Preschool-pls help (Austin, Matador: daycares, house, costs)

[abjimi]

I have heard a great deal about the child development center at Circle C. I have heard very little about Bannockburn Preschool at Bannockburn Baptist Church on Brodie. I need to make a choice! Can anyone help?

[abjimi]

I have a slot for both. How did I get so lucky? I am (was) a teacher, now staying home with the kids, but the 4-year old needs the structure of preschool, not so much for the academics but for the social and motor skills. Could you be more specific about what you've heard? I have to decide by Thursday. Circle C looks like it has a lot more going on. On the other hand, the Bannockburn classes for preschoolers are not in session now and won't be until the end of the month, so it's hard to tell. Thanks for your response!

[abjimi]

I'll be only half a mile from the Circle C CDC, but I chose Bannockburn instead. Although I found the staff at the CDC to be polite enough, all the other comments that Matador shared really matched what I was thinking. No doubt both places are great, but we have to match the needs of our kids, and I think my kid would do better at Bannockburn (at least I hope so now that I've committed).

I sure appreciate your feedback.

[CCDad]

My child has been at Child's day (Mopaq and 2244) Child's Day Home Page. This is the best Childcare in Austin outside of the UT's childcare. Child’s day also has a Kindergarten.

Child’s day requires much more training than other centers. It costs more but well worth it. Also, the parents are very involved. I am stressed out about my child leaving Child’s Day to enter first grade at Kiker or (TBD private school) after Child’s day Kindergarten.

Child’s Day is under new management this year but the new owners seem very intelligent and dedicated. Most childcare centers focus on "flash” they try to hook you with a cool looking facility rather than having the best program. Talk to them about teaching philosophy, their program structure, conflict management, social interaction, development, ect.

If you can get your infant into Child’s Day, you will learn from some EXCELLENT teachers how to actually do what is best for your infant. Yes some of their teachers know way more they you do. So both child and parent can learn. If you tour do not be mislead by the building. It is very choppy and older; however, ask yourself how the staff can run such an excellent child care facility in which the logistic issues. It requires a lot of organization, which is just what kids need.

If you can's do UT's childcare, do Child’s Day.

Looked at the CC daycare and others childcare centers, not even in the same league.

Yes, I do drive from Cirlce C to Child's Day. Some people even drive much much farther (e.g. from Lake Travis).

[sgoldfish]

I have a question, w're moving down South possible at Mopac & Slaughter, does anyone know of any good daycares that don't have a 6 month waiting list and is convenient to that area? We sold our house in South Austin so we're having to find something quickly...

[Trainwreck20]

They generally have 6 month to a year waits, so you will have to call to see who might have an opening. There are a couple of threads on this exact area and daycares, so they might help.

[atlanta hope]

I talked to Bright Horizons a few weeks ago for my toddler daughter and they said she could get in, in June. You should just call around and see...