Day Care in Dallas Area? (Plano, Garland: homes, neighborhoods, good schools)

[tchrmom]

I'm a mom who, upon getting a job, will now need to put my daughters (2yrs. and 1yr. old) into day care/christian school during the day. Please advise if there are places to avoid, or if you know of a great care facility. I'm open to all types of options: in-home care, day care facility, or christian school. Thanks! BTW: I'm picky! And very nervous about this process, so any advice would be great.

[momof2dfw]

Where in the Dallas area will you be?

[tchrmom]

North Dallas: Looking at Plano, Carrollton, Lewisville, Frisco.

[tchrmom]

Also, your opinion on Plano? I have noticed some great homes in Plano with decent price tags (under $300K). Are there more desireable vs. less desireable areas in Plano? Places to avoid? Thanks for the input! How's Richardson? I don't know much about that area, but would like to check it out.

[misscristie]

I don't live in Plano, but I work with folks who live there and they swear by it. However, I have heard from other folks that West Plano schools are FULL of stuck up, materialistic, BMW driving brats. There is no way I'd want my daughter growing up with kids like that.

East Plano is older and not as nice with a large hispanic community.

Plano is really great if you're looking to go out to a restaurant or go shopping, but I wouldn't live there. We live in Sachse, so we're only a few minutes away from everything, but it still has a nice small town feel.

[bktx1]

Plano is very materialistic and plastic. A God-awlful place if you have any values other than rampant materialism. Check out Richardson, especially northwest and far North Richardson.

[GoPadge]

Originally Posted by bktx1

Plano is very materialistic and plastic. A God-awlful place if you have any values other than rampant materialism. Check out Richardson, especially northwest and far North Richardson.

I disagree with that. Plano is a city, nothing more, nothing less. Yes, Plano is home to some, (you may argue many,) materialistic and "plastic" people. But that description does not describe everyone here, nor is that description any different from what could be use to describe people of any other city in the world.

I am not sure why you choose to characterize all roughly 250,000 of the inhabitants as such, perhaps you have had some interaction with the wrong people, or in the wrong neighborhoods. The people in my neighborhood, and all that I have met, have been nothing less than friendly and inviting.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by tchrmom

North Dallas: Looking at Plano, Carrollton, Lewisville, Frisco.

Prince of Peace Luthern is one, Prestonwood Baptist may have a program as they do have a full school. Those are the only two I can think of right now. Prince of Peace has been around for YEARS and always comes highly recommended.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by misscristie

I don't live in Plano, but I work with folks who live there and they swear by it. However, I have heard from other folks that West Plano schools are FULL of stuck up, materialistic, BMW driving brats. There is no way I'd want my daughter growing up with kids like that.

East Plano is older and not as nice with a large hispanic community.

Plano is really great if you're looking to go out to a restaurant or go shopping, but I wouldn't live there. We live in Sachse, so we're only a few minutes away from everything, but it still has a nice small town feel.

Actually FAR east Plano is NOT a "large hispanic community". The central area of Plano actually has a higher percentage of hispanics than the far east part of west Plano. Far East Plano is mostly fairly new communities and some very good schools. More "rolling hills" and trees in east Plano than you will find in Central or West Plano.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by tchrmom

Also, your opinion on Plano? I have noticed some great homes in Plano with decent price tags (under $300K). Are there more desireable vs. less desireable areas in Plano? Places to avoid? Thanks for the input! How's Richardson? I don't know much about that area, but would like to check it out.

Personally, I prefer Richardson. As for Plano and parts to avoid: central Plano, basically right around 75-Central Expwy. If I HAD to live IN Plano I would prefer the eastern side out near Murphy & Richardson. FYI, Richardson is just about built out. There is only one parcel of land left basically to be developed in Richardson for single family homes and it is near Breckinridge Park on the East side.

Richardson:
Breckinridge Park area. Newer area of Richardson. Out on Renner past 190. Some areas are Plano schools, some Richardson.

SpringPark. Bounded by 190 on the East, Renner on the North, Jupiter on the West and Campbell on the South. Older homes to newer homes. Greenbelts, walking trails, parks, private lakes, etc. Very involved community w/ a private rec club w/ a pool and tennis courts. Lots of large trees in the area. Actually it is in the Garland city limits but Richardson schools.

Sherrill Park. Across Jupiter from SpringPark. Golf course, parks, walking trails, trees, etc. Easy access to 190 and 75.

Canyon Creek. Located west of 75-Central, south of 190. Golf course, parks, creeks, etc. Older homes w/ lots of charm. Plano schools. Very close to UTD.

Richardson Heights. Older area of Richardson that is west of 75-Central around Belt Line.