What Would You Do? - Los Angeles,CA

I would change him. The most important thing is that he will be familiar with her, and there will be kids there that he knows. If that is the best place for him then you move him. I bet you he will transition easier than you think he will. As long as you do not make a big deal (in a negative way) about it, then he won't. You need to approach it with excitement, and tell him who of his friends will be there, and Mrs. So&So....etc.....You could even take him to visit for a bit so that he will be a little bit familiar with it before he starts attending. I personally would go with the director, if she is as great as you say she is, she has left for a good reason, and she may not be at liberty to say what that reason is......

Change to the newer daycare- kids are adaptable and if it's truly "better" and the director is better, then your child will have a better experience!

Kids adapt so much better than we expect them to, trust me. He will be absolutely fine if you decide to move!

I'd move him. Plus there'll already be kids and staff there he recognizes, right?

:)

If your only worry is about your son's transition --move him! He will adapt quickly. My son started a new daycare when he was a bit over 2. He was very excited at first, all new toys and friends. Then there were a few days he was not very happy at drop off but he got used to it in a week or so.

I'd move. He'll adjust and you want him to be somewhere that YOU feel comfortable leaving him. Plus, he's got friends there already (the ones that have moved already) and will likely have more if other parents move their children too. Kids are resilient. There will be an adjustment period, but he'll be fine.

move him! once he sees his teacher he will feel safe and happy :)

You have posted a few daycare related questions as of late..safety issues on the playground for one, if memory serves? I feel YOU need a change, even if he doesn't, just from what I got from those postings. If you yourself have a broader sense of security and comfort over the new surroundings, and with the person "in charge" (the director you already have built a working business relationship with), you are going to feel so much better leaving your son in the hands of those in this facility.

At 2 years old, they are so adaptable...way more than we adults are, that is for certain! I would expect a short adjustment period, but my guess is it will go pretty smooth and if you feel good about it, that will translate to him feeling GREAT about it as well.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

A child will adapt.

This is only the beginning.
And then there is Preschool, then elementary school.
All of which a child will need to adapt to.... too.

Your child will see familiar faces there.

+'s
- At only 2, he can adjust easily to a new day care.
- New director and all other pluses you listed.

-'s
- Just because the director is wonderful doesn't mean each teacher will be or that you will like each class that much more. The director is not in the classroom most of the day with your child. So, feel out the teachers a little more at this new place.

Some questions:
- If it were not for this director change, would you consider moving? In other words, all these new things at the new place, were they an "issue" with your current facility (security, large classrooms,etc).
- What is the difference in price?
- Do they have availability for you now at the new facility?
- Location? Longer drive, etc?

Overall, if you are mostly worried about adjustment, I truly think your son will be just fine. At 2, they are so adaptable. It would probably take no more than a few days for him to adjust, but you know him best. Good luck in your decision! I'd have to say, given the facts you presented, I would probably go to the new place!

I was suprised to see people say how adaptable 2 yos are, I actually think that they need routine more at that age than others, because they are testing boundaries and starting to be independent but they need to know they are safe and in familiar territory when they come back from exploring. BUT you know your child's tempement better than i.

One thing to consider, is when he would naturally be transitioning if he stayed in the daycare he is at. For instance if he just turned 2 he's already had one transition from the infant room to the toddler room. Or if he has been 2 for a while and would naturally be moving on to a three year old room in a few months then go ahead and tranfer to the new school now. I"m not saying that well, i hope you know what i mean, and im assuming your son has moved from different "rooms" by age.

another thing would be if a third of his friends have gone then the dynamics will have changed alot and it won't actually be the same place he has always known.

I would maybe be a bit cautious and give it a month to see what happens. bottom line i'm sure he'll be fine no matter what you do.