If I Could Give Kiddie Academy of North Brunswick More Than 5 Stars, I Would…read more
I don't normally write reviews this long, but after our daughter's preschool orientation today, I felt compelled to share our family's experience with Kiddie Academy of North Brunswick. This isn't based on one visit--our daughter has been part of the Kiddie Academy family since she was 14 months old, and our younger son now attends as well.
When it came time for our daughter to transition into preschool through the township, keeping her at Kiddie Academy was incredibly important to us. Thankfully, Michele from the township helped make that possible so she could remain at the school she already knows and loves.
As two full-time working parents who depend on before- and after-care, having a place where we genuinely trust the people caring for our children is priceless. If staying at Kiddie Academy hadn't worked out through the township, we honestly would have continued paying privately rather than move her. That's how strongly we feel about this school.
Our son only started last week. This morning, my wife and I arrived around 8:10 AM, well before the 9:00 AM orientation, because we wanted time to speak with his teacher about how he was adjusting.
One thing we love is the camera access. We've seen that our son is understandably having a difficult time adjusting to a new environment, but we've also watched how incredibly patient, loving, and attentive his teachers have been. Watching someone comfort your child when you aren't there tells you everything about the people you've trusted them with.
And then there is Ms. Jay.
In such a short time, she has become his friend, comfort, and protector--and apparently sometimes his preferred parent . Last week, he actually wanted Ms. Jay instead of me! As a father, you can't be offended; you appreciate how safe and loved your child must feel for that bond to develop.
Ms. Ashleigh, the Director, is equally exceptional--sweet, patient, professional, and someone who treats these children almost as if she is a second mother to them. You can tell this isn't simply a job for her.
Dr. Rick Burghli, the owner, has created something special. He goes far beyond what I'd expect from the owner of a childcare center. He holds events for children and families, introduces us to his own family, and makes parents feel like we're part of the Kiddie Academy family. Some of the experiences they create genuinely feel like a little Disney experience for the kids.
And I cannot leave out Mrs. Abeer and the food! The woman is fantastic. Our daughter actually craves her meals . When your child comes home excited about what the school chef made, they're doing something right!
I also want to mention something from today's orientation because reviews should be fair and based on firsthand experience. We were physically there before orientation began. During that time, we understood staff was waiting for another family experiencing an issue completing the township's registration/medical clearance requirements. From what was explained at the school, these were township requirements, not rules Kiddie Academy simply decided to impose.
Despite the situation, the Academy offered to accommodate the family separately with a private tour and, when that didn't work out, another opportunity to reschedule.
I won't speak for another family's experience because I wasn't part of their private conversations. I can only speak to what I personally witnessed and our family's years of experience. What I witnessed was a school trying to follow required procedures while still offering alternatives to accommodate a family.
That is consistent with the Kiddie Academy we have known for years.
We've recommended Kiddie Academy to multiple friends. Some chose Dr. Rick's East Brunswick location because it was closer, while others joined us in North Brunswick. I would never recommend somewhere to friends for their children if I didn't completely trust that place with my own.
No childcare center, teacher, director, parent--or child--is going to have a perfect day every day. What matters is the culture, how my children are treated when I'm not there, whether they're safe, loved, learning, and whether the people responsible for them genuinely care.
After years with Kiddie Academy, I can confidently say the answer to all of those questions is yes.
To Dr. Rick, Ms. Ashleigh, Ms. Jay, Mrs. Abeer, the teachers, and the entire Kiddie Academy of North Brunswick team: thank you for loving our children, caring for them, teaching them, feeding them (apparently better than we do ), and giving two working parents peace of mind every day.
You don't just operate a daycare or preschool. You've created a community our children consider a second home--and we're incredibly grateful to be part of it.
