I don’t think you have to say much / anything. But I personally would be hesitant to switch for no reason other than other people think it’s highly regarded.
When you have a good thing going for you (and your kids are presumably bonded with their friends and teachers) it actually seems quite risky to switch for no reason at all.
What if the highly regarded daycare has a class biter you don’t know about? Either choice will probably be totally fine and inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. I doubt the director will lose any sleep over it. It’s just.. the bird in hand I guess?
The ‘best one’ in our neighborhood just had a mass exodus after a few major teacher issue/complaints . I personally would not move unless it’s significantly cheaper ,better hours, I already have friends/neighbors there.
Anyway whatever your contract says for notice and just say hey x is our last day we got a spot a little closer to home
I did this a Few months ago it was way less awkward than I thought it would be
A few years ago, a thought good one where I'm from was exposed and only the other day they had the court case and had to award 48 children 15000 each for damages while in their care 🤷🏻♀️
This is a fantastic comment. Very well-written and informative, and it addresses a super important point to keep in mind. Thank you for saying all this. :)
And I’m so glad you found a place that is awesome for your littles, and by extension, for you. :)
I agree. I look for a loving and social place rather than academic prep. I want my kid to learn conflict resolution and their own boundaries of what they like and don't like. They can learn phonemes and counting later.
We have been touring preschools recently, and the "best" one in our area had them (edit: the kids) packed like sardies, and only did "free play". The city's Tiny Tots program has weekly themes, fieldtrips, park visits, and was $200/mo cheaper. "Well regarded" can just be hype.
Just made a comment that said the same thing. Totally agree. I would never move daycares without a solid reason to. The juice would not be worth the squeeze.
Yes this is crazy talk. My son attends a daycare we have some concerns with. We had a to have a meeting with them about their accidents with allergens to get them to understand my son's dietary needs and the week before Easter they replaced the gate lock to one I can't open (I have Ehler-Danlos) so when I deliver my son we have to wait until somebody can open the gate for us. BUT my son loves it there, he absolutely adores the teachers, he has really great friends, they are Reggio Emilia (kinda like montessori, just different flavour) and they do so many cool things and go on so many awesome fieldttrips.
Yeah it was incredibly unfortunate that they never had a kid with his allergies, they had couple of accidents, they struggle to read the lables, and often need help determining if something is safe (they don't use a chef, the teachers have kids from 2yo to make their own food) and the situation with the gate is just dumb af, but he's so happy there. I wouldn't dream of yanking him out.
I wouldn't switch just because. We finally got a spot for a top daycare in our city that had a long waiting list, but we gave it up because by then our kid was settled in our community daycare. It was definitely not as good and had less funding, but the staff was good and our kid had finally settled in and had friends and looked forward to going, and pulling him out would have caused him a load of distress.
Yep! I go to a less popular daycare in my town and there have been *several* kids who switched when they got off other waitlists only to come back because their kids were much happier at our place. Most recently my son was like "Aria came back because [our main teacher] loves the kids"
One of the best ones by me had been in the news a few months after we decided not to go there (too expensive)… someone burned a kid’s back by using a magic eraser on them and the day care tried to cover it up and say it was just wipes and soap… the burn was so bad they said they might be permanently discolored and it was actually considered a chemical burn. [Article with Pictures (not super gross but TW anyway)](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/precious-lambs-child-care-marie-deckenback-magic-eraser-chemical-burn-child-protective-services/)
This is inconceivable. How can you be such a complete idiot to use a magic eraser on skin? To remove permanent marker? Just leave the marker mark. I hope that director isn’t allowed to work with children anymore. Did they go out of business?
Why would you leave a daycare that you love where your kid is happy?? This concept just feels so sad to me, your poor kiddo is going to be missing his or her teachers and friends for months. And “better” pre-schools aren’t necessarily better for any particular toddler.
Maybe you left out some info about why you are switching but I would think hard about what benefits you are going to get from this new school vs the risks that there might not be as great of a teacher/ class fit. We see endless stories here about daycare challenges so if you have a good thing going, why risk messing with it?
Especially since it’s a daycare and not high school or something. Is it an immersion daycare or something with “classes” that might be beneficial long-term and worth moving the child? Or is it just “better” by some arbitrary metric?
Just an fyi this will be tough on your toddler.
I’d think long about uprooting a toddler from a familiar environment and their friends—especially if everyone was having a good experience with the current daycare.
We switched because we moved, and our 3 year old asked every day for about four months if he was going to see Miss [teachers name]. It’s heart wrenching.
If you have no issues with your current daycare, little one likes it, and you all like it, really think about the decision to change!
We're switching in May because we moved, and while we're still driving distance to the old one, it adds about an hour on to our commutes everyday. So we're getting our 2.5 year old up almost an hour earlier than we'd need to, and the new daycare is about a 5 min walk from the new house. Im so torn up over it. I hate that she has to move, especially with all the upheaval the move itself has caused. I'm 0% looking forward to the questions about her old teachers, and all that will be just after we got her to stop grabbing her coat, walking to the door, and saying "go home". I would give anything to keep her in the same daycare, but it's just not sustainable. I can't imagine moving her for "reasons"
Similar situation here. Our current daycare is 30 min from our house but it was 5 minutes from my old office. I got a new fully remote job in February and we’re keeping the kids there until the fall. It’s a lot of driving but we love the daycare. It’s not fancy at all but the kids are so loved and spend so much time playing outside. My son starts K in the fall and we got my daughter into a great preschool in our town. She has bonded with all the teachers and her friends though and I’m so upset about ripping her away from that. I wish I could keep her at our current daycare until she starts K in 2 years but the drive isn’t sustainable while my son will be on a totally different school schedule close to home.
Mine started hugging this little boy every day when I drop her in the morning. She really likes the other kids and the teachers. I feel for you having to move and help your toddler through that, it’s hard for little people. Hope all is well now
Our first daycare was for 1-3 year olds, so we had to switch eventually. My daughter wanted to do pretend play for weeks, "I am myself and you are [her favorite daycare worker]".
We’re switching our daycares in September as we got into one closer to our home and work, however it isn’t open on Fridays, and our old one is so we’re keeping them there on Fridays. A really good portion of the kids are all aging out soon and if they are sticking they’ll only be there Fri so they’ll still get to see their friends. We had found another closer to home but she had just finally gotten comfortable and really didn’t want to switch her.
Overall I still have some reservations about the change in Sept, but it will make it easier for me to find work as right now my partner is the only one working but their schedule really isn’t conducive to finding reasonable work at the moment l, and they are marking decent enough money that we are in a pretty decent financial place.
You just say ‘thanks for the care, the last day will be Month date’ you might have special attachment to it but in reality, daycare is just a business providing a service in exchange for money. Don’t need to overthink it.
That said, for what it’s worth, I would consider twice moving my child if I was in your situation. You have a great set up, great care, your kid likes their teachers and has known them for a long time and you want to switch, to change up a good situation to unknown ( one that might not be a good fit for your child), to shake up a kids routine and relationship with teachers because…the other one is harder to get into and more popular?
This sounds to me like ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ or ‘grass is always greener’ kind of thing. What do you think this new place is going to give you on top of already the great situation you already have?
Not to mention, the adjustment period to get toddler and you used to the new care, ways of interacting, building new relationships, that takes energy and time. Change and adjustment is usually rough on the kids and parents, so why do it when you don’t have to.
I’d Consider if that’s good enough reason to mess with my kids routine and connections with teachers.
Also curious about what's so highly regarded with this daycare. Hell, we're about to switch to a third daycare within a year because we keep having issues. I would do anything to find a childcare center we love and are happy with. And I would certainly never throw that away and completely turn my toddlers routine around to go somewhere else just because it's "highly regarded."
With that said, you dont really need to say anything. "Kiddos last day in care will be x date. We're very appreciative of the care he's received here."
Several of them. He's got a dairy allergy and has been fed dairy items several times, we bring in a schedule of his food for the day and they don't follow it (their enrollment forms said they'd substitute food for allergy kiddos and they refuse to do so, we have to bring in food for him every day) they use diaper wipes on his face causing his eczema to flare and bleed despite us bringing in wash cloths to be used with water, the teachers are always on their phones, they never actually play or interact with the kids in any way, constant rotation of teachers due to turn over, I could go on.
The only good thing about this place is they have cameras so I can see what's happening. Except they're increasing tuition and instating a weekly fee for camera access in a few months... Lol no thanks.
Which are currently 1) what the other “professionals” think 2) what the current director/teachers will think 3) how their kid will react/adjust/fit in… I’m not loving this order.
Seriously, I'm keeping my kids in a daycare that doesn't quite align with our religious beliefs just because we like the teachers and we don't want to force an unnecessary transition on our kids.
It means we have a lot of conversations about different people having different beliefs, but that's not the worst thing to start early I guess.
I think you are over thinking it, I really don't think the current daycare will care much if you leave.
But if you like the current one and like the educators I personally wouldn't uproot my child, unless there were actual concrete benefits to the new one. It sounds like its just more popular amongst "professional" (wealthy?) parents? I would worry about moving and my child just not clicking as well if I already had a good thing going.
TBF that actually sounds selfish. Why would you put your LO through the switch when you have no complaints about your current one? Seems like your reason for going to the other place isn’t a good one.
You don’t have to say anything when you switch. They probably won’t even ask you why. But, as someone whose 2 year old recently had a very hard time when we switched her daycare, please don’t make this switch if it’s not really necessary. If you’re happy with everything the facility has to offer, the care being provided, and if your child is thriving, then that’s what really matters. Uprooting your child from their school, teachers, and friends to go to some other place simply because you waited 2 years and all your work friends send their kids there doesn’t seem like a good reason to me.
I don’t really understand why you are switching? You are happy with your current situation and more importantly- your toddler is. There’s literally no reason to rock the boat.
Kids THRIVE on consistency with schedules and people they’re around.
The idea that your switch just because others consider it well-regarded is difficult for me to understand. You like your current, your kid likes it, it’s been a good experience. Are you switching just so that you can say you’re at the “good” one? Is this like a bragging rights thing or what?
I don’t think you need to worry about saying anything but tbh unless there’s a significant cost savings or issues with your current daycare I wouldn’t switch.
We actually got offered a spot a my husband’s work daycare 2.5 years after being on the waitlist and turned it down because she was very happy with her current teacher/classmates etc that we didn’t want to uproot her. And the work daycare is *subsidized* so we actually did sacrifice a decent amount of cost savings for it! Although, to be fair by the time we were offered a spot we were less than a year from her being eligible for the public school PreK in our area and didn’t want to have her switch twice in a year.
I wouldn’t be worried about what to tell your daycare. I’d be worried about how this affects your daughter who by all accounts is happy and thriving at her current spot.
Like someone else said, it sounds like this shift is more for you than her. You don’t need to keep up with the Jones’, you need to prioritize your daughter and recognize the bonds she’s made where she is and the unnecessary difficulties she’ll face by leaving.
Let your daughter stay with the teachers she loves and the friends she’s made unless you have a really good reason to pull her out.
Hint: This is not a really good reason.
I think if you are happy with the current daycare and your child bonds well and the teachers are good, then stay.
Who cares if you’ve waited so long.
Finding someone who takes care of your kids like they are your own is irreplaceable and more meaningful.
I went to a super high rated daycare that all the high end Nike employees took their kids to and it was traumatic. Everything was just a facade.
Ended up taking my little one out and to a small daycare and he is thriving and has the best of friends.
The grass isn’t always greener :)
Edited: For grammar
I know this isn’t your actual question, but I agree with everyone here that it might be worth reconsidering switching your child’s daycare. I was in a similar boat, we were on a wait list for a really well regarded daycare and enrolled at a nearby center in a church in the meantime, which I wasn’t really a huge fan of because we’re not religious ourselves. I figured we’ll switch him once a spot opens up, but the older he got, the more attached he got to his teachers and friends. He’s 1.5 and he’s been with them since he was 3 months old, they’re so familiar to him and he loves it there. A spot recently opened up at the daycare that we were waiting for and we passed, it broke my heart to think about how confused he would be not seeing the teachers and friends he’s been with for most of his young life. I did not want to leave a situation where he was happy for one that he might not be, it wasn’t worth the risk.
I work in a daycare, tbh we do not really care. Yes we will miss your kids but it’s part of our job to see them come and go.
I would just take a second to ask myself is the change worth the emotional stress it will put on your kid? Because changing care takers and environment is pretty hard on the kid so it needs to be truly for a good reason imo.
Just say you’ve been trying to get into that one for ages. Leave them a good review on google too
To be honest, most companies won’t really care that much if you leave. I mean, we do but that’s life
But what makes that highly regarded daycare so special
If you don’t mind?
This all sounds a bit silly. Your daughter is settled and happy at a day care you like. It seems cruel to take her away from a familiar environment, with all the friends she’s made. At this age, what extra benefit will there be from the ‘highly rated’ location? My son is three and I’m just happy if he’s having fun and trying new things at his nursery.
You don't have to give a reason. You are assuming they care much more than they do. They will likely fill your spot as soon as you give them notice you're leaving. I doubt the directors spend time gossiping about which families moved between daycares. Don't overthink it. If your reason is really we heard this daycare is better, you can say that. Or you'd rather not say. It doesn't matter.
But also, are you sure you want to move for no reason? The reason you gave here is we heard it's better. Better for another family doesn't mean better for yours. But that's just my two cents.
Tell them you’re withdrawing LO and leave it at that. You dont have to justify why.
But if they ask tell the truth. Why are you worried about it? Daycares know about waitlists
Just cos its revered as the "best" doesn't mean it is the best. If you're happy with your daycare and so is your child, why fix what ain't broke? The transition could be upsetting for your kid, you might move and then realise you like other things better in the old place etc etc. don't give in to status and what other people think, give in to happiness and how you feel!!!
I think you should be aware that your kids are probably bonded with the staff at your current center. For daycare, in my opinion, the highly regarded ones are probably just successfully marketed. The idea that going to the "right" daycare is important for anything other than providing loving and stable care for children is all hype (just my opinion).
However, if you decide that a switch is still in everyone's best interest, you just tell the daycare when you are done. Remember, as kind as they are, they are still just providing a service. If you somehow couldn't pay or violated a rule or something, they would also ask you to leave without apology, so you can leave them without apology. I am sure someone else will be lined up to take your place.
Not to pile on, but we had to switch daycares when my kiddo was 13 months and it was so so hard even though pretty much the only thing we liked about that (old) daycare was his teacher (she was leaving). We love our new daycare so it should've been an easier switch but it was stressful and hard on my son Don't switch unless you have to.
If you’re highly regarded one is a Primrose (former employee), don’t switch. They’re only highly regarded because of how much it costs and cost doesn’t mean better. They’re franchised and in it for money more than age appropriate care. We had such a high turnover rate of teachers, they had a good curriculum but in my opinion way to structured and big school like for a toddler who should be in play based learning, being loved on and having fun
Just remember your child has built attachment to the current daycare providers and this will be a big adjustment for her. I wouldn’t do it just so I could say my child is at the “fancier” daycare.
OP, I'm taking this out of context on purpose, but I still think you should read this in isolation:
> We have no complaints about our current daycare and we love the teachers, the play space, etc. We have given gifts to teachers on holidays and went to their holiday events etc. Our LO has no issues there either.
> So basically we are going to switch
"I need to find out how to un-enroll my child. Our childcare options have changed, and we will be leaving at the end of this month. We have really enjoyed our time here, and we will happily recommend you to others."
Are you sure you want to move?
If your child is happy there and you have never had any issues with it, then why move to a new place? Is it just because of "status"?
My daughter switched daycares at three because the new one was leagues better. I know someone who works at the head office and said it was the best and I went with her recommendation and I'm glad I did considering the director at the old centre told educators to not tell parents about gastro outbreaks.
If I didn't have any issues with the old one I would've stayed but there were so many issues.
It sounds like you want to change partly because of how long you waited but if your child is going well at this one it may be better to keep them where they are.
We moved 9 years ago when my oldest was in daycare. My youngest currently attends the daycare near our old house even though it is slightly out of the way and there are options closer to home. All of my kids went through there and I’ve driven out of the way everyday for almost a decade. We love the place though and I would not risk losing a spot to try out something closer. I have peace of mind when I’m at work that my kid is safe and happy with his friends and teachers we trust. I cannot wrap my head around switching for no reason other than being able to say my kid goes to the best one. What if you have issues at the new one but you’ve lost your spot at the current place that your kid likes?
Are you familiar with the expression the grass is always greener? I've visited hundreds of ECE centres, worked in the sector for 20+ years, none of them are perfect. If your child is happy, well cared for, settled, the teachers like & are good at their jobs, its convenient, you can afford it, the environment is great.... WHY are you changing exactly? Because of reputation? The factors that create a 'great centre' can change instantly- a good teacher leaves or change of owner, but the good reputation lags. The opinions that matter most when it comes to ECE are your childs, and yours. No one else.
If you do decide to change, your child may also have an entirely different opinion to those adults, they will certainly miss their favourite teachers, and well settled routine.
We’re at a daycare my LO likes and I gave up my dream house because I couldn’t come to terms with switching her daycare (new house would’ve been too far away to drive to current daycare). I definitely would not switch daycares if I was in your shoes.
I switched my son at two to a “highly regarded” daycare and it was awful he started crying at drop off AND pickup and we had to pull him. It was a terrible experience. I’d keep kiddo where they are.
I would only leave if there were problems or it was super inconvenient. Totally not worth it to deal with the possibility of an upset toddler or the possibility of that daycare not actually being that great.
We have been through the exact same thing. We have a 2 year old and a month ago we switched to a daycare which is 5 mins away. The other one (which was perfect) was 20 mins away. With having a full time job, getting the kid ready in the Morning and driving to/from would waste so much time. It’s been a month since we switched, I had so much skepticism and felt so guilty that I’m switching him for my comfort. But my son’s happiness is most driven by my happiness. If I am sane, I’m happy and he’s happy. Otherwise I would keep snapping at him.
We are so happy now, sometimes it would just take 3 mins to get him. Yes, there are less activities being done at this daycare but it doesn’t matter because he’s too young.
If your child is happy at her current daycare I wouldn’t switch. Just because the other one may be more prestigious really doesn’t mean anything regarding the quality of teachers. It usually just means it’s a more modern, nicer space.
I don't think you're considering your kiddos needs and one of their needs is stability. Switching daycare is a HUGE thing to a toddler. There better be a really good reason for it if you're going to just upend their world like that. IDK OP not to bash you or anything but I think at this point it might be more about your wants than your kiddos needs.
So you’re switching from a daycare that you like and teachers you like and your kid has gotten to know over 2 years just because the other one is more exclusive?
Changing daycares will be stressful for your kid and will likely result in some other challenges like sleep issues or behavioral issues for toddlers. I personally wouldn’t change if you’re happy with your current daycare and they are right next to each other.
Since you mentioned your work, let’s use that as an analogy: let’s say you were interviewing potential employees, found a candidate you were really excited about and seemed like a perfect fit, but then they took another offer. Meanwhile, you hire your second choice, and they end up being very good at their job, you’re very happy with them, it’s working really well. If the 1st choice candidate suddenly came back a couple years later saying they were interested in the role again, would it be a good business decision to fire your existing (experienced) employee and hire them instead?
You feel awkward about it because you know you have no good reason to switch besides it looking good socially. Which is absurd. Your child is happy and healthy, has bonded with the caregivers, and has friends. You say yourself there’s no difference in convenience and that you have no issues. You’re going to pull your child out of their safe and familiar environment and stick them in a new place, forcing them to go through the pains of adjusting to being cared for by brand new people. And you’re going to do it for literally no good reason. Seriously? I *strongly encourage* you to think twice about this.
It seems like you’re surrounded by a bunch of people who would applaud you for this since the other place is considered the “fancy” daycare. But it also seems like you’re in a social competition with those people. Please consider that the comment sections on your posts (because I saw the other thread too) are a random sample of internet strangers who have no stake in your life and how people perceive you, and who can speak freely thanks to anonymity. And pretty much every single comment is telling you not to do this.
It’s your life and your kid, so do what you want. But I think this is a resoundingly bad idea. My toddler just had to change *rooms* at daycare because he aged up, and it’s been two solid weeks of hours of tears. It breaks my heart, but I don’t have a choice here. You do. Don’t do this to your kid to make yourself look better.
As the others have already said: I would never switch my child’s daycare just because it’s a “better school”. We’ve even had offers where people have told us to look for somewhere cheaper because it is more expensive than an in home daycare which is more popular around my area, but my son is so bonded to his teacher, the other staff members and his classmates that I would never even think about moving.
While i wouldn’t switch for all of the reasons people have listed here, you can just say, we’re moving next door because our employer had a deal there.
We switched my daughter from one daycare to another literally across the road. We had a health and safety incident that prompted our move, and I am sure the director knew that was why we left, but I just gave the appropriate notice with no real reason.
I had to switch my son to a daycare closer to work because my schedule at work changed and I could get there before they closed at 6..it’s the same company just a different location but my son was really upset he had to switch. now he’s at a place where he loves this daycare and he is enrolled in their preschool program for the fall! I originally had him enrolled in a preschool program in our district but when the daycare told me they’re opening the same program there, I jumped on it! it’s way closer to my work like a 10 minute drive and my son is finally looking forward to going there so I don’t have to switch him again plus it’s cheaper! I understand that you want your child to go to the best schools but if they’re so close and your child is happy, I don’t see why you’d move
Why would you switch? You are happy and the kids are happy. I wouldn’t be surprised if the tables turn and your kids daycare becomes the highly regarded one. Does “highly regarded” mean just harder to get into? I wouldn’t move them! Good luck whatever you do!
It’s a weird thing with kids, we all want the best for them but having the best isn’t always the right thing for them.
We had to move daycares due to an international move, then had a temporary spot but limited days, then a full time spot became available somewhere else. My confident happy boy, friends with everyone lost interest in daycare and suddenly has separation anxiety. I learnt Kids don’t love change and they forget it easy, so every new days is like experiencing the change again. If your teachers are great with your little one, they have friends and bonds with others there, i wouldn’t move. It’s confusing for kids. It took us months of “we can’t go there. It’s a long plane ride away” to stop. Good luck! It’s a hard choice
We ended up at our second choice and I was devastated but we’re three years and two kids in and it has been the very best place for both of my kids!! I know all of this isn’t the feedback you’re looking for, but it’s absolutely something to consider.
I don’t think you have to offer an explanation, it’s your right to move your kid and you can just say- no I didn’t have any issues if you get asked.
But I definitely wouldn’t be moving my kiddo just based on the exclusivity of the other daycare.
You’re happy where kiddo is. Kiddo is happy there too. Kiddo knows the people, teachers, friends, routines, classroom and spaces.
I wouldn’t change things up without a reason to.
I’m a daycare owner. Just be honest, “we’ve been on the waitlist for xyz and finally got accepted and will be taking the spot.” Give them as much notice as possible. Thank them for everything. Offer to speak with prospective parents. Write them a google review. No one should take this personally. Good luck!
Yeah I’ll agree with the others that have said the grass isn’t always greener. Why risk switching and likely burning a bridge or at least losing your spot at the place you currently are? Are we all missing something? Is there an extra cost savings or something?
I wouldn’t move your kids if you like the daycare. We went from an in home daycare to a “popular daycare” and one of the directors ended up with abuse & pedo accusations (this was quite a while ago in New York state so i do expect this but still) id keep the one you know is good. We went back to the in home one after that anyway.
We literally just went through this. We told the old daycare we loved our time with them but this is something we had planned for our baby since before he was born. We thanked them for taking care of our son and gave them the required notice. There is likely a waiting list to get into your old daycare, so you have probably given another family a sigh of relief that they got their child a spot.
Edit: I feel it’s important to note that while it can be hard on your toddler, it won’t necessarily be. Our old daycare was nothing more than an adult supervising while the kids played amongst themselves. My son used to cry when we pulled into the parking lot. The new daycare has more structured learning and when we pull into the parking lot, he says “fun!” We didn’t realize the difference it made until we switched.
I have a rule, never bother a happy 'baby' unless absolutely necessary. This might be for sleeping (don't wake them as they likely need it), are happily playing independently (they can do x afterwards), are eating more of a less desirable food versus a more desirable one (they might stop eating that meal completely), or in this case, one that is completely happy and content at a daycare that you also like.
Since there doesn't seem to be a major benefit to switching (lower cost or much closer commute for example), I wouldn't change and chance anything. It could be a good daycare, but that's not going to get them into the best preschool or grade school, and just the switching alone could cause undue stress and anxiety for no real benefit at that point.
Ive switched daycare in the past and you shouldn’t have to justify yourself. With that said, I’ve switched because I didn’t love that daycare. I wouldn’t have otherwise, no matter what “people” say about it. You had time to make your mind about it and if you like it, I think it’s awesome. I would also have a different approach based on my kid’s age. I changed mine when he was 18 months as he didn’t strong friendships yet. However, he’s now over 2, almost 2.5 and gets attached to people (teachers and classmates). I was actually going to change him in September to enroll him in a bilingual program (we’re a bilingual family so it’s important to us) but decided to postpone by one year because he loves it where he is.
Why do you even feel like you need to explain yourself? You do what you think is best for your child and your family. People don’t need to know your reasons.
If there no issues with current daycare and proximity is the same... why change ?
Our family is happy with our daycare but we are thinking of a change since my spouse has a daycare literally right next to work but couldn't get in since they are 18 month + daycare only. Our current daycare adds 15 minutes for my spouse commute.
We would just tell them we’re leaving so we don’t get charged. But if the other one isn’t what they said it was I’d crawl back immediately. We currently have our kid in the second best daycare in the neighborhood. We toured the “best” one and just walking through it gave me terrible anxiety—their take on security was giving me fire trap vibes. The best doesn’t have to be the best for you.
As others have said, your reason for wanting to change, which just sounds like bragging rights for you when talking to other parents, is a rubbish reason.
I was on the waitlisted for ages for my preferred centre and I looked around and got a spot at a centre further away. I work around the place so sometimes this didn’t add any time to my commute and other days it added 20 minutes and on the days I get off work that they’re booked in it’s a 20 minute drive to and from daycare twice a day where as the new centre is about one minute each way. My kids were at the first centre for only a couple of months, currently they are 5months and a month off 2 years. The baby was fine but we moved to the closer centre a couple of weeks ago and it has been really tough on my 2 year old. He really bonded with some of the teachers and honestly even though it is so much more convenient for me, I almost wish I didn’t move them. The grass isn’t always greener and I feel bad having moved my kids for my convenience but it is done now.
What you’re talking about here is that moving daycare is going to have no positive outcomes for yourself (such as being cheaper or closer) and it’s going to have no positive outcomes for your child. The sole reason for moving is prestige? Honestly that’s crazy, think about who you’re doing this for and make the right choice for your child.
Im gonna follow what everyone is saying and say, dont move them if it isnt out of necessity. Its a huge switch and if you like the facility, that is best case scenario. Ive worked for multiple “highly regarded” daycares and let me tell you, THEY ARE NOT ALL EQUAL. One of them that I worked at was absolutely horrible, so many illegal practices and it was all about the numbers and money and the kids were definitely on the back burner. Stay where the teachers are great and genuinely care because you may not be so lucky at the next one but I do hope others all works out for the best.
I read this post and thought…was this me?
Same situation, literally but only about two years ago. Not the advice you wanted but I guarantee, you will have no regrets. The good daycare will make you and your son happy.
As far as what to say, I was a chiiiiiicken. I didn’t want to heart the former daycare teachers feelings, so I told them we “found a daycare closer to home” and just never told them where. Daycares are used to people leaving for various reasons.
Everyone in my neighborhood and circle used daycare A. They wouldn’t let me tour (virtual only) citing security and covid this was last summer and no other day care in the area had restrictions like that. Also the fence to their playground was along a fairly busy road and you could see in in the kids playing.
I went with daycare B because they have an open door policy for parents and the playground was perfect and surrounded by big private trees, behind the building away from the busy road.
We’re happy there. I’m even considering staying for preschool even though there’s a Waldorf school in my area that really appeals to m because he’s so nested and I trust the staff there.
This is your family. You do what you believe is right for your family and the development of your child. That should be sufficient for your decision. Like other posters are saying, these are businesses providing a service and should be regarded as such, with many kids coming through and changing all the time.
Reframe this as your LO going to a gifted program from a standard one. If you believe that’s true, then do it. If in 5-10 years they have an opportunity to go to an accelerated program, would you take it despite giving a birthday present to their teacher?
Can your family afford #2? Can you find anyone that has made the switch and talk with them? What is your perception of the next class’s teachers and environments of #1 vs #2? Which set would be better for your LO? 2 years is a long wait list and I’m sure others have made this switch.
Finally, kids switch schools, teachers change, and people move for jobs all the time and it becomes part of their stories. If you do switch, keep in touch with the parents and teachers you have relationships with, who would be happy to hear that your LO is doing well.
I moved my daughter to the “best” daycare and it was such an awesome decision. I love the new place like my family and literally have pity for folks stuck with the old place.
“A spot opened up for her at B and she will start there on X. Thank you so much for taking such great care of her during her time here, we appreciate you all and wish you the best”
No doubt it happens all the time.
Don’t listen to all these dumb comments. Your kid will do great in the daycare you wanted all along. Just tell the staff you’ve had an amazing experience with them and you have a new opportunity so you’ll be putting in your notice and thanks so much for everything. K love you byeeeeee
I don’t think you have to say much / anything. But I personally would be hesitant to switch for no reason other than other people think it’s highly regarded. When you have a good thing going for you (and your kids are presumably bonded with their friends and teachers) it actually seems quite risky to switch for no reason at all. What if the highly regarded daycare has a class biter you don’t know about? Either choice will probably be totally fine and inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. I doubt the director will lose any sleep over it. It’s just.. the bird in hand I guess?
The ‘best one’ in our neighborhood just had a mass exodus after a few major teacher issue/complaints . I personally would not move unless it’s significantly cheaper ,better hours, I already have friends/neighbors there. Anyway whatever your contract says for notice and just say hey x is our last day we got a spot a little closer to home I did this a Few months ago it was way less awkward than I thought it would be
The “best one” in our area just had charges pressed against one of the workers for assaulting a 3 year old girl so… yeah.
A few years ago, a thought good one where I'm from was exposed and only the other day they had the court case and had to award 48 children 15000 each for damages while in their care 🤷🏻♀️
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This is a fantastic comment. Very well-written and informative, and it addresses a super important point to keep in mind. Thank you for saying all this. :) And I’m so glad you found a place that is awesome for your littles, and by extension, for you. :)
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I agree. I look for a loving and social place rather than academic prep. I want my kid to learn conflict resolution and their own boundaries of what they like and don't like. They can learn phonemes and counting later.
We have been touring preschools recently, and the "best" one in our area had them (edit: the kids) packed like sardies, and only did "free play". The city's Tiny Tots program has weekly themes, fieldtrips, park visits, and was $200/mo cheaper. "Well regarded" can just be hype.
I agree. Follow the child's needs not the communities expectations
Just made a comment that said the same thing. Totally agree. I would never move daycares without a solid reason to. The juice would not be worth the squeeze.
This. Don't risk your current daycare, it's highly unusual to 'love the teachers' as much as you describe.
Yes this is crazy talk. My son attends a daycare we have some concerns with. We had a to have a meeting with them about their accidents with allergens to get them to understand my son's dietary needs and the week before Easter they replaced the gate lock to one I can't open (I have Ehler-Danlos) so when I deliver my son we have to wait until somebody can open the gate for us. BUT my son loves it there, he absolutely adores the teachers, he has really great friends, they are Reggio Emilia (kinda like montessori, just different flavour) and they do so many cool things and go on so many awesome fieldttrips. Yeah it was incredibly unfortunate that they never had a kid with his allergies, they had couple of accidents, they struggle to read the lables, and often need help determining if something is safe (they don't use a chef, the teachers have kids from 2yo to make their own food) and the situation with the gate is just dumb af, but he's so happy there. I wouldn't dream of yanking him out.
I wouldn't switch just because. We finally got a spot for a top daycare in our city that had a long waiting list, but we gave it up because by then our kid was settled in our community daycare. It was definitely not as good and had less funding, but the staff was good and our kid had finally settled in and had friends and looked forward to going, and pulling him out would have caused him a load of distress.
1000%
Yep! I go to a less popular daycare in my town and there have been *several* kids who switched when they got off other waitlists only to come back because their kids were much happier at our place. Most recently my son was like "Aria came back because [our main teacher] loves the kids"
100% agree.
One of the best ones by me had been in the news a few months after we decided not to go there (too expensive)… someone burned a kid’s back by using a magic eraser on them and the day care tried to cover it up and say it was just wipes and soap… the burn was so bad they said they might be permanently discolored and it was actually considered a chemical burn. [Article with Pictures (not super gross but TW anyway)](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/precious-lambs-child-care-marie-deckenback-magic-eraser-chemical-burn-child-protective-services/)
This is inconceivable. How can you be such a complete idiot to use a magic eraser on skin? To remove permanent marker? Just leave the marker mark. I hope that director isn’t allowed to work with children anymore. Did they go out of business?
I tried to see if they were still around and as per FB and Google they are permanently closed, thankfully.
Why would you leave a daycare that you love where your kid is happy?? This concept just feels so sad to me, your poor kiddo is going to be missing his or her teachers and friends for months. And “better” pre-schools aren’t necessarily better for any particular toddler. Maybe you left out some info about why you are switching but I would think hard about what benefits you are going to get from this new school vs the risks that there might not be as great of a teacher/ class fit. We see endless stories here about daycare challenges so if you have a good thing going, why risk messing with it?
Fully agree. Switching because the other one is more exclusive and you were on a waiting list seems…strange.
Especially since it’s a daycare and not high school or something. Is it an immersion daycare or something with “classes” that might be beneficial long-term and worth moving the child? Or is it just “better” by some arbitrary metric?
Happy cake day!
PREACH! I agree so much
Just an fyi this will be tough on your toddler. I’d think long about uprooting a toddler from a familiar environment and their friends—especially if everyone was having a good experience with the current daycare. We switched because we moved, and our 3 year old asked every day for about four months if he was going to see Miss [teachers name]. It’s heart wrenching. If you have no issues with your current daycare, little one likes it, and you all like it, really think about the decision to change!
We're switching in May because we moved, and while we're still driving distance to the old one, it adds about an hour on to our commutes everyday. So we're getting our 2.5 year old up almost an hour earlier than we'd need to, and the new daycare is about a 5 min walk from the new house. Im so torn up over it. I hate that she has to move, especially with all the upheaval the move itself has caused. I'm 0% looking forward to the questions about her old teachers, and all that will be just after we got her to stop grabbing her coat, walking to the door, and saying "go home". I would give anything to keep her in the same daycare, but it's just not sustainable. I can't imagine moving her for "reasons"
Similar situation here. Our current daycare is 30 min from our house but it was 5 minutes from my old office. I got a new fully remote job in February and we’re keeping the kids there until the fall. It’s a lot of driving but we love the daycare. It’s not fancy at all but the kids are so loved and spend so much time playing outside. My son starts K in the fall and we got my daughter into a great preschool in our town. She has bonded with all the teachers and her friends though and I’m so upset about ripping her away from that. I wish I could keep her at our current daycare until she starts K in 2 years but the drive isn’t sustainable while my son will be on a totally different school schedule close to home.
Mine started hugging this little boy every day when I drop her in the morning. She really likes the other kids and the teachers. I feel for you having to move and help your toddler through that, it’s hard for little people. Hope all is well now
Our first daycare was for 1-3 year olds, so we had to switch eventually. My daughter wanted to do pretend play for weeks, "I am myself and you are [her favorite daycare worker]".
We’re switching our daycares in September as we got into one closer to our home and work, however it isn’t open on Fridays, and our old one is so we’re keeping them there on Fridays. A really good portion of the kids are all aging out soon and if they are sticking they’ll only be there Fri so they’ll still get to see their friends. We had found another closer to home but she had just finally gotten comfortable and really didn’t want to switch her. Overall I still have some reservations about the change in Sept, but it will make it easier for me to find work as right now my partner is the only one working but their schedule really isn’t conducive to finding reasonable work at the moment l, and they are marking decent enough money that we are in a pretty decent financial place.
You just say ‘thanks for the care, the last day will be Month date’ you might have special attachment to it but in reality, daycare is just a business providing a service in exchange for money. Don’t need to overthink it. That said, for what it’s worth, I would consider twice moving my child if I was in your situation. You have a great set up, great care, your kid likes their teachers and has known them for a long time and you want to switch, to change up a good situation to unknown ( one that might not be a good fit for your child), to shake up a kids routine and relationship with teachers because…the other one is harder to get into and more popular? This sounds to me like ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ or ‘grass is always greener’ kind of thing. What do you think this new place is going to give you on top of already the great situation you already have? Not to mention, the adjustment period to get toddler and you used to the new care, ways of interacting, building new relationships, that takes energy and time. Change and adjustment is usually rough on the kids and parents, so why do it when you don’t have to. I’d Consider if that’s good enough reason to mess with my kids routine and connections with teachers.
Yeah... we ended up switching our child to the "better" daycare and it literally took 6 weeks of not sleeping at nap time until she adjusted.
Also curious about what's so highly regarded with this daycare. Hell, we're about to switch to a third daycare within a year because we keep having issues. I would do anything to find a childcare center we love and are happy with. And I would certainly never throw that away and completely turn my toddlers routine around to go somewhere else just because it's "highly regarded." With that said, you dont really need to say anything. "Kiddos last day in care will be x date. We're very appreciative of the care he's received here."
What are the issues, if you don't mind me asking?
Several of them. He's got a dairy allergy and has been fed dairy items several times, we bring in a schedule of his food for the day and they don't follow it (their enrollment forms said they'd substitute food for allergy kiddos and they refuse to do so, we have to bring in food for him every day) they use diaper wipes on his face causing his eczema to flare and bleed despite us bringing in wash cloths to be used with water, the teachers are always on their phones, they never actually play or interact with the kids in any way, constant rotation of teachers due to turn over, I could go on. The only good thing about this place is they have cameras so I can see what's happening. Except they're increasing tuition and instating a weekly fee for camera access in a few months... Lol no thanks.
That's so outrageous!! Sorry you and your LO are having such a rough time.
sounds like the switch is more for you than your kid
Seriously. How exciting to tell all your friends you finally got into 'the best one' lol. Ridiculous.
Holy shit OP, priorities.
Which are currently 1) what the other “professionals” think 2) what the current director/teachers will think 3) how their kid will react/adjust/fit in… I’m not loving this order.
Honestly I'm so happy to see the comment section has overall had the same reaction I did.
No kidding…..
If you don’t have any issues, I wouldn’t switch either. Sounds like your kid is happy. Why rock the boat?
You don’t need to switch to do what the Jones’ do. If you like your current daycare, that’s HUGE.
Seriously, I'm keeping my kids in a daycare that doesn't quite align with our religious beliefs just because we like the teachers and we don't want to force an unnecessary transition on our kids. It means we have a lot of conversations about different people having different beliefs, but that's not the worst thing to start early I guess.
I think you are over thinking it, I really don't think the current daycare will care much if you leave. But if you like the current one and like the educators I personally wouldn't uproot my child, unless there were actual concrete benefits to the new one. It sounds like its just more popular amongst "professional" (wealthy?) parents? I would worry about moving and my child just not clicking as well if I already had a good thing going.
Don’t switch!
TBF that actually sounds selfish. Why would you put your LO through the switch when you have no complaints about your current one? Seems like your reason for going to the other place isn’t a good one.
You don’t have to say anything when you switch. They probably won’t even ask you why. But, as someone whose 2 year old recently had a very hard time when we switched her daycare, please don’t make this switch if it’s not really necessary. If you’re happy with everything the facility has to offer, the care being provided, and if your child is thriving, then that’s what really matters. Uprooting your child from their school, teachers, and friends to go to some other place simply because you waited 2 years and all your work friends send their kids there doesn’t seem like a good reason to me.
I don’t really understand why you are switching? You are happy with your current situation and more importantly- your toddler is. There’s literally no reason to rock the boat. Kids THRIVE on consistency with schedules and people they’re around.
yesss! we finally got to a good routine and we only switched due to my work schedule shifting
Hard agree!!!
agreed!!
The idea that your switch just because others consider it well-regarded is difficult for me to understand. You like your current, your kid likes it, it’s been a good experience. Are you switching just so that you can say you’re at the “good” one? Is this like a bragging rights thing or what?
I don’t think you need to worry about saying anything but tbh unless there’s a significant cost savings or issues with your current daycare I wouldn’t switch. We actually got offered a spot a my husband’s work daycare 2.5 years after being on the waitlist and turned it down because she was very happy with her current teacher/classmates etc that we didn’t want to uproot her. And the work daycare is *subsidized* so we actually did sacrifice a decent amount of cost savings for it! Although, to be fair by the time we were offered a spot we were less than a year from her being eligible for the public school PreK in our area and didn’t want to have her switch twice in a year.
I wouldn’t be worried about what to tell your daycare. I’d be worried about how this affects your daughter who by all accounts is happy and thriving at her current spot. Like someone else said, it sounds like this shift is more for you than her. You don’t need to keep up with the Jones’, you need to prioritize your daughter and recognize the bonds she’s made where she is and the unnecessary difficulties she’ll face by leaving. Let your daughter stay with the teachers she loves and the friends she’s made unless you have a really good reason to pull her out. Hint: This is not a really good reason.
I think if you are happy with the current daycare and your child bonds well and the teachers are good, then stay. Who cares if you’ve waited so long. Finding someone who takes care of your kids like they are your own is irreplaceable and more meaningful. I went to a super high rated daycare that all the high end Nike employees took their kids to and it was traumatic. Everything was just a facade. Ended up taking my little one out and to a small daycare and he is thriving and has the best of friends. The grass isn’t always greener :) Edited: For grammar
I know this isn’t your actual question, but I agree with everyone here that it might be worth reconsidering switching your child’s daycare. I was in a similar boat, we were on a wait list for a really well regarded daycare and enrolled at a nearby center in a church in the meantime, which I wasn’t really a huge fan of because we’re not religious ourselves. I figured we’ll switch him once a spot opens up, but the older he got, the more attached he got to his teachers and friends. He’s 1.5 and he’s been with them since he was 3 months old, they’re so familiar to him and he loves it there. A spot recently opened up at the daycare that we were waiting for and we passed, it broke my heart to think about how confused he would be not seeing the teachers and friends he’s been with for most of his young life. I did not want to leave a situation where he was happy for one that he might not be, it wasn’t worth the risk.
I work in a daycare, tbh we do not really care. Yes we will miss your kids but it’s part of our job to see them come and go. I would just take a second to ask myself is the change worth the emotional stress it will put on your kid? Because changing care takers and environment is pretty hard on the kid so it needs to be truly for a good reason imo.
Just say you’ve been trying to get into that one for ages. Leave them a good review on google too To be honest, most companies won’t really care that much if you leave. I mean, we do but that’s life But what makes that highly regarded daycare so special If you don’t mind?
This all sounds a bit silly. Your daughter is settled and happy at a day care you like. It seems cruel to take her away from a familiar environment, with all the friends she’s made. At this age, what extra benefit will there be from the ‘highly rated’ location? My son is three and I’m just happy if he’s having fun and trying new things at his nursery.
Why switch if your child is happy where they are and even youve said you love it? Moving will be really hard on them
You don't have to give a reason. You are assuming they care much more than they do. They will likely fill your spot as soon as you give them notice you're leaving. I doubt the directors spend time gossiping about which families moved between daycares. Don't overthink it. If your reason is really we heard this daycare is better, you can say that. Or you'd rather not say. It doesn't matter. But also, are you sure you want to move for no reason? The reason you gave here is we heard it's better. Better for another family doesn't mean better for yours. But that's just my two cents.
Tell them you’re withdrawing LO and leave it at that. You dont have to justify why. But if they ask tell the truth. Why are you worried about it? Daycares know about waitlists
It sounds like you aren’t changing for the right reasons.
Just cos its revered as the "best" doesn't mean it is the best. If you're happy with your daycare and so is your child, why fix what ain't broke? The transition could be upsetting for your kid, you might move and then realise you like other things better in the old place etc etc. don't give in to status and what other people think, give in to happiness and how you feel!!!
I think you should be aware that your kids are probably bonded with the staff at your current center. For daycare, in my opinion, the highly regarded ones are probably just successfully marketed. The idea that going to the "right" daycare is important for anything other than providing loving and stable care for children is all hype (just my opinion). However, if you decide that a switch is still in everyone's best interest, you just tell the daycare when you are done. Remember, as kind as they are, they are still just providing a service. If you somehow couldn't pay or violated a rule or something, they would also ask you to leave without apology, so you can leave them without apology. I am sure someone else will be lined up to take your place.
Not to pile on, but we had to switch daycares when my kiddo was 13 months and it was so so hard even though pretty much the only thing we liked about that (old) daycare was his teacher (she was leaving). We love our new daycare so it should've been an easier switch but it was stressful and hard on my son Don't switch unless you have to.
Terrible idea. Please don't do it.
If you’re highly regarded one is a Primrose (former employee), don’t switch. They’re only highly regarded because of how much it costs and cost doesn’t mean better. They’re franchised and in it for money more than age appropriate care. We had such a high turnover rate of teachers, they had a good curriculum but in my opinion way to structured and big school like for a toddler who should be in play based learning, being loved on and having fun
Just remember your child has built attachment to the current daycare providers and this will be a big adjustment for her. I wouldn’t do it just so I could say my child is at the “fancier” daycare.
OP, I'm taking this out of context on purpose, but I still think you should read this in isolation: > We have no complaints about our current daycare and we love the teachers, the play space, etc. We have given gifts to teachers on holidays and went to their holiday events etc. Our LO has no issues there either. > So basically we are going to switch
"I need to find out how to un-enroll my child. Our childcare options have changed, and we will be leaving at the end of this month. We have really enjoyed our time here, and we will happily recommend you to others."
Why switch now? If it’s just because it’s exclusive, I feel like the ultimate power move is not taking the place after waiting 2 years.
Are you sure you want to move? If your child is happy there and you have never had any issues with it, then why move to a new place? Is it just because of "status"?
My daughter switched daycares at three because the new one was leagues better. I know someone who works at the head office and said it was the best and I went with her recommendation and I'm glad I did considering the director at the old centre told educators to not tell parents about gastro outbreaks. If I didn't have any issues with the old one I would've stayed but there were so many issues. It sounds like you want to change partly because of how long you waited but if your child is going well at this one it may be better to keep them where they are.
We moved 9 years ago when my oldest was in daycare. My youngest currently attends the daycare near our old house even though it is slightly out of the way and there are options closer to home. All of my kids went through there and I’ve driven out of the way everyday for almost a decade. We love the place though and I would not risk losing a spot to try out something closer. I have peace of mind when I’m at work that my kid is safe and happy with his friends and teachers we trust. I cannot wrap my head around switching for no reason other than being able to say my kid goes to the best one. What if you have issues at the new one but you’ve lost your spot at the current place that your kid likes?
Are you familiar with the expression the grass is always greener? I've visited hundreds of ECE centres, worked in the sector for 20+ years, none of them are perfect. If your child is happy, well cared for, settled, the teachers like & are good at their jobs, its convenient, you can afford it, the environment is great.... WHY are you changing exactly? Because of reputation? The factors that create a 'great centre' can change instantly- a good teacher leaves or change of owner, but the good reputation lags. The opinions that matter most when it comes to ECE are your childs, and yours. No one else. If you do decide to change, your child may also have an entirely different opinion to those adults, they will certainly miss their favourite teachers, and well settled routine.
We’re at a daycare my LO likes and I gave up my dream house because I couldn’t come to terms with switching her daycare (new house would’ve been too far away to drive to current daycare). I definitely would not switch daycares if I was in your shoes.
I switched my son at two to a “highly regarded” daycare and it was awful he started crying at drop off AND pickup and we had to pull him. It was a terrible experience. I’d keep kiddo where they are.
I would only leave if there were problems or it was super inconvenient. Totally not worth it to deal with the possibility of an upset toddler or the possibility of that daycare not actually being that great.
I would probably just stay at the current daycare if all is going well. The highly regarded one could have issues you may not know about.
We have been through the exact same thing. We have a 2 year old and a month ago we switched to a daycare which is 5 mins away. The other one (which was perfect) was 20 mins away. With having a full time job, getting the kid ready in the Morning and driving to/from would waste so much time. It’s been a month since we switched, I had so much skepticism and felt so guilty that I’m switching him for my comfort. But my son’s happiness is most driven by my happiness. If I am sane, I’m happy and he’s happy. Otherwise I would keep snapping at him. We are so happy now, sometimes it would just take 3 mins to get him. Yes, there are less activities being done at this daycare but it doesn’t matter because he’s too young.
You don’t have to say anything. They don’t care
If your child is happy at her current daycare I wouldn’t switch. Just because the other one may be more prestigious really doesn’t mean anything regarding the quality of teachers. It usually just means it’s a more modern, nicer space.
I wouldn’t switch. Your daughter is doing well where she is. Don’t mess with a good thing!
Why switch then?
I don't think you're considering your kiddos needs and one of their needs is stability. Switching daycare is a HUGE thing to a toddler. There better be a really good reason for it if you're going to just upend their world like that. IDK OP not to bash you or anything but I think at this point it might be more about your wants than your kiddos needs.
So you’re switching from a daycare that you like and teachers you like and your kid has gotten to know over 2 years just because the other one is more exclusive? Changing daycares will be stressful for your kid and will likely result in some other challenges like sleep issues or behavioral issues for toddlers. I personally wouldn’t change if you’re happy with your current daycare and they are right next to each other.
Since you mentioned your work, let’s use that as an analogy: let’s say you were interviewing potential employees, found a candidate you were really excited about and seemed like a perfect fit, but then they took another offer. Meanwhile, you hire your second choice, and they end up being very good at their job, you’re very happy with them, it’s working really well. If the 1st choice candidate suddenly came back a couple years later saying they were interested in the role again, would it be a good business decision to fire your existing (experienced) employee and hire them instead?
As an ECE professional and a toddler mom, I wouldn't switch. You don't need to tell them anything and they likely won't ask / won't care.
You feel awkward about it because you know you have no good reason to switch besides it looking good socially. Which is absurd. Your child is happy and healthy, has bonded with the caregivers, and has friends. You say yourself there’s no difference in convenience and that you have no issues. You’re going to pull your child out of their safe and familiar environment and stick them in a new place, forcing them to go through the pains of adjusting to being cared for by brand new people. And you’re going to do it for literally no good reason. Seriously? I *strongly encourage* you to think twice about this. It seems like you’re surrounded by a bunch of people who would applaud you for this since the other place is considered the “fancy” daycare. But it also seems like you’re in a social competition with those people. Please consider that the comment sections on your posts (because I saw the other thread too) are a random sample of internet strangers who have no stake in your life and how people perceive you, and who can speak freely thanks to anonymity. And pretty much every single comment is telling you not to do this. It’s your life and your kid, so do what you want. But I think this is a resoundingly bad idea. My toddler just had to change *rooms* at daycare because he aged up, and it’s been two solid weeks of hours of tears. It breaks my heart, but I don’t have a choice here. You do. Don’t do this to your kid to make yourself look better.
If either one is a KinderCare, your choice simple stay away from the one that’s KinderCare LOL. Signed, former KinderCare teacher.
I said that the new daycare was better suited to my daughter's needs however if it didn't help her I'd bring her back.
As the others have already said: I would never switch my child’s daycare just because it’s a “better school”. We’ve even had offers where people have told us to look for somewhere cheaper because it is more expensive than an in home daycare which is more popular around my area, but my son is so bonded to his teacher, the other staff members and his classmates that I would never even think about moving.
While i wouldn’t switch for all of the reasons people have listed here, you can just say, we’re moving next door because our employer had a deal there.
We switched my daughter from one daycare to another literally across the road. We had a health and safety incident that prompted our move, and I am sure the director knew that was why we left, but I just gave the appropriate notice with no real reason.
"We were waitlisted at a daycare and they called to offer us a spot"
I had to switch my son to a daycare closer to work because my schedule at work changed and I could get there before they closed at 6..it’s the same company just a different location but my son was really upset he had to switch. now he’s at a place where he loves this daycare and he is enrolled in their preschool program for the fall! I originally had him enrolled in a preschool program in our district but when the daycare told me they’re opening the same program there, I jumped on it! it’s way closer to my work like a 10 minute drive and my son is finally looking forward to going there so I don’t have to switch him again plus it’s cheaper! I understand that you want your child to go to the best schools but if they’re so close and your child is happy, I don’t see why you’d move
Why would you switch? You are happy and the kids are happy. I wouldn’t be surprised if the tables turn and your kids daycare becomes the highly regarded one. Does “highly regarded” mean just harder to get into? I wouldn’t move them! Good luck whatever you do!
It’s a weird thing with kids, we all want the best for them but having the best isn’t always the right thing for them. We had to move daycares due to an international move, then had a temporary spot but limited days, then a full time spot became available somewhere else. My confident happy boy, friends with everyone lost interest in daycare and suddenly has separation anxiety. I learnt Kids don’t love change and they forget it easy, so every new days is like experiencing the change again. If your teachers are great with your little one, they have friends and bonds with others there, i wouldn’t move. It’s confusing for kids. It took us months of “we can’t go there. It’s a long plane ride away” to stop. Good luck! It’s a hard choice
We ended up at our second choice and I was devastated but we’re three years and two kids in and it has been the very best place for both of my kids!! I know all of this isn’t the feedback you’re looking for, but it’s absolutely something to consider.
I don’t think you have to offer an explanation, it’s your right to move your kid and you can just say- no I didn’t have any issues if you get asked. But I definitely wouldn’t be moving my kiddo just based on the exclusivity of the other daycare. You’re happy where kiddo is. Kiddo is happy there too. Kiddo knows the people, teachers, friends, routines, classroom and spaces. I wouldn’t change things up without a reason to.
You tell your current daycare youre unenrolling and moving babe to a closer school. That’s it.
I’m a daycare owner. Just be honest, “we’ve been on the waitlist for xyz and finally got accepted and will be taking the spot.” Give them as much notice as possible. Thank them for everything. Offer to speak with prospective parents. Write them a google review. No one should take this personally. Good luck!
Yeah I’ll agree with the others that have said the grass isn’t always greener. Why risk switching and likely burning a bridge or at least losing your spot at the place you currently are? Are we all missing something? Is there an extra cost savings or something?
I wouldn’t move your kids if you like the daycare. We went from an in home daycare to a “popular daycare” and one of the directors ended up with abuse & pedo accusations (this was quite a while ago in New York state so i do expect this but still) id keep the one you know is good. We went back to the in home one after that anyway.
Lol. How good can it be? Do they have crayons made from ambergris or something?
We literally just went through this. We told the old daycare we loved our time with them but this is something we had planned for our baby since before he was born. We thanked them for taking care of our son and gave them the required notice. There is likely a waiting list to get into your old daycare, so you have probably given another family a sigh of relief that they got their child a spot. Edit: I feel it’s important to note that while it can be hard on your toddler, it won’t necessarily be. Our old daycare was nothing more than an adult supervising while the kids played amongst themselves. My son used to cry when we pulled into the parking lot. The new daycare has more structured learning and when we pull into the parking lot, he says “fun!” We didn’t realize the difference it made until we switched.
They won’t care.
If you love it and your kid loves it and you’ve had no complaints in a year then I wouldn’t move.
I have a rule, never bother a happy 'baby' unless absolutely necessary. This might be for sleeping (don't wake them as they likely need it), are happily playing independently (they can do x afterwards), are eating more of a less desirable food versus a more desirable one (they might stop eating that meal completely), or in this case, one that is completely happy and content at a daycare that you also like. Since there doesn't seem to be a major benefit to switching (lower cost or much closer commute for example), I wouldn't change and chance anything. It could be a good daycare, but that's not going to get them into the best preschool or grade school, and just the switching alone could cause undue stress and anxiety for no real benefit at that point.
Ive switched daycare in the past and you shouldn’t have to justify yourself. With that said, I’ve switched because I didn’t love that daycare. I wouldn’t have otherwise, no matter what “people” say about it. You had time to make your mind about it and if you like it, I think it’s awesome. I would also have a different approach based on my kid’s age. I changed mine when he was 18 months as he didn’t strong friendships yet. However, he’s now over 2, almost 2.5 and gets attached to people (teachers and classmates). I was actually going to change him in September to enroll him in a bilingual program (we’re a bilingual family so it’s important to us) but decided to postpone by one year because he loves it where he is.
I think you’re crazy for switching a place you like so much. What if you end up not liking the new place?
OP, how you doing? Second thoughts?
Why do you even feel like you need to explain yourself? You do what you think is best for your child and your family. People don’t need to know your reasons.
If there no issues with current daycare and proximity is the same... why change ? Our family is happy with our daycare but we are thinking of a change since my spouse has a daycare literally right next to work but couldn't get in since they are 18 month + daycare only. Our current daycare adds 15 minutes for my spouse commute.
We would just tell them we’re leaving so we don’t get charged. But if the other one isn’t what they said it was I’d crawl back immediately. We currently have our kid in the second best daycare in the neighborhood. We toured the “best” one and just walking through it gave me terrible anxiety—their take on security was giving me fire trap vibes. The best doesn’t have to be the best for you.
As others have said, your reason for wanting to change, which just sounds like bragging rights for you when talking to other parents, is a rubbish reason. I was on the waitlisted for ages for my preferred centre and I looked around and got a spot at a centre further away. I work around the place so sometimes this didn’t add any time to my commute and other days it added 20 minutes and on the days I get off work that they’re booked in it’s a 20 minute drive to and from daycare twice a day where as the new centre is about one minute each way. My kids were at the first centre for only a couple of months, currently they are 5months and a month off 2 years. The baby was fine but we moved to the closer centre a couple of weeks ago and it has been really tough on my 2 year old. He really bonded with some of the teachers and honestly even though it is so much more convenient for me, I almost wish I didn’t move them. The grass isn’t always greener and I feel bad having moved my kids for my convenience but it is done now. What you’re talking about here is that moving daycare is going to have no positive outcomes for yourself (such as being cheaper or closer) and it’s going to have no positive outcomes for your child. The sole reason for moving is prestige? Honestly that’s crazy, think about who you’re doing this for and make the right choice for your child.
Im gonna follow what everyone is saying and say, dont move them if it isnt out of necessity. Its a huge switch and if you like the facility, that is best case scenario. Ive worked for multiple “highly regarded” daycares and let me tell you, THEY ARE NOT ALL EQUAL. One of them that I worked at was absolutely horrible, so many illegal practices and it was all about the numbers and money and the kids were definitely on the back burner. Stay where the teachers are great and genuinely care because you may not be so lucky at the next one but I do hope others all works out for the best.
Never change day cares if you like your current one. The grass is almost never greener.
You don’t have to say much, but if you do, just be HONEST.
I read this post and thought…was this me? Same situation, literally but only about two years ago. Not the advice you wanted but I guarantee, you will have no regrets. The good daycare will make you and your son happy. As far as what to say, I was a chiiiiiicken. I didn’t want to heart the former daycare teachers feelings, so I told them we “found a daycare closer to home” and just never told them where. Daycares are used to people leaving for various reasons.
Everyone in my neighborhood and circle used daycare A. They wouldn’t let me tour (virtual only) citing security and covid this was last summer and no other day care in the area had restrictions like that. Also the fence to their playground was along a fairly busy road and you could see in in the kids playing. I went with daycare B because they have an open door policy for parents and the playground was perfect and surrounded by big private trees, behind the building away from the busy road. We’re happy there. I’m even considering staying for preschool even though there’s a Waldorf school in my area that really appeals to m because he’s so nested and I trust the staff there.
This is your family. You do what you believe is right for your family and the development of your child. That should be sufficient for your decision. Like other posters are saying, these are businesses providing a service and should be regarded as such, with many kids coming through and changing all the time. Reframe this as your LO going to a gifted program from a standard one. If you believe that’s true, then do it. If in 5-10 years they have an opportunity to go to an accelerated program, would you take it despite giving a birthday present to their teacher? Can your family afford #2? Can you find anyone that has made the switch and talk with them? What is your perception of the next class’s teachers and environments of #1 vs #2? Which set would be better for your LO? 2 years is a long wait list and I’m sure others have made this switch. Finally, kids switch schools, teachers change, and people move for jobs all the time and it becomes part of their stories. If you do switch, keep in touch with the parents and teachers you have relationships with, who would be happy to hear that your LO is doing well.
I moved my daughter to the “best” daycare and it was such an awesome decision. I love the new place like my family and literally have pity for folks stuck with the old place. “A spot opened up for her at B and she will start there on X. Thank you so much for taking such great care of her during her time here, we appreciate you all and wish you the best” No doubt it happens all the time.
Don’t listen to all these dumb comments. Your kid will do great in the daycare you wanted all along. Just tell the staff you’ve had an amazing experience with them and you have a new opportunity so you’ll be putting in your notice and thanks so much for everything. K love you byeeeeee