Hollo - that's where my kids go. It really is a great kindy
Registered User
Hollo - that's where my kids go. It really is a great kindy
Life Subscriber
This really isn't an easy one hun. I think so much depends on the child. I think C&Ks are excellent for most kids - DS1 is at one this year - but I don't think that it suits all kids. The same with Montessori - it is a great system, and I love their values. And I think it is particularly good for the kids that don't fit in so well at a C&K. But there will be other kids who don't do so well there, or if they do, they might not do so well going back into a more mainstream education system when they start school. WIthout knowing your DD, I couldn't begin to advise you on which way you should go.
FWIW we drive for 10 mins to get to day care and kindy and it's quite manageable, but an easy walk would be better. My DS1 has some special needs, so for me, finding the place where he will fit in best is more important than convenience. However this is probably different for a child who would do well at either place (which would be most kids I think).
Sorry that's not very helpful.
BellyBelly Member
hey, bon if you can pull some strings and get my DD in that would be great! :-) LOL
Registered User
I would probably go for the C & K.
I'm not that keen on Montessori, really, despite having gone to a Montessori kindy myself. I'm all about freedom within play, and "true" Montessori doesn't really encourage that - each set activity has a set way to carry it out, and the child will be corrected by the teacher if they're not doing something "properly" I think that every child has enough chances in their life to be told they're doing something wrong, so why start early?
If they don't operate this way and it's not a "true" Montessori kinder, then they're using the name as a gimmick to attract a certain kind of parent. Which I also don't agree with. But some people, like my mum, love the Montessori method.
That's my $0.02
Registered User
LOL would love to but somehow I don't think I would have that much influence. But you never know your luck - you could put her on the waiting list anyway. Next year they are changing to a 5 day fortnight, and I have a feeling that some of the kids on the list will not be enrolling because of that (makes it hard for parents who are studying or working because you do either mon, tues or thurs, fri and alternate wednesdays).
BellyBelly Member
ooo, thanks for the tip bon. might pop in one day next week and put her on list. i'll say you recommended me ;-)
Registered User
The five day fortnight is INFURIATING - also for childcare centres in the surrounding area! We have to try and fill in their gaps. That is one thing I don't like about C & K - they don't seem to provide wholistic family support, or recognise individual family requirements.
On waiting lists... ALWAYS put your name down if there is no space! Easier to get your name off a waiting list down the track if you change your mind than it is to get it on!
Registered User
I know what you mean - we don't want to change to a five day fortnight but C&K are basically forcing us. It is supposed to make it fairer for all families as it means that everybody gets the same number of hours, instead of having a group of children do 3 days a week and a group that only does 2days a week. If we don't make the change, we basically won't be able to be affiliated to C&K anymore and that means our funding goes.
Life Subscriber
As a family with both parents working full time, we have found this year, with DS1 at C&K, pretty tough. There is the alternate Wednesdays, and the short days. They only go from 9 til 2:30. If I drop him off at 9, I don't get to work (by train) until nearly 10:15, and to pick him up I would have to leave at 1:15. Then there are school holidays, and the extra things - such as concerts for term break up that are at 1pm, and invariably on the day that my ILs pick him up. It really makes it hard for all of us. Their curriculm is great, but it is very hard on the family. We couldn't do it without lots of help from the PIL, and also my work being flexible - I work from home one day a week to make the drop off and pick up easier, and I also start late on kindy Wednesdays and make the time up.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks