I know it is only our third day at the Northpoint location, but I'm already in love…read more
How did we get so lucky? This preschool is by-the-books perfect and if our 13 month could talk, he'd say "DAH" which means "I'm so happy here!"
POTA is a Jewish preschool, modeled on the Reggio Emillia philosophy of letting children explore and experience rather than passively learn. This has been great to witness, as my son was in a different daycare for two weeks and while I liked the arts component there, he was more often following along and watching than going after the things that intrigued him. POTA has so many sensory exploration stations, and quiet nooks, plus big windows, wooden furniture and floors and colorful art all around.
There are currently 6 kids in his class and 3 teachers, though there is room for up to 9 students at a time. Every day is a different art module. Today I was able to sit in during music with Mr. Owen, which was a short, sweet session of songs, movement, shakers and a stuffed dinosaur. Afterwards, the kids were given permission to explore his guitar.
The most comforting part of this experience so far, apart from the fact that my son doesn't cry when I pick him up (which is a new thing) but just smiles and seems excited to see me, is the STELLAR communication from the staff.
We were able to FaceTime our tour even before we moved to the area. We have received prompt replies to all emails. We've been mailed fridge magnets with helpful dates for social activities - yes, community is also a strong value of this school, and not just for the children! - as well as a welcome card from the teachers. The daily reports are thoughtful and clearly reflect what my son has eaten, when he has slept and how it went, and how many times he's gone to the bathroom. It isn't a drop-down menu like similar apps that daycares use, so I feel like the teachers are really paying more attention to what they report. The directors are easily reached by text or phone and also so prompt in replying to every question I've had.
Lastly, I appreciate that the kids are learning about Jewish Holidays and that the calendar aligns so that we can celebrate as a family and not have my son miss any school. The teachers are called "morah" which is the Hebrew word for "teacher", so there is a slight exposure to Hebrew which is great since that is my son's first language, so far as we can tell. That being said, I think students of any religious/cultural background would highly benefit from this warm, supportive, attention-to-detail, beautiful school. It is a treasure.