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@HappyBaker: I would strongly consider it! If I thought both daycare centers were the same quality, then yes I would make the switch.

My oldest started a daycare when she was 5 months old that I felt very Meh about, and it was expensive (2k a month, back 4 years ago.), So after 6 months there, I switched her to a daycare close to my work which was way out in the suburbs and a lot cheaper (1100/month full time). Then I switched her at 3 to our city's pre-k program because it's a free full day program, and then we had a nanny to pick her up each day and keep her till I got home. So she had a lot of school changes and adjusted fine every time.

Now, on the other hand...my 2nd kiddo was home with a nanny from 4 months until now at 2 years. We just started her in full time daycare and she is having a ROUGH adjustment. Sobs every single day at drop off and pickup. But it's only day 5, so I'm hoping she adjusts soon. One of the reasons we switched from nanny to daycare is that it saves us over 1k a month. So although I question our decision after drop off every morning, an extra 12k this year is nothing to sneeze at. Not to mention that with daycare, we can deduct the 5k childcare expenses on our taxes, and we couldn't do that with our nanny since we paid cash. So really, it's saving us more like 17k this year.

All this to say, I think saving money is a valid reason for making childcare adjustments, as long as you feel the new center is good.

I would change, if I were exchanging like with like.

I think we all run into this kind of thought process, where we want the best we can provide for our children, but we also have to factor in the very real costs. I would also factor in gas costs, I know 15 minutes seems like it's not a big deal in terms of distance, but it's extra wear and tear on the car (and unless you're electric), it's going to be more in gas. And you have to consider going there and back too, plus your distance to your employer.

I also wouldn't worry too much about not knowing any kids at all in K, my son faced that last year and while transitions can be a big deal for him, he soon found his circle of friends.

DD goes to school 3 days a week at a school a little less than 15 minutes away. It's her 3rd fall there. We are considering moving to that town, but if not I'm not worried about her making friends at a new school.

For over $8,000 a year, I would make the switch if I thought my older child would be happy and content there and the quality was the same.

I considered this last year but ultimately decided to keep my kids where they are. It wasn't an even trade and the center I looked at wouldn't allow us to bring in our own bags/car seats because they didn't want bugs coming from home. Baby would be starting in January so that was a big "no" for me.

However, we are planning on moving and will definitely be switching our kids to a preschool/center in our new town. It's much cheaper there and the school system offers a preschool that has daycare hours and costs significantly less per week for my older child.

Absolutely, if the new daycare is the right fit! We had to change daycares this year because our old one was closing (they lost their lease). Our oldest was 2 years, 9 months when he moved. A month later, we got a spot in the same daycare for our younger son who was 17 months. We have loved our new daycare and the transition really wasn't that bad for them. We were really nervous about transitioning our older one because he's very shy, but he loves it now. It took about 1 week for no more tears and probably 2 weeks for a full transition.

that's significant savings, so i would absolutely consider it if it were an equal trade. i always look at different preschools and pricing, but with the hours we have, the quality of teachers, how close it is, the school we're at is a great quality for the price! all those things factor into our decision making process.

Have you looked into a nanny? You could potentially have a nanny for the younger two plus she could meet your oldest off the bus or find a nanny willing to do the more part-time hours. Not sure what the going rate for nannies is in your area, but you may find it to be comparable especially if you consider what the reduction in your salary might be by going to a reduced schedule.