Blue Skies for Children vs Child Education Center

Hi local parents! We’re lucky to have secured a spot at two great daycares for our son starting at 6 months, and we’d love your input if you’ve experienced either one.
 

Blue Skies for Children
 Offers meals/snacks, early intervention (speech therapist & psychologist on-site)
 Strong emphasis on developmental readiness and smooth transitions
 Parent skill-sharing welcomed (science, dance, carpentry, etc.)
 Dedicated chef & operations staff
 More expensive ($42K/year for 8:30 am - 4:30pm) & located in a slightly less safe area (occasional helicopter lockdowns)
 Charges vary by pickup/drop-off time
 

Child Education Center (CEC)
 Lower cost ($35K/year) & in a safer neighborhood
 Fixed hours 7:30am–6pm with flexible pickup/drop-off
 Monthly date-night option until 9:30pm for $45
 Field trips & summer outings for older kids
 Requires 4 hrs/month parent participation or $50 opt-out
 Noticed caregiver/infant ratio wasn’t met during our visit
 

Both programs go through kindergarten, have great outdoor space, music lessons, and use Brightwheel. We're a remote/hybrid household, so schedule flexibility is helpful but not essential.
 

Would love any feedback or experiences to help us decide! Thanks in advance!