by QTDimps23

definitely #1. #2 sounds like the Children's Nest in Merrick. I wasnt crazy about the place and they were very expensive. But I could be wrong that that's what you're talking about.

Its not the children's Nest but I did go see them. I didn't really love the director. I thought she had shifty eyes LOL I am being REALLY picky - can you tell!

I feel obligated to jump in here since my DD goes to the Children's Nest. I must say that I absolutely LOVE all of the teachers.

I am sorry, I didn't mean to be negative about Children's Nest. 1 of my friends goes there and absolutely loves it! I just didn't love the director.

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

Posted by MikesWife

Posted by Jacksmommy

Posted by MikesWife

Posted by Jacksmommy

Posted by QTDimps23

definitely #1. #2 sounds like the Children's Nest in Merrick. I wasnt crazy about the place and they were very expensive. But I could be wrong that that's what you're talking about.

Its not the children's Nest but I did go see them. I didn't really love the director. I thought she had shifty eyes LOL I am being REALLY picky - can you tell!

I feel obligated to jump in here since my DD goes to the Children's Nest. I must say that I absolutely LOVE all of the teachers.

I am sorry, I didn't mean to be negative about Children's Nest. 1 of my friends goes there and absolutely loves it! I just didn't love the director.

No offense taken. Everyone looks at things differently. I'm just saying that I was glad to not judge a book by its cover because they have awesome teachers who adore my kid. At least at the infant level - DD is only 9 months.

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

Thanks for your opinions everyone! I saw number 2 yesterday and going back to see number 1 again today and then making my final decision!

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

I would go with#1 for the sole reason that they do not have too many toys out. Too many toys equals too many GERMS!!!!!!!! lol

Re: WWYD Daycare related Long sorry!

I like the sound of #1, it seems a lot like where DS goes now