Two different "preschools" so confused

I am torn 50/50 and must make a final decision by tomorrow before the schools open to the public. Here are my two choices:

Option 1: A church program called "Little Lambs". We are currently in this program and ejoy it. However, I "mom" must take turns with the other moms teaching the class. It is a mother's co-op preschool and therefore it is free. B/c I have twins, I must teach 2 of the 4 weeks each month. Next year they will only have 1 class and it will be for children that will be 2 or 3 by Sept. 1st 2010. My boys will be 3...but turning 4 that November. Therefore they will be much older than some who will be "new 2's". I have found a mom who will teach/aide for me, for $50 a day ($200 a month if she did all 4 days for me). My concern is the age of the other kids, the fact that I will have to continously prepare lessons for the other mom to teach (assuming I pay her), or even teach a day here and there. The pros: a good friend of mine works in the schools office, we have done this before, it is safe, and only 7 minutes from my home. The program is from 9-12, 2 days a week.

Option 2: A church program called "mother's day out". This is run like a preschool. We currently go to church there. They would be in one of the 2 classes for 3 year olds. So they would be with kids exactly there age. This is not a mother's co-op, so they will get used to having just 1 teacher. I feel it is safe, however... it is a 25 minute drive from our house. This program is 1 hour longer than the other (9-1) and the kids will pack a lunch. The cost is $110 per child, so $220 a month for both. I will never be responsible for teaching, preparing lessons or finding subs if my "mom filling in" is sick. The "cost" of the program is a little of a concern, b/c I would not have the option of teaching to save money as well as the drive time... However, I like the fact that they will be with other kids exactly their age.


** Other info: I need the extra time b/c I have a home-based business. Money is tight, but if I can increase business, it would more than pay for their school.

Please cast your vote... option 1 or 2 and help me to decide!!

 

I vote for option 2.

My main reason is because I don't care for co-ops. I don't want a different parent/teacher every week and I want the teachers to know my kids. I also wouldn't want to help out or pay someone to do it. If I felt I could teach a pre-school for a week then I wouldn't put them in one, kwim? But that's just me. GL in your decision!

 

I agree.. option 2 would be better suited.

I agree with Brigette.. if I was teaching preschool, I probably wouldn't have them in an 'outside' program. I'd do it myself.

 

Yeah, I think I'd go with Option 2 if you can afford it. It would be nice to have them with kids their own age. And I think Option 1 would be a lot of work for you if you have to teach half the time and/or prepare a lesson for your helper.

 

I also vote for #2. It seems like it overall meets your needs better with trying to increase your business, have them with children their own age, etc. Option #1 is a lot more time consuming especially because you have 2 children. I'm sure they are both great, but if I had to pick right now I'd go with #2.

shannon

 

Thanks for responding all! It looks like option 2 is the way to go. I just saw that I posted this in "second year" rather than 2-4. Just goes to show when I'm trying to type fast with screaming kids tugging at my legs... I can easily click on the wrong age group! Sorry!

 

yeah, I think I'd go with option 2 as well even with the further drive. It's about the same amount of $ you'd spend to have someone help you with the teaching and they'll have a consistent teacher with same age peers.

 

I would pick option 2 as well. :good:

 

Definitely option 2.

 

Same as others option 2

 

#2!

It would only cost you $20 more and would free up your time.

 

I say option 2 and that is really a good rate. I pay $185 a month for a program that is m-f 8:30-12. I have never heard a program like the first one, but that does sound interesting.

 

Definitely #2 if your wallet allows it.