Note: this review is based on my experiences in late 2003. We have moved to another center…read more Pro: We were able to get our baby in without a wait. Cons: I always felt nervous dropping my baby off. No one ever took him in the morning... we just had to stick him in a crib or a swing. He always smelled funny when we picked him up at night. We reported some broken equipment, it was never repaired. The newborns and the older infants shared a space, separated by some furniture and as a result, it was usually loud in the room. We were told to please remove or cover our shoes... we always did, but it seemed like none of the other parents respected that rule. We paid a lot of money ($200/week back in '03), but that didn't cover diapers or formula (had we used formula). We had to fill out a silly form every morning that asked things like what kind of mood was my child in... he was 3 months old... what kind of mood swings does a 3 month old have? I wrote "filled with ennui" one day and caused a lot of confusion. The form also seemed to assume you were formula feeding (not breast feeding) your baby. Every time we were in the room, it felt like there were different teachers and I couldn't have told you any of their names.

I cannot say enough good things about Kindercare in Champaign, IL ! My son has been attending…read moreKindercare for a little over 2 years and it's been such a positive experience that I would recommend this facility to anyone seeking a safe, fun, clean, and educational environment. They offer classrooms for infants to school aged kids & have an after school care option with private bus transportation. They also accept CCRS! The hours of operation and minimal days closed ( mainly just big holidays) make it super reliable for working parents! The summer program is great as well and there are lots of activities and field trips planned for school aged kids & younger to stay active and engaged. They also have fun themed booth events set up such as a carnival with face painting and fun games and prizes to ice cream socials in the hallways as a nice little treat on your way out for the kids & parents to enjoy. There is a sign in sheet desk with always neatly printed materials for the most recent newsletters & calendar events and food menus. Additionally, there is a nice board for reminders of dates or special events & good positive news is shared for all to read. They also have a nice Food menu. My son (who's a picky eater) loves the food they serve so it's nice knowing he has access to healthy choices for food. The teachers are great and really know what they are doing and how to diffuse situations and redirect children and are very attentive and caring! Also, Sue, the daycare's Director, is seriously the best! My son was going through a rough patch and acting out at his primary school ( which I believe was stemming from his homeroom class & teacher) I would receive phone call after phone call from his primary school administration throughout my workday all the way to the end of the school day, about his day because his primary school was unable to diffuse and handle his behavior, Kindercare was my saving grace! Kindercare would relieve him from his bad day by picking him up from school and he would transition to Kindercare for their after school care and from there, they were able to redirect him and he would refocus and the staff really took the time to listen and understand what was going on. My son is truly being cared for by people who want to see him succeed. Most importantly I want to mention that during this rough patch Sue, the Daycare's Director, would set time aside with me and we would sit in her office for sometimes 20 mins just talking, and she would listen and give me advice and resources when I was on the brink of tears from all the stress and she gave me that extra support which is something I'm forever thankful for! Kindercare became more than just a daycare, it has become a second home to us and unfortunately, his last day will be at the end of this month as we are relocating to another town, I wish we could take Kindercare with us! If you are looking for daycare in the savoy, champaign area, do not look any further, this place is a gem!

We've been with the "Co-op" for over a year now, and we couldn't be more pleased with our…read moredaughter's education. My daughter spent the past year in the Good Beginnings Play Group and had a phenomenal time experiencing "school" while having the safety net of mommy around. Her teacher Miss Jenelle was absolutely wonderful! This year we are looking forward to beginning the 3's class and gaining more independence as she will be in class 3 times a week for 3 hours a day, mostly without mommy. We love that the "co-op" is so family oriented, requiring most parents to be involved in the classroom a couple times each moth in order to offset some of the tuition costs. Being a family living on one income, we definately appreciate the low cost of the "co-op" and their mindfulness about family budgets. This is NOT a school that surprises you monthly with unexpected financial demands for supplies, fieldtrips, etc. The "co-op" is on a budget and recognises that we are too.

One of the rare preschools in town that has a 2-year-olds classroom. They also have a…read moreparent-toddler program for younger than that. We are very pleased with our coop experience. Great if you are looking to ease your child into a school setting. All of the teachers are wonderful and seem very committed to the wellbeing of each child.

If only I could give *more* stars. This is a great center. If you're expecting a baby, get on the…read morewaiting list now! I feel sorry for other parents in other towns when I hear about the lack of good child care because we have it here in CU. Highlights include: *The teachers are all great, but the shining stars are Nina and Michelle in the Infant I room, Julie in Toddler I, Laura in Toddler II and Yildiz in Preschool I. They really love kids and the kids love them. Nina and Michelle are especially great in dealing with new parents who need advice. *There's a parent's committee for people who like to be involved in decision-making. It meets once a month. * The rooms are clean, friendly, full of toys. * While housed in a church, the center is not religious. My family is agnostic, there are Jewish families, Muslim families, your random assortment of Christian denominations... * The rates are fair and include two meals, a snack and diapers for the babies. As your kid moves up, the prices drop slightly. * Field trips for the older kids. * Each class has some kind of event two times a year where the parents are invited in to see some kind of production... ice cream social in Preschool I, a "circus" in Toddler II. Just a great center. You can't go wrong here. A+. They are open M-F 7:30-5:30. They are closed for holidays. The center is closed the week between Christmas and New Year's (you don't pay for that week). The center also closes for 2 weeks in late July/early August for deep cleaning and to give the teachers a vacation (you don't pay for those 2 weeks). Many of the teachers will babysit kids during the 2 weeks, however.

We have been at FUMCCC for almost 4 years now and have nothing but positive things to say about it…read more One of the first things that impressed me when we toured back in 2014 was when we were walking through the hallway, the Director said hi and knew the names of all the kids passing her in the hallway. From then on - we have always felt that the teachers and office staff care SO much about the kids that go there. They also have very high marks on ensuring the kids have a clean and safe facility for daycare. Another perk - the kids have lots of large motor space. In the winter, there is a gym for the bigger kids and a large motor room with lots of toys for the smaller kids. When it's good weather, the big kids go to West Side Park and the smaller kids have a nice outdoor playground to play in. I could go on and on...go check it out! :)

This administration who run this school is horrible. There is little to no communication from…read morethem. I toured the facility. It is a VERY short tour there is not much to the building. I then and asked the "teacher" what the daily routine looks like. She didn't really have an answer. The first 3 hours the student gets to choose a subject, then lunch, and then the next 3 hours the student gets to choose another subject. Oh yeah, and they offer before and after school care. The playground (empty open field) is pretty good size. But there is nothing to do outside. My child attended this school against my wishes (mother made unilateral decision for our child's' education). I tried to get some info from the school regarding my sons' education. They literally provided nothing. The teacher actually told me, "we don't do that." I would like to believe that there are good Montessori schools out there. Montessori Habitat in Champaign, IL, however, is not one of them. Please treat your children right and keep them away from this horrible facility. Sincerely, Disappointed Dad

From the owner: The teachers at Montessori Habitat will guide and nurture your child's love of learning through…read morepurposeful, joyful, and often collaborative activities. Our school is located on two peaceful acres with butterfly gardens, vegetable gardens, and a berry patch. We serve children from age three through 8th grade.

We truly can't say enough good things about this school. The education is exceptional, the…read morecurriculum is thoughtful and well-rounded--including generous time for lunch and recess--and the hallways are filled with stunning student artwork created over the years. Private school wasn't originally in our plans, and it's been a financial stretch, but watching our child grow and flourish here--thanks to the school's expert, compassionate leadership--has made every bit of it worthwhile.

The school did not treat my kid as I wanted it to. They don't know how to help kids in a…read moresituation. Every day my kid comes back crying.

I wasn't sure I'd put my child in daycare...I always envisioned staying home for the first 5+…read moreyears. Now that I've realized what direction I want to go with my career in Education, I am thankful to have the Children's Center as an option! I've had my son in The Children's Center for a year and am SUPER happy with the center on a whole. I love the way they organize their day to include structured activities and free play...and of course, at the lower age rooms, students aren't forced to sit and focus. I also really appreciate the daily report I receive that includes how much they ate at snacks and lunch, when they were changed or went potty, and how long they napped. There is also space for additional notes, which is used frequently for many things needed. My son is highly sensitive and I have been impressed and comforted by the ways teachers have respected his needs and provided him the care necessary during certain times. I don't feel like he is ever forced to be anything other than who he is. The children have many opportunities to play outside or in a 'big room'. The individual rooms also have a number of stations and centers that are exploratory and creative. There are weekly walking trips taken to the library, a special music class option, pool day during the summer, and many events involving families. Every teacher has been welcoming, kind, and encouraging. My son's current teacher is AMAZING! She accepts the kids as they are, but also sets clear boundaries. This is very important to my husband and me. The previous review saddens me because the Children's Center has been only positive in my families' lives, as well as the lives of my colleagues and friends who have had their children in the center for years. I highly recommend The Children's Center! It provides a nurturing, cozy, welcoming, and accepting environment. Above all...it provides a high level of care and security to my son...which carries over into my life as well. Thank you!!

From the owner: The Children's Center is a non-denominational and not for profit day care center sponsored by the…read moreUnited First Methodist Church. We are conveniently located in downtown Urbana near Lincoln Square Village, Urbana library, and the MTD bus routes. Some of our specialties are to enhance sensory, cognitive, self-help, social, emotional and physical development, to encourage self-confidence and self-esteem, to promote self-expression through language and dramatic play, and more. We accept children between 15 months and 5 years. Call us to set an appointment to visit.

I was a newly divorced mom when my 3 month old started at Little Hearts and Hands. My daughter…read morewould not take a bottle and I had tried everything I could think of. So I asked Terri and Macey and the wonderful girls in the Giraffe room for ideas and help. They all were so helpful everyday, Terri order every bottle she could think of to help my daughter. Macey helped with every feeding and Terri kept me updated daily letting me know how my daughter was doing. Finally, with all their help she took a bottle. I don't know how to thank them for all their loving and support.

I am writing to formally address a series of deeply troubling incidents that occurred at Little…read moreHearts and Hands, which have left me profoundly concerned about the safety of the children in your care and the professionalism of your staff, particularly the owner, Terri.I have generally had a positive experience with your facility, but recent events have been alarming. My daughter sustained a significant injury when a large, wooden fridge fell on her face in the gym, resulting in severe facial bruising and a likely concussion, as her head was forcefully slammed into the wooden floor. As a concerned parent, I sought to address this matter to ensure the safety of my child and others. However, when I raised these concerns with the manager, they were dismissed without adequate attention. I then contacted Terri, requesting access to video footage of the incident, only to be informed that the footage was "no longer available." Furthermore, the hazardous toy remained in the gym until I insisted it posed a risk to other children.Following this incident, the relationship with your staff felt strained, seemingly because I was assertive in prioritizing my child's safety. More recently, my other child was bitten twice by another child, with the second bite being significantly more severe. When I addressed this with the manager, expressing concerns about the potential for lifelong scarring, transmission of bloodborne pathogens, and psychological trauma, I was met with a dismissive response: "Well, it happens." The manager became defensive, failing to address the gravity of the situation.When I requested to speak with the director, Terri, I was told she would contact me. Instead, she confronted me in a public hallway at the daycare, in the presence of other parents, children, and my own children. During this encounter, Terri raised her voice, made baseless accusations about my character and personal life, including references to my divorce, and attempted to publicly humiliate me. Her aggressive behavior, including shouting defamatory remarks, was not only unprofessional but deeply distressing, especially as it occurred in front of my children. When attempting to disengage from the situation she followed me down the hall continuing to harass me in front of my children. I told her to stop speaking about the matter in front of my children and she yelled down the hall baseless & defaming accusations. Little Hearts and Hands claims to operate as a Christian-based organization, which makes this experience all the more shocking. As a parent and paying customer, I am appalled by this treatment and gravely concerned about the safety and well-being of the children in your care. If this is how a director addresses a concerned parent, I am left to question what may be happening behind closed doors. Consequently, I have withdrawn my children from your facility and will not be utilizing your services in the future.I strongly urge a thorough investigation into these matters, including the safety protocols at your facility, the handling of incident reports, and the conduct of your staff, particularly the owner. The dismissive attitude toward serious injuries, the lack of transparency regarding video footage, and the unprofessional behavior exhibited by leadership raise significant concerns about the integrity of your operations.

My daughter started at MSCU in their toddler program when she was 20 months old. She's now six…read moreyears old and completing her first year of elementary school there. We have loved this school at every stage--toddler program, primary, kindergarten, and now elementary. It's amazing to see how the environment and Montessori curriculum is helping her become both a strong, independent thinker and community-minded at the same time. The teachers are all amazing, and really care about your child and their needs and development. My daughter loves going to school here. When she comes home, she's excited to talk about the new things she's learning. I wouldn't send her anywhere else. Take a tour--you won't be disappointed!

We chose MSCU after checking out several other places in town. We loved the following qualities…read moreabout MSCU: 1) Teachers there were so friendly and upbeat. Many of the teachers have been there for many years and yet still have that "spark". 2) We loved the way kids learned in a very natural way. Montessori materials helped our DD learn how to read by age 4. Even today DD loves to read. 3) Community - we've met so many parents there who are like minded. I've found parents who are very committed to music, bilingual education and supporting local businesses. It's a very international and diverse community with wonderful food during the picnic! 4) Our kids can't wait to go to school. They actually look forward to weekdays when they get to be at school. 5) School is great at taking care of kids with allergies. 6) Beautiful rooms! 7) Mixed aged classrooms - our kids have grown so much as a result of interacting with other kids. 8) How neat and organized the kids are in class. Kids there learn to focus and learn how to take care of their environment. 9) Our kindergartener learned more space, planets, US History than most other 3rd graders I know. 10) Ms. Peat - she is the most amazing teacher in all of Champaign Urbana. She's been at the school for 20 years (very hard to believe) and still loves all of her little friends. I recommend checking out a couple of other preschools and then coming over to the MSCU and prepare to be wowed by the teachers.