Esthetics: KinderCare was very nice esthetically; our location resembled a cute little schoolhouse…read morewith clean grounds, clean interior (you don't smell any odor of poop or bleach... like some places I've toured), and definitely bright and airy. Everything I was looking for of the ideal poster image daycare. Both classrooms (1s and 2s); large & spacious, with sections for play, reading , lunch/craft table, and diaper changes/toileting; every child had there own cubby area w/ coat hook and bin (that have their facial picture and their names - cute touch!).
Price Tag: Ideal = costly. The school tuition is expensive, however there are two perks; tuition includes blankets and all meals. You supply the typical stuff -- diapers and wipes (ointment, etc). There are additional classes called Learning Adventures (offered for an additional fee $50 per child), I signed my kids up for Music, which in my opinion was a waste of money. My children never hymned or sung the songs they learned at home. At the school they attend now, they do. The teachers there all seemed very nice and pleasant. Class size moderate 2:10 (varies each day).
Staff: Stacey DeMarco, the school's director is very nice, however, you will not be dealing with her most of the time. It will be either Kristin, whom is the Asst Director and/or Megan, renamed the Program Specialist -- those two were not always the most personable or easy to talk to. In my opinion, that can make or break a school, and it definitely played a part with me removing my kids.
Credentials: The school was in the final stages of becoming NAEYC accredited, which by now they are. However, the overall education factor wasn't there for me. I was looking for more of a preschool setting, with curriculum and pre-K preparation. It appeared to be more Playtime oriented, 1 and 2 year olds play, yes, but not all day, that didn't sit well with me.
Other Stuff: There is definitely a nice diversified mix of kids. However, some of those kids displayed signs of biting, and also very sickly. My children were getting sick very frequently at this school; the policy they adhere to is the State's policy, so only if the child(ren) are feverish, has diarrhea, and/or vomiting -- will the children's parents be called to pick up a child. My daughter was sick and no one ever called me to tell me she was or appeared to be ill (i.e. watery eyes, runny nose, looked pail -- a teacher, and one who is a mother, should definitely be able to pick up on those signs). When a parent calls and everything is always fine or great, that raises an eyebrow for me, especially when its week one and two, and this is their first time going to school.
