Rios De Forbes Mayra (Babies N Tots Daycare)

Love it. My daughter started at "Babies and Tots" at 9 or 10 months, and left this November for the only reason being that for a while she was the oldest child there and could use a company of peers (or so we thought). Now my son has taken her place.
We were originally choosing between Bright Horizons, SELC, World's kids and Babies and Tots.
At SELC we were told that if we don't start bringing a 6-weeks-old to them full-time 5 days a week, she will never be ready for school.
Bright Horizons seemed great but way too expensive.
World's Kids send their waitlists to virtual shredder.
Babies and Tots charge an average a hundred dollars less per month than competitors for the corresponding age category (they are not cheap, they are just a bit less expensive), but I see very clearly, where my money go.
All of the equipment is well maintained, clean, new toys are purchased regularly as well as bouncers, rocking chairs, toy houses, walkers, changing tables, toy kitchenettes etc.
My daughter hardly ate at home and it was a consolation to me that at least she would eat at daycare. And we are talking actual hot, home cooked meals rather than lunchables. Mayra takes pride in being cooking savy.
Kids are always clean, their hair is done, they wipe their noses. You'd think, that it's a given, but now that I pick my daughter up from SELC kids there look like they have fallen off a garbage truck.
Academically they end up being ready for school (if they apply themselves and parents also spend some time coloring with them or doing something somewhat educational), even though "Babies and Tots" does not position themselves as an early education center.
They are potty-trained, which in my opinion is amazing.
Mayra has a great balance between care and strictness. The kind of attitude like "I am not going to ignore you, but you are not the only person in the room", which I think helps raising grounded individuals.
She follows all of the licensing requirements religiously, with obtaining regular continuing educational credits and demanding that from her employees as well.
What I would note as not even a downside, but more of something to keep in mind is that know that you are dealing with a person who has been in that business for a very long time, has raised children and grandchildren of her own, and has a no-nonsense attitude. You won't be able to change her ways, you either accept them or you don't. Sometimes Mayra may say things that may seem like she thinks you are stupid. I am a geriatric parent, and an adult. I let it slide, because I don't need childcare provider to be my friend, I don't need their approval, I need them to take care of my children, to keep them safe, clean, well fed, preferably at least somewhat happy, and that Mayra provides better than anybody else around.
Oh, and there usually is at least a 2-week Christmas break and some days off around most Holidays. Just plan accordingly.