Hellobee Boards

We're in the process of switching because the center where DD (who is 2.5) was since she was an infant closed and she doesn't start at her new center until September. I'm a little worried that it will be a rough adjustment after being home for 3 1/2 weeks, but that's how the cookie crumbles. We were lucky to get a spot at a highly coveted center (my job gives us registration priority) but it is about 6 blocks from my office and her previous center was across the street, so that will be an adjustment too! A new center is opening in the old location and we could have enrolled her there, but I felt that a) it might be confusing for her to go back and find all new teachers, mostly new kids, rooms rearranged, etc and b) I have doubts about how organized and smooth the opening of this center will be, based on my interactions with the owners thus far. So we chose the well-established "known entity" spot over the convenience of having her right next door.

I don't really have advice or stories yet, since she hasn't started at the new center, but so far she seems to understand/accept that she's not going to school and will be going to a new school soon. She definitely misses her friends and teachers, and asks if they can come to our house. It's sad but I'm hopeful that she will bond quickly once she's in her new environment.

LO1 is 4.25y and has gone to 1 daycare center and 3 preschools due to a variety of moves. We had at least a month off between most of the switches, so I think that helped with the transitions, honestly. It got a little bit harder after 3y, since she had friends that she actually remembered, but I don't feel like it has been traumatizing...to her or us! She has adapted really well and always been relatively excited about a new school & new teachers/friends.

As for us, I would say that I have loved certain things about all of her schools, and basically have found there is no place that is perfect/has everything! Only one of the switches was truly our choice, and I waffled about that one for a couple weeks but was really happy I did it in the end.

We switched LO in May. She was 3yr 2 months. We visited a couple times, tour and then an open house (brand new facility). Then we talked it up as her big girl school. The first day I dropped her off and she was the only kid there yet (I have to drop off early when solo) and she started playing right away. I had to ask her for a hug bye and then she went back to play. It went WAY better then expected. No issues to this day still.

@mauxie: We still can't believe that it went so well.

We switched dd to a new daycare a little over a month ago when we moved, this new daycare is much closer to our house and so far she has done so well! DD is only 18 months old, and had only been at the other center for 6 months, so not nearly as attached as your lo but she definitely had her person there. She had some tears at drop off for the first couple of weeks, but really has done great at the new center. So don't be afraid if switching is something you think is right for the long term.

@mauxie: Just wanted to update that LO started preschool today and did amazingly well. She was so excited as we were walking in and immediately ran off to play. Hopefully it continues!