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! :)

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.

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.

Jane will smile & put on the act to get you in the door. What she says about you behind your back…read moreis what you need to watch out for. Some of the parents, like me, have text circles with some of her staff and knows what is said. Jane doesn't want special needs children at First School & that's quite apparent. She has her favorite employees & those she treats badly. My advice to any parents that have children who go here is to ask other parents about their experiences. Those who state that they have had little to no bad experiences are the parents who are afraid to speak up or get treated preferred treatment by the staff that Jane favors.

As a disability advocate I have spoken to the director/owner multiple times about a 3 year old…read moredisabled child. The lack of knowledge and common sense in caring for children with special needs is alarming. From lack of respect for the parent who received almost daily phone calls or texts regarding their ability to care for the child to then change their attitude when Dad picked child up to openly admitting they barricaded ( surrounded student on all sides) the child at nap time is what this family experienced. The receptionist and owner yelled at parent and myself for asking questions when once again notified the teacher doesn't want the disabled student in her room. The owner stated she didn't want to lose staff so the child has to go. This 3 year old was not a behavior problem , however is non verbal and needed extra assistance in some areas. I do not recommend this daycare at all for disabled children and question their honesty and ability to operate a safe and respectful facility.

I've been a member for 5 years and was told I needed to pay an additional $25 to renew my…read moremembership because my membership was past due by 12 days. I happened to be out of town. I was told no exceptions. so I walked away from this so called "family place" and they walked away from over $700.00. Think twice before donating ANY money to this "non-profit". maybe the YMCA doesn't believe in being profitable because they don't have to worry about the bottom line. In addition, the turnover in their childcare area is puzzling. My child's 3 favorite young female employees were let go or quit. Be careful who is watching your children. What a sad, sad place.

I have been a member of the Refinery for several years, however my mother convinced me to try out a…read moregroup workout class at the y. In order to use the gym I had to sign a waiver and i understand why. The group workout class was so humid, not only was it uncomfortable, the floor was slick. Apparently it's been like that for weeks and the y does not intend to fix the problem. Seems like a nice facility, but for group workouts, I recommend Refinery!