KinderCare vs. Brighton vs. Phoenix Schools, Folsom (Orange, Citrus Heights: daycares, preschool)

[nature boy]

We're narrowing down our choices for structured daycare for our nearly 2year old son. From the very few people we've talked to we've heard mostly good things about these places but wanted to know what your experiences have been.

Thank you.

[MamaToThree]

I don't know much about the big "chain" type of daycares, but honestly I have never heard anything good about them. I think the best thing that you can do is go and observe the classroom and the teachers. Then go back for a second visit with your child so that he/she can interact with the other children. See how the children behave. Are the teachers loving and attentive? Are they showing respect to the children? Are the children showing respect in return?

Honestly, I would also suggest going to look at a Montessori school. If you want to stay in Folsom, I have heard wonderful things about Sundance Montessori. Close to Folsom (in Orangevale) is Claire's Montessori which is top notch. Also, a new school that is opening on the Citrus Heights/Orangevale/Fair Oaks border is called Whispering Oaks Montessori Academy. But again, observe every school and go with your gut feeling.

Best of luck!

[calimama]

My kids went to the KinderCare in Granite Bay and I really loved it. It is expensive, but they did a lot of fun activities during the day and went outside a lot. I thought the teachers and all of the staff were really friendly and attentive to the children. I haven't heard great things about Phoenix Schools, but I am sure every center is differerent. I don't know anything about Brighton.

[CityGirl72]

How expensive is expensive (I'd expect GRanite Bay to be more)

We are in Seattle and paying $1650 per month - is it that bad?

[calimama]

Well, this was 2003, but I was paying about $475 a week for 2 kids. They do give you a discount on the second child which helps. I am sure it is more now.

[CityGirl72]

Okay - we can handle that our $1650 is for ONE kid.

If it's like $250 a week, that will seem like a bargain

[calimama]

Oh, yeah, you should be fine.

[skiinggurl693]

It is always so hard when you have to chose between daycares. I agree with what another person put about observing the teachers and classroom. I was torn between a smaller more private place and Kinder care but once i did the observation and spent some time at Kinder care i knew. I have been at kinder care for 2 years now and I am very happy most importantly i know my daughter is happy and learning a ton!

[Flyingrn007]

Phoenix school preschool and preK programs are amazing. Both my children have attended. Phoenix is more structured And I like that. I researched them all. I am a well educated woman who views childcare as an extension of my family. Phoenix on Clarksville Rd is Fantastic. The children even like the cook, James, who is a great guy who has been there for eight years.
Sandra runs Phoenix now and she knows all the kids. This is a good school and daycare. I promise your beloved babies will be great.

[mmcguire]

We used Phoenix Schools in Folsom about 10 years ago. It was fine, but nothing overly impressive.