https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 07 May 2026 10:32:15 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017399 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 20:37:51 +0000 littlek 1017399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@78h2o: Just FYI, napping at any daycare is rough. My LO struggled with naps, he is in the toddler room and his naps are GREAT now. I think it's the fact that in the infant room, there is no set schedule for naps, it's based on the baby. With the toddler room the lights are turned off during nap time and soft music is played and all children are put down to nap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017387 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 20:32:07 +0000 78h2o 1017387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Katrocap: of course I don't really know if she'll sleep better, but I have some hope because that classroom is very large and has six babies/2 adults; whereas her current room has 12 babies/4 adults and is half the size. The Goddard room has part of the room divided off as the sleep area, while her current daycare has the cribs around the walls of each side of the room - so sort of a figure 8 of cribs, with babies playing in the center of the circles of cribs (if that makes any sense). So basically, I think there will be less noise/commotion where she sleeps at Goddard.</p> <p>Ok, I've made up my mind to switch - now to convince my husband! </p> <p>Also, I got a letter from her current daycare saying they want her to move rooms Sept 1. I'm supposed to check a box to say that's ok or another to say, wait, let's have a conference first. I don't think they will wait to move her until Nov 1st (when she can start at Goodard - though i coukd ask), so she will probably move and then have to move again. When should I give them notice? I think they require 2 weeks. Will they treat her differently when they find out she's leaving? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017374 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 20:28:34 +0000 littlek 1017374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd switch if that is your first choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017342 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 20:16:45 +0000 MamaMoose 1017342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Switch. The Goddard School is top notch. J is young enough that she will handle the transition smoothly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017336 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 20:13:23 +0000 Katrocap 1017336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@78h20: Why do you think she will nap better at the Goddard daycare? I'm just curious because my LO doesn't nap very well at daycare (completely different situation though: it's a family daycare with only 1 other child). If you really think your LO will nap better and it's your first choice, I say switch. Like @turtledoves said, sometimes you just have a gut feeling about a place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017155 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 18:49:26 +0000 MrsH 1017155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd switch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017144 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 18:44:05 +0000 sunny 1017144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I'd switch since there is already going to be some change. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017139 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 18:41:27 +0000 Smurfette 1017139@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@78h2o: I have friends that go to another center and they have all had great experiences. The zoo theme is so cute!! We have a ocean theme. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017079 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 17:55:38 +0000 78h2o 1017079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TurtleDoves: Yeah, when I spoke to the owner today she seemed perplexed about the fact that my LO isn't napping well. She called one of the women in the infant room the baby whisperer and said that she gets all the babies to take their naps... sounds good to me! (now to see if that's actually true)!</p> <p>@Mrsbells: I can't find that many reviews, but actually both places have glowing reviews except for one outlier one I found for Goddard that wasn't good. They were all Google reviews... do you know of any other sites for finding reviews? Care.com didn't have any.</p> <p>@Bluebonnet: Both DH and I have Friday off, so I told her we would come by then. However, that is an inservice day, so we probably wouldn't get to talk to the teachers... maybe I can see if we could stop by tomorrow afternoon intead. My DH has not been there yet.</p> <p>@Bluebonnet: Yeah, I think I know more now about what questions to ask!</p> <p>@Ginabean3: Yeah, I think you are right. I think I just feel guilty about switching, for some reason.</p> <p>@Smurfette: Yeah, I know they are owned individually, but it makes me feel good that others have liked their Goddard experiences.</p> <p>@mrbee: I was thinking of asking for a reference or someone to talk to... they have a PTO and I'm sure I could talk to someone from there. Thanks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017066 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 17:39:33 +0000 Smurfette 1017066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would switch. If she is still having trouble napping they would work with LO on it. I know my Goddard did. I asked to switch her crib to one against the wall so she can't feel like she is missing anything. She is napping much better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017062 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 17:37:12 +0000 Ginabean3 1017062@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Based on what you wrote, I would switch. I feel like you really like the new place better!!! And I'm sure LO would adjust. :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017039 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 17:22:32 +0000 mrbee 1017039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oliviaoblivia: haha so true!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1017023 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 17:12:33 +0000 Pink Champagne 1017023@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You sound kind of like you've already made up your mind, ie, it sounds like you want to switch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1016970 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:52:35 +0000 oliviaoblivia 1016970@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote of switch. You had me at date night. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1016958 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:44:02 +0000 mrbee 1016958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would probably switch too. Can you call any parents of current students at the new daycare as a reference check? Rave reviews from them might cinch the decision for me... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1016952 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:43:07 +0000 rawrasaur 1016952@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would switch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1016948 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:41:09 +0000 immabeetoo 1016948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd switch! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1016938 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:35:14 +0000 yellowbird 1016938@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd probably switch if it were my 1st choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1016932 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:32:56 +0000 Bluebonnet 1016932@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think touring again is a great idea (especially if you originally toured while pregnant). Ask the new teachers how they handle kids that aren't napping well and see what you think,</p> <p>It sounds like the new place its closer to your house and it was your top choice. I'd switch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1016916 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:26:01 +0000 Mrsbells 1016916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would look up reviews online and decide based on the reviews and what we can afford </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1016914 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:25:10 +0000 mrskc 1016914@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That sound like a tough decision. You seem to like the other place more. Can you go back this week and observe and ask more questions? Meet the teachers again and get a better feel if it would be a good fit. If you really believe this place would be better, I would make the switch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1016912 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:24:05 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 1016912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd switch in hopes to improve her naps and because she is leaving her favorite teacher anyways.<br /> The distance from work and the # of kids in the room are also reasons for me to lean towards changing centers.<br /> Also, I am a go with my gut kind of person. If you liked the zoo-themed daycare from the get-go, i'd go with that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ack-cant-decide-if-we-should-switch-centers#post-1016893 Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:13:54 +0000 78h2o 1016893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I toured childcare centers, a Goddard school 2 minutes from my house was my first choice. The school itself is adorable... it has a zoo theme with colorful murals on the walls... most of the caregivers/teachers have college degrees... and there seem to be a lot of activities for families (family carnivals, monthly date nights for parents, etc.). I like that they have their schedule of weekly themes and different events online. It is 2-3 minutes from my house, right off of my usual route to work. I could literally walk there if I had to - it's maybe 1-2 miles. There are only 6 babies in a very large infant room with 2 caregivers...the room is sort of divided into play and sleep areas, which I feel like might be helpful for naps. The cons... there was a super long waitlist... they just called and offered us a spot for Nov 1. We have until early next week to decide. It's also more expensive, but we receive a subsidy because my DH works on an army base, so the cost will probably be the same (I have to check on that) - but worse case, no more than $20 difference a week.</p> <p>I guess my biggest concern is fear of the unknown. My daughter's current center is fine. I like the teachers in her current room a lot because they seem nurturing, though they plan on moving her up in the next month or so and the one teacher that I've met so far in the new room didn't really do anything for me. Granted, I've only met one and there are probably several. They did kind of rub me the wrong way in the beginning because they gave me a lot of grief about not giving her solids before 6 months. There have been a few other minor things, but mostly we've been satisfied enough. I don't think any of the caregivers/teachers at her current Center have degrees in Early Childhood Ed... I think they mostly have childcare certificates (90 hr). </p> <p>I guess the biggest issuewith the current place is that she's not napping very well there... some days she only sleeps 15 minutes total! I think it's too noisy and her bed was right by the door until recently.The facility itself is very clean, but I wouldn't call it cute or anything... it's sort of stark/basic, though they do put kids art on the walls, etc. Her room is a little crowded... there are 6 babies on each side of a waist-high divider... so there is noise from both sides. 4 caregivers if there are 12 babies. It is about 10-15 min drive in the opposite direction. </p> <p>LO doesn't have any seperation anxiety (so far) and seems to like it there. She always smiles at the caregivers when she arrives. </p> <p>Given all that, would you switch?! I think I want to move her, but my husband is worried about rocking the boat and thinks she's fine where she is (but will go with what I want). </p>