Our toddler started at SolBe on day one of the school opening. We had very high hopes after our…read moreinterview, despite the cost being much higher than the alternatives. For the added expense, we were promised minute by minute updates, a two-to-one ratio of teachers to students, and a focus on education that could be overlooked elsewhere. Unfortunately, despite an excellent experience with the Director and our son's first teacher, a significant change was made after a few months. The Director, along with many more staff members, were replaced, and the focus seemed to shift notably towards higher profits and cost cutting measures. Our son was moved into a much larger room where there were often two teachers for eight babies, even after they showed up late. The stress put on the staff still making an effort meant that the "minute-by-minute" updates through the app were ignored until the afternoon when they played catch up while all the kids were napping. Often, we wouldn't find out if our son had eaten or had a diaper change until hours after he'd been picked up. The high ratio also contributed to clothes being lost or ruined with art materials unsuitable for infants, diaper changes being skipped, brusies and scrapes, and a near weekly changeover of staff who were clearly frustrated with the experience as well. Our son's class shared a changing room with another, and it was very common to hear the teachers there, unaware they were being observed, repeatedly screaming at the toddlers "everyone come here" and "be quiet". Another thing for prospective families to consider is that SolBe considers themselves a school first and a daycare second. On the average month, SolBe closes around three working days for holidays, conferences, and "teacher enrichment", meaning that working parents will suddenly have a child to account for (not even to mention the frequency that they contact you and ask you to bring your child home early because they "seem like they're not feeling so well', with no other symptoms than a low fever and a lack of energy; a very common experience for young kids). Obviously, the monthly cost is the same regardless of how many days they actually care for your child. Ultimately, we found another center that is offering 5 nine-hour days a week for the same price that SolBe was charging for 3 seven-hour visits. The new school doesn't have a fancy app or gourmet lunches, but we feel our child is a lot more than just an income source in their eyes, and we're much happier. (FYI- This review refers to the new location on Sherman Road, which doesn't have its own listing as of this date.)

Our family is extremely fortunate and blessed that our son's first social experience was at Solbe…read more He started school when he was just one year old, and was greeted with unparalleled love every day by his class teacher, all the other teachers, the director, and the chef. Now, he runs out the door and into his classroom. This 2 years old ability to love others and accept himself is on full display not only at Solbe, but also at the park, the supermarket, and on trips, where he greets everyone with a smile and a "Hello!" As parents, I am most grateful for : Solbe's nutrition system, the best in the US. Three meals a day, chefs prepare fresh, nutritious, and varied menus, allowing our young children to experience a wide variety of foods and get the most nutrition. So I can forgive myself when I serve him just chicken nuggets at dinner :) Furthermore, from such a young age, the teachers provide new art experiences every day. My son loves drawing, talking, singing, dancing, and running around--all of these activities are spontaneous and active. Thanks to Solbe, his brain, mind, and motor skills have developed remarkably, and most importantly, he seems very happy. So I can forgive myself when I let him watch TV before dinner time :) I am grateful to the teachers and staff who provide the world's best early education, nutrition, with a big love spirit and we truly appreciate their professionalism.

We love Grandma's Montessori! Our kiddo started here at 2 years old, and it was clear how much fun…read moreand learning he was having. Isabel is an awesome teacher, with so much experience. She speaks Spanish to her students, and clearly cares so much for each of them. When we've had concerns over certain behaviors, she was very receptive to having a conversation and giving us insight into the situation. She engages the kids in so many different types of activities, from yoga to music to science to playing with vehicles in the backyard. Our kiddo is a happy kiddo at Grandma's Montessori!

We have been fortunate enough to have our son at Needham Montessori since he was 15 months old (he…read moreis now 2.4). He can't wait to get there each day and engage with his excellent teachers and friends. We have noticed a big difference since he started there with his independence and helpfulness around the house. He helps set/clean the table, feed the dog and empty the dishwasher, all without prompting! He also makes sure each plaything gets put away before he takes the next thing out. We feel he is so cared for and loved and he is thriving!

Needham Montessori has become a part of our family. We are so fortunate to have found a place with…read moreteachers that are so caring, loving and nurturing. Our son has absolute thrived here. He has blossomed over the past year into a bright, happy, social and confident kiddo. We are absolutely thrilled with his progress. The teachers foster his interests and encourage his independence. My husband and I also have a totally open line of communication with the directors and teachers. This is so important to us! The directors Christine and Allen are 2 of the nicest people you will ever meet. We love Needham Montessori!

My child made a great start at the Coop. We came from Japan…read morea couple years ago and my child had a great transition to new environment with other children having a welcoming atmosphere from teachers, classes, and many activities. I really appreciate of teachers by supporting my child to enhance her language and independency as well. Thanks for the effort of them, my child was able to do the most of things when she entered the kindergarten. She is the 1st grader now, and still been talking about the great memories of the Coop. We love it.

Children's Co-op is an amazing preschool. When my daughter started in September, she had never…read morebeen left with anyone but me, her father, or her grandmother. Needless to say, I was quite nervous about leaving her for the first time ever. And as it turned out, the nervousness was needless as well. The wonderful thing about a co-op preschool is that parents take an active role in the running of it. Everyday a different parent helps out in the classroom. This provides an excellent opportunity to view your child in the classroom environment. You get to know and play with your child's classmates. You get to see the teachers in action. And your child gets the pleasure of showing you all that they do in school every day. But you don't have to worry about it being some huge time commitment. Since there are 14 - 16 kids in the class it works out to about once a month that a parent has to help out in class. And if you trade off with your partner, that means just one half day every other month you'd need to be there. Besides the co-op structure, other features I love about the Children's Coo-op: * low student/teacher ratio (in the younger class it's 14 students with 2 full-time teachers, 1 part-time teacher, and 1 parent helper), and the teachers are all wonderful * play-based curriculum - they're NAEYC accredited * great facilities - sunny rooms, fun playground * location location location - right in Newton Center, across the street from Starbucks, down the street from the T, ample free parking * flexible schedule - in addition to the normal school hours, 9 - 12 every morning (except Wednesdays for the younger class) they have early drop off and late stay day options My daughter loves school. So I love it.

I've sent both my children to Newtowne School and couldn't be happier. We even commute in from…read moreBelmont just so that they could grow up in this nurturing and creative environment! The staff are brilliant and committed. And the family cooperative model means that we are feel part of a community that believes in raising a generation of children who understand the values of creativity, cooperation, and justice. Newtowne School is one of the purest and most vital examples of the Reggio-Emilia style of education -- a style built in the ashes of WWII to heal a broken world. And we're so proud to be part of it.

Newtowne is an incredible school! The amazing faculty hold a deep respect for the rights of all…read morechildren, meeting them where they're at, thoughtfully engaging with them, and nurturing their growth. The curriculum is so inspiring and both our children have loved every minute of their time at Newtowne. It has been a source of meaningful connections for our family: for our children as they develop friendships and experience themselves as valuable members of a diverse community, and for us as parents as we collaborate and grow through our relationships with other parents and teachers as well. We are finishing up our 5th and final year at Newtowne and will be sad to leave, it has been such a wonderful part of our lives during these early childhood years!

If you are looking for a preschool in the Belmont area - look no further!!! This school has been…read morearound for 78 YEARS and has offered wonderful, exceptional and one of a kind care. The longevity of the caring staff, varied curriculum, bright and sunny classrooms as well as the huge outdoor playground make this school unique and special. The curriculum is play-based with themes based on the children's interests. They also have specialists visit the classrooms - such as music, science and movement! Your child also has an option to stay later for an extended day program - where they are able to learn about fun topics such as art and artists. You should see some of the art they create! Trust me - Your child will be in the best hands if they attend Plymouth Nursery School.

My daughter has had the most ideal preschool experience here. From mimicking Jackson Pollack…read morepaintings to marching in a Chinese New Years parade around Belmont Center, she has gotten to experience creative and challenging activities that have her excited to go to school each day. Most importantly, it is done in a warm, truly nurturing setting. I felt that from day one when I met the teachers on our tour. (It actually brought tears to my eyes.) In addition, being a coop, we parents have gotten to participate and have definitely become a community. We chat outside every morning during drop off and have had multiple school-wide activities and play dates. We truly feel lucky to have found this school.

We are SO happy with Little Sprouts Watertown! Our son has been going since he was 2 months old; he…read moreis now 10 months and he and we love this center so much! Both the previous (Melinda) and the current (Christine) Director, as well as the Education Coach (Janay) have been amazing; they truly care about each and every aspect of their center. Teachers have been nothing short of wonderful so far. Tuition is very competitive for the Boston/Cambridge area, and we couldn't be happier. Our son has a great time, it's always well taken care of, and he is learning so much. Every Little Sprout is different. This location is amazing. It's always hard to find time to write reviews, but we really want to share our experience to help someone else with their childcare decision, because we understand how important it is to find people that you trust.

Very horrible experience. We tried to schedule tour of the daycare couple of times and each time it…read morewas cancelled or no one showed up. One of the other most important things to me from a daycare is the responsiveness and this was absolute horrible. If I could give 0 stars I would.

I could go on forever taking about how amazzzing this place is and how wonderful the entire staff…read moreis. It's like they were born to take care and teach these children. Above and beyond is all I can say.

It is hard to put into words how much we have appreciated the Brookline Infant Toddler Center's…read morecare for our son. They provide a loving, warm comprehensive environment for all of the children in their care. Unlike some daycare centers, where the management remains aloof and detached from the children and staff, the BITC Management team are constantly moving through the center, providing support and supervision. I was particularly happy with the fact that their two playgrounds are directly attached to the building and completely enclosed. Choosing a daycare can be an anxiety provoking decision for a parent, we are happy in our knowledge that we made the right choice with BITC.