Adding my two cents as a preschool teacher who worked in several Cambridge schools...
Only go with a non-profit. Bonus if it is a cooperative. Absolutely avoid any for-profit center. Not only will they try to suck you for as much money as possible, but they tend to have cookie cutter curriculum and very low standards for teaching. I practically ran screaming from Bright Horizons when they were interviewing me.
(Bizarrely) I don't know if Somerville has it's own city-school department version of preschool/toddler programs, but the ones I worked for as a temp in Cambridge were decent, and, obviously, the most affordable option. I do know that the Agassiz center that used to be in the church on the corner in Porter Square and is now up at the top of Summer Street (across from the Greek Orthodox Church) used to be quite good.
And for somewhat older kids, consider a program at Parts and Crafts. If nothing else connecting with parents and teachers there could help you find a truly enriching environment for you little one.
Finally I second the recommendation of the (unfortunately gender-biased) Somerville Mom's email group that sd210 suggested.
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Only go with a non-profit. Bonus if it is a cooperative. Absolutely avoid any for-profit center. Not only will they try to suck you for as much money as possible, but they tend to have cookie cutter curriculum and very low standards for teaching. I practically ran screaming from Bright Horizons when they were interviewing me.
(Bizarrely) I don't know if Somerville has it's own city-school department version of preschool/toddler programs, but the ones I worked for as a temp in Cambridge were decent, and, obviously, the most affordable option. I do know that the Agassiz center that used to be in the church on the corner in Porter Square and is now up at the top of Summer Street (across from the Greek Orthodox Church) used to be quite good.
And for somewhat older kids, consider a program at Parts and Crafts. If nothing else connecting with parents and teachers there could help you find a truly enriching environment for you little one.
Finally I second the recommendation of the (unfortunately gender-biased) Somerville Mom's email group that sd210 suggested.