We are now on our 5th year and 2nd kid at Pooh corner. I really can't say enough good things about our experience here. The school is located in the heart of Germantown, and when I first signed my (then) 3 year old up to start at Pooh, I was pretty worried about the neighborhood. The owner Teri told me that she has had the daycare for decades and had no trouble with the neighborhood at all, and in fact the neighbors watch out for the kids. They walk around the neighborhood daily and it seems like it's true that there is a neighborhood fondness for the kids.
The teachers and kids are from diverse backgrounds and I really love that about the school. I love that from their youngest days the kids get exposed to friends and teachers who may look different but feel the same about the world. The school is very green, liberal, and crunchy and if this doesn't describe you, it may not be the place for you. But if it does, then you will find a true neighborhood here. Some of our closest friends in Philly are families that we met at Pooh Corner. The school and Teri do a great job of encouraging community among the families.
The teaching philosophy has a special name that I have forgotten, but essentially it is kid-interest driven, where the kids will identify something that is interesting them at the time (cats! bulldozers!), and they will then spend a lot of time really diving deep into that topic, and weaving in art, writing, math, etc, into that topic. It's a lovely way to learn. For the younger kids, learning is tactile, messy, and always changing up. My very shy and clingy toddler loves school and her friends there. Be warned, your kids will come home dirty!! But the dirtier they are, the more fun they have had.
The teachers are very loving and affectionate with the kids, and I have honestly never had teachers that seemed so invested in the individual growth and outcomes of each kid. My now 7 year old still loves coming back to visit and getting enveloped in hugs from the teachers.
Pooh Corner is a very special place, not perfect, but a great place to send your kids and watch them bloom. I highly recommend it. read more