S.B.
I wouldn't say Creme de la Cremes are superior in education at all - they APPEAR to be, that's for sure. The centers have a Disneyland-like feel that is highly appealing. And their method of moving the children from class to class is pretty unique in the daycare industry, but if you get past the smoke and mirrors and analyze the curriculum, it's teaching kids pretty much the same thing that all other chain schools are teaching. They just "pretty it up." In a daycare, it's not just about the looks, the size, the activities - the "heart" of a daycare is the teachers. You can have a fantastic curriculum, but if the teachers don't teach well, then doesn't matter.
My personal opinion is Creme de la Cremes are nowhere near worth what they charge. And I prefer my son to bond with his regular teachers in his regular room. Being shuffled from class to class with different teachers (even knowing the "main" teacher stays with them) is not effective teaching at this age group - children under 5 learn better from trusted and consistent caregivers.
All that said, I do understand why you'd want to enroll. They're fantastic in presentation!! And truly, they MAY BE absolutely wonderful schools with the best teachers out there, but you just can't make that assumption based on what it looks like - you need to look past the paint and the pretty & see it for what it is - a childcare facility that you will pay to watch your son everyday, keep him safe and happy, and teach him age-appropriate subjects.
And on a last note, I'd inquire about the friends who will move with him to Kindergarten - a good portion of Creme de la Creme families send their children to private schools.