We LOVE Mansfield Discovery Depot and could not have chosen a better daycare for our child. I was shocked to read the below review and would like to share our experience with MDD in response to that review... -My daughter is currently in an infant room and will be transition to the toddler room in the very near future. She is 14 months and the children are transitioned by 18 months, although it is based on developmental needs. -As with any daycare, CHILDREN GET SICK. My daughter has been in daycare for not even a year now and no longer gets sick frequently. A child's immune system needs to be built. -The daycare is a clean place where I feel comfortable leaving my child. We have "neat feet" in the infant room and shoes are not to be worn. I have never experienced a smell from any of the classrooms. -We have discussed my child transitioning and I was told that they have the child "visit" prior to the move so they can become familiar in the new room. Our child is also familiar with the teachers because they are always visiting and playing together. -MDD places their closing announcements on the phones (when you call in) as early as 6am and it is on the news. Although...they follow the Mansfield school system so it is not difficult to find out if they are closed. -MDD closes for the State holidays when the schools close as well. -This daycare is very structured. ....THIS IS A GREAT THING! Although, there have been many times where my child's artwork looks very different from the classmates, which I love. I can see my child's creativity shine through in her project. -The infant classrooms open at 7:30am. We have dropped our child off at 7:30 up to 9:30 with no issue. We called to let them know she was late but it was never an issue. If she missed snack time, they happily gave her one upon her arrival. -Our child also does not eat added sugar...she is on the food plan with no issues. We have not had any problems with (or seen) cake or ice cream served. -My child's teacher is amazing. She welcomes her every day with a smile on her face and does not comment daily on her appearance. An occasional comment on your child's outfit is not a big deal. We love how happy our child is when she is dropped off. She feels comfortable at MDD and immediately begins playing and then blows kisses when we leave (not even leaving her friends or interrupting play). -Some of the teachers have degrees in child or education psychology. They are patient with the children and encourage them in their actions. -I have been recommended by MANY families from the community (Mansfield and UConn) on how amazing MDD was and how their children thrived there. Her teacher calls me as needed if they have a question, or just want to notify me of any changes that may be occurring in the classroom, or something they have noticed with my child. We have parent teacher conferences to review her development, which we love. They are very flexible, while maintaining the structure a child needs. They have children on part time and full time schedules and the children do not miss out activities if they missed them on their "off" day. The teachers and administrators are caring and I can go to work knowing our child is truly loved and cared for. We love you MDD! read more

I love this place. Both of my children have gone to MDD, one currently enrolled. My older child was there from 11 months until right before kindergarten and my little one has been there since she was 2 months old - she is now 3.5. (My older one was at Willow House for 9 months and we jumped at the chance to go to MDD!) The teachers we've had are just awesome; nurturing, warm, and knowledgeable. I've known UConn faculty members on the MDD Board who are incredibly positive about the environment and curriculum and highly recommend it. We could not have chosen a better place for our kids to experience both an enriching environment and preparation for school. No place is for everyone just like no place is perfect. Not every family is going to value the things I love about MDD. I happen to really appreciate the social preparation for school (following rules, doing group activities, sharing, etc.) so some things that others might consider stifling, I think are incredibly beneficial for the transition to Kindergarten. I consider myself pretty exacting, particularly when it comes to my children, and I think MDD is wonderful. All told, we've been an MDD family for almost 8 years - we love it! (Also, as the place provides a nutritious hot lunch, they need to know if your child will be attending that day in order to prepare enough food. Seems reasonable to me!) read more

I am so happy that I have sent both of my children to Mansfield Discovery Depot (MDD)! My older son attended MDD from age 15 months through age 5 (right before he started kindergarten). He had a wonderful experience at MDD and I believe that his preschool experience at MDD helped prepare him to be so successful in elementary school. My younger son started attending MDD at 6 months and is now 3.5 years old and is in the preschool program. The center provides engaging curriculum for the children, many hands-on learning experiences, ample playtime outside in the spacious playgrounds, daily movement and activity in the center's Big Room (which is like a big gym where kids can run around, jump, use ride-on toys or tricycles, and play with other toys that rotate in and out), daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks that are prepared right in the center's kitchen, and the teachers at MDD are caring and experienced. Many of the MDD staff have been there for years. I always felt comfortable bringing my children to MDD knowing that they would be well cared for and valued in their classrooms. I recommend MDD to anyone who is looking for a high quality childcare center. read more

My daughter has been at MDD for over 3 years, and I can't imagine sending her anywhere else! It's such a pleasure to start my day seeing so many happy smiling faces (not only the children, but the teachers and staff as well)! I love knowing she gets to spend time outside daily and that the teachers all know her by name. The food program is excellent-- it saves me time and gives me peace of mind knowing that she is getting healthy, balanced meals and snacks. There are many options in town, but what sold me about MDD was how well the children are cared for. The teachers are incredibly patient and kind, they have cots for the children to nap on (unlike another center we visited where the children were all on the floor during nap time, and we had to step over and around them on our tour!) The secure building, the cleanliness of the environment, and the "Big Room" indoor play area are the icing on the cake here. I would definitely recommend Mansfield Discovery Depot to any parents looking for a safe, welcoming and caring environment for their children. read more

What a great experience!!! I enrolled my daughter when she was 3 and every day that she spent there was a positive experience. The rooms and grounds were clean and well equipped for children. I felt at ease knowing that my child was well taken care of and that she was receiving support and guidance throughout her development. The staff was caring and compassionate. Her teachers treated myself and my daughter with respect and dignity, always keeping me up to date on needs, skills, and achievements. They allowed my child be an individual while helping her to learn. Not only did they instruct and teach on basic lesions, they helped install healthy social and emotional developmental skills. My daughter was well prepared when she entered kindergarten and as I look back, I wouldn't have done it any differently. read more

I am a former MDD employee. When I became a mother I searched for a daycare that I could hold to the same standard as MDD, but was disappointed to find that nothing quite met up. I loved the facility itself, as it was obviously designed for its purpose, the staff because they are a true family who love their jobs -very little teacher turnover-, and the warm supportive structure they provide to the children to foster independent development AND a sense of peer community. I ultimately had to settle for the next best thing since I do not live close enough to send my children to MDD, but I am still a welcomed part of the MDD family after years away. read more

This place is great. Both of my kids went here and they both loved it. The staff seem to really care about the kids and they come up with interesting things for them to do. There is always a variety of activities for the kids and also a variety of food. Honestly, they do a way better job of introducing my children to new food and getting them to have good manners. I couldn't ask for a better environment for my children. read more

Our daughter has been at MDD for a year and I can't imagine taking her anywhere else. The teachers are caring, creative and loving to our little girl. Many of the teachers have been there for years and truly love what they do. She is so happy whenever she's there which makes us happy parents! MDD was an easy choice for us :) read more

Both my girls go to MDD and they love it! The teachers are amazing and truly care about the children and their development. I highly recommend MDD - I wouldn't trust anyone else with my girls! read more