Danielle has been my childs provider for almost 3 years. Thats through one divorce, 3 jobs on 3…read moredifferent schedules, 2 personal hospitalizations (in which she kept my child when no one else was able) my kid going to preschool, my ex being a jerk at her house, potty training, and soon to be my kid going to kindergarten. Let me tell you of what i am certain:
She is likely the most flexible, reliable, accomodating, and mellow provider in the city of kalamazoo. She is open essentially 24/7, and besides sick days, gives you 3-6 months of notice for the days she intends to close for the year. The kids meals are homecooked 80% of the time unless she wants to treat them to ordering from a restaurant on her dime. Toys are bought regularly and on rotation, so kids don't get bored. She just bought scooters for the summer, to accomodate kids of all sizes and ages, because when the weather permits the kids are outside enjoying the sun.
She encourages developmental milestones (potty training, getting dressed to go outside, etc) as soon as she observes the childs capacity to do so. She communicates thoroughly with me about any issues, opportunities, concerns, or wins when it comes to my child.
She enacts fair and realistic consequences to misbehavior for all children. You make a mess, you clean it up. You act destructive, you don't get to play anymore. You throw a fit, you go to time out until you calm down.
There are no exceptions, she's no nonsense. And this includes parents. If she brings a concern to you and it goes unaddressed, she will not hesitate to be firm. She takes child care seriously. And as a mother, I appreciate that. I know my kid is in good hands, because she advocates for the kids directly, even in the face of being disrespected herself.
Overall she's wonderful, and i've kept my kid with her for 3 years for good reason.