Hey Erin, it is hard isn't it? We're from the country too so I understand about not much choice. FWIW when we moved here there are a few centres but only 2 not run by ABC. I don't actually like the philospohis of ABC nor how they seemed to be with 'outsiders' as we were looking for a centre - dunno maybe it's the corporate thing Luckily for us there was a family run centre that we love.
I'm not sure if it's because I'm friendly and chatty or if it's becasue I take an interest in what they do, but all the girls in all the rooms know me and say hello (Heck I even get invited to their staff sendoff lol). I like that. I like that they want to know how we're going. They even sent me flowers when I thought we were going to deliver Nate at 24weeks.
I like that they are happy to comfort upset children. There are always going to be upset ones at the start of the day, but every time there are tears, someone is comforting that child. They cuddle them, nurse them when they are sad or dont feel well. Yep to some that might be a bit iffy, but heck I'm a copper and it doesn't worry me. I'm glad they are similar techniques to ours.
We had an issue with dirt, but they have just recently rectified that with that soft stuff like tennis court stuff. Like Amy, I'm sure we bring home half the sandpit every day but it is a huge sandpit and Darcy loves it.
They have lots of different dressup and theme days which the kids love and the girls all get into.
There are a few bullies and my sensitive little girl has been hurt more than a few times, but we're teaching her to tell a bully that it's not ok to do that to her, or that she doesn't like them doing that to her. Seems to be working.
Gotta go screaming kid HTH