Last year i asked the same question, and in the end I put DD in a mainstream childcare. When i went to visit the montessori centre near our house, i asked if their work was more play focused and she said "no, it was not based on play but learning"

When i went to visit their center, there was a sense of calm yes, but i felt that it was too regimented for me. Everything was in the right place, even the "messy" corner was not messy at all. All the pencils were aligned.

I must admit, there were some things i really liked about the center, how they focus on the practical skills, children being more self confident etc, but to me (and my opinion only) i wanted DD to enjoy her childhood and focus more on play.

Even now i am still two minds about it, ie should i let DD focus on play or more on academics (ie send her to montessori) but kids also learn from play.

I really do wish there was a center that was between what i felt was a regimented too structured montessori and mainstream play focused childcare center.