I thought a playbased preschool too, at the pressure of my family about how he needs to be socialized? but he's almost frightfully social where he talks to everyone and everything. There was a gifted preschool that I looked at as well (he hasn't been tested), but they wanted double the tuition and wanted him to go full time. I wasn't ready for that as this his first experience.
We are in the same boat. I wish our kids could play together.
Mine is six months younger so take this for what it is worth... I would be really concerned at the teacher's response to the crying. Crying is developmentally appropriate at that age. A response like that would send my kiddo into a tailspin.
I would also try to find out what is going on with the other kid and what his teacher is going to do about it. Honestly, if your instincts are telling you this situation is a bad fit and you have the resources to have him home, don't be afraid to pull him if you think it is best for your family. There are plenty of ways to achieve socialization without traumatizing your child.
