As one of the owners on the board of directors for this school, I am disappointed to read some of the reviews below, and it suggests to me that these parents may not have participated in some of the forums provided, like the Parent Advisory Board. For example, the parent advisory board had a health committee that proposed using "foam soap" dispensers, which use a refill soap that is supposed to have water added. A parent saying that soap is watered down obviously didn't read previous PAC meeting notes, or ask teachers why water is added to soap refills.
Our staff:child ratios are beyond what is required, leaving more staff than what is required. However, our philosophy is one through which teachers work to encourage independent problem solving - meaning that teachers will not immediately resolve child problems (unless safety requires, or if children do not have the skills to do so on their own) but instead give children space (when appropriate) to do so themselves - and a lot of families don't agree with how the teachers do this. However, a lot of families do - and so it is important to drop by for observations. We encourage families to do so, and registered parents often drop by to observe. We encourage this - and then if there is something that doesn't make sense, the teachers are always available to talk further about what is happening.
Finally, all daycares do go through periods of staff turnover - and we are no exception. However, on a staff team of 8, three staff have been at the centre since the opening year and one staff since the second year of opening. Given that estimates for staff turnover in this field are anywhere from 35 - 75 percent, we have a pretty average staffing turnover.
Not all daycares are the right fit for all families - and we are no exception. Our teachers care deeply for the children and have great relationships with the majority of the families. If you are looking for a daycare centre, you need to make an informed decision: so spend the time talking to the teachers who will be providing the care for your child; observe the classroom and yard (we have a grass-garden-and-trees yard, without a playground) while children are in the program, get references and make the decision based on what you see and hear.
03.14.12 9.33AM
