KinderCare - anybody use them or know of people who did?

[NewJeffCT]

We're getting to the age where we want our almost 2 1/2 year old daughter to spend time around other kids her age at least a few times a week. Right now, my retired mom is taking care of her during the week, and she's getting a bit worn out as well...

But, we looked at a couple of local places and thought they were okay - the one we liked closes at 5:30pm sharp, however... meaning I'd have to change my work hours, which is easier said than done.

However, there seems to be a KinderCare on just about every corner here in Connecticut and I was impressed with them on a walk through last week (i've yet to bring my wife, though). Anybody had good experiences with them? Bad? Mixed?

Thanks

[Mistress Quickly]

1. Pop in unannounced

They won't let you past the front, but listen well, and try to see what you can.

The good thing about a chain childcare facility: their name is their reputation, they want well run facilities, and usually have fairly good standards.

But if you put your child there, listen to her, and talk to her.

[NewJeffCT]

4. I did that last week

at one of their facilities, but decided that it may be best to use one closer to our home, instead of in-between my home & my parent's home. That is partially why I was impressed - the director that showed me around was very professional & very nice, and the place seemed pretty good.

[mzteris]

2. You have to look at each one

individually......

try and get there about pick up time and talk to the other parents about how happy they are. Be sure and ask what they "don't like" about the place.

Is it clean?

Is it relatively calm? (OK - so you got a bunch of kids - but there's a difference between organized chaos and complete bedlam.)

Is the staff courteous to you AND to the kids? Are THEY clean? Do they look "bored"?

What is the staff/child ratio?

What is the staff turnover rate? (they may not tell you that one...)

Ask to use the bathroom - is IT clean?

Check their rating (if it's a state with ratings....)

[samdogmom]

3. I did way back in 1986 in Madison, WI.

But I agree, it's hard to tell. You really do need to pop in to check out the scene. I only used the service for about a year with no complaints (we had some wonderful employees in the baby room) but I'd still try to drop in unexpectedly to see how things are going in the beginning. Once you're comfortable, you can back off. Good luck.

[AlCzervik]

5. My daughter went to a kindercare in spring texas for a week

i pulled her out after she got lice, ok lice can happen anywhere but i felt uncomfortable after that and she cried when i took her in the mornings. The one she went to seemed more of a watch a disney movie and take a nap rather then interaction with the staff or the other toddlers.

[NewJeffCT]

6. that's interesting

They seem to have the day planned out with good activities a month out at the place I went to, and even encouraged us to come a few times before her first "official" day. And, I mean, various educational & social activities & not watching Disney movies.

[AlCzervik]

7. well that was this one and thats my only experience with them

that may not be true at all of other ones.

[SarahB]

8. Look for a NAEYC accredited center.

That's kind of the industry gold standard. It'll cover staff ratios, training, development, safety, and basically everything if it's NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited (or in the process of becoming so). It's not mandatory (only state licensure is mandatory), but provides extra assurance of quality.

Looking again for my 4 year old too. :hi:

[NewJeffCT]

9. thanks!

I'll check it out.

[ScreamingMeemie]

10. My daughter went to KinderCare 10 years ago for three half days

a week. At that time they used a lot of "assistants", meaning early childhood education students. I actually kind of liked that because there appeared to be less burn out and more softness toward the children on the part of the teachers.

I volunteered at a daycare in high school and was really sad when I had to put my daughter in because I know how tough they can be on little ones (the teachers that is), but our experience with KinderCare was wonderful. Good luck!!

***We also did the tiny tot bowling leagues for socialization. :hi:

[NewJeffCT]

11. we are sending her to a class at a local Gymboree

they sing songs, play, etc, and now my daughter can sing "Frere Jacques" in 3 languages - French, English & Chinese.

[kick-ass-bob]

12. Each one is different.

We have had some around here that have been shut down due to major violations and others that are exemplary. You really just have to check each place out.

[NewJeffCT]

14. I've heard nothing but good things about the few I've contacted

one I visited in person was very nice, the director was very professional and good with my daughter, and the staff there seemed good, too.

[noonwitch]

13. I've had various relatives work at various Kindercare locations

My brother worked at one in 1986, and really enjoyed it. He had a chauffer's license and worked with the older kids, and so he could drive them around on field trips and trips to the park/pool. His program was a summer job, and the kids did seem to be having fun when he brought them by our house to swim in our pool (we had a neighbor who was a certified life guard, so they cover their bases on those types of things).

My cousin worked at one recently, while she was in college preparing to be an elementary school teacher. She also felt that the programs were good, and that they were preparing the little kids for kindergarten well.