As an educator, the quality of childcare is extremely important to my family. In looking at possible childcare options, it was important for me to find not just a care provider but a facility that offers an instructional piece aligned with developmentally appropriate practices. Children’s Nook provides such a component paired with consistent staffing patterns. The director is always approachable and available for discussions. It provides a well rounded educational experience and care for my three children.
The Children's Nook has been a vital part of our lives for four and a half years. We feel that both of our children are loved by the staff and have been taken care of in a professional and sincere manner. We also feel that the director and teachers are an extension of our own family. The Nook provides constant open communication via daily reader boards and a monthly newsletter. Our children have learned, matured, and grown at the Nook!
As my husband and I began our search for a preschool near our home, we spoke to many of our friends who had experience with preschools.
One friend, a fellow teacher, recommended the Children's Nook III, so we decided to set up a visit. When I met with Kelly, the director, I was impressed with her professionalism and knowledge of early education. She knows each parent and child by name and is consistently on site. She directs a warm and caring staff who have the children's best interest in mind. The children participate in age-appropriate learning, with a balanced mix of academics, creativity, and fun.
My daughter attended the pre-K class and was well prepared for kindergarten. My son started in the two-year old class and is now in a three-year old class. He was very shy at first, but with lots of nurturing from his teachers, he has come out of his shell. He enjoys going to school and loves his teachers.
As a teacher, I know that a child's first impressions of learning will make a lasting impression, and I am so pleased with the impression that the Children's Nook III has had on my children.
Our family has had the pleasure of using the services of the Children's Nook. Our children gained a tremendous amount socially, physically, and mentally as a result of the dedicated staff. Activities are child centered and and designed to develop children in all aspects. Procedures and expectations are clearly established and there is always a line of communication
Both of my children started attending the Childrens' Nook at 8-10 weeks old. As a first-time mother, it is so hard to leave your kids with anyone else, especially at that young of age. 4 1/2 years later, not only to I not regret my decision, but I have been thrilled with it.
The Children's Nook has been wonderful. The staff is amazing, and one of the things I love the most is that the care-givers and teachers that my older son has had over the past 4+ years are still there teaching my 2 year old. They are like family to us, and we have even call the teachers and have them babysit often when we go out. Everyone is very professional and respectful, and the kids have so much fun learning through play. The facility is very up-to-date and always clean and any parent can appreciate very strict sickness policies. My kids love the food and the Nook has been very accommodating of children with allergies. The playground area is really nice and safe. The staff to child ratio is better than what the state requires. We have also been really pleased with how much the kids have picked up table manners, responsibilities, respect, sharing, and improved their speech.
While I'm ready to spend time with my kids after a day's work, I feel good when I pick them up and they don't want to come home yet because they are having such a good time.
“We’ll take care of him like he’s our own!” That’s the last thing Mrs. Kelly said to me as I walked out of the Childrens Nook on April 11th 2006 with tear-filled eyes, leaving my 9-week old son, Sam, behind for the first time. I never knew how much truth was in those words until I recently started preparing myself for the day that we’ll be walking out of the Nook again…this time for good. Sam is now 5 years old and still attends the Nook full-time, but will be starting kindergarten in the fall.
We were incredibly fortunate to have found The Childrens Nook. Almost immediately, my husband and I felt confident that he had the loving, nurturing and safe environment we had searched for. However, we never expected him to get the education that he has received during his 5 years there. Sam amazes us every day with the knowledge he brings home from ‘school.’ From spelling and addition to language and computers, his abilities and skills seem to be endless. Something that reaches beyond the daily curriculum of his classroom is Sam’s ability to easily adapt to most social situations. He’s very outgoing, plays well with others, accepts change – as good as a 5-year old can – in stride, and functions very well without us present. His confidence and ability to carry on independently is something we’re most proud of. There’s no question that most of Sam’s skills and abilities can be attributed to the years he’s spent under the watchful eyes of Mrs. Kelly and the very capable and talented care providers at the Nook. We’ve come to know them as family, people who have attended Sam’s birthday parties year after year, and quite honestly we can’t imagine life without them.
The size of the school lends to Mrs. Kelly’s ability to create and maintain a familiar, comfortable environment for both students and parents alike. Her open-door policy is exactly that – in the five years we've been at the Nook, I can honestly say I’ve never seen it closed. Although any concerns I've ever had were very few in number, Mrs. Kelly has always taken each one seriously and addressed it almost immediately – every time to our complete satisfaction. Most times, however, we only needed her guidance, explanation or reassurance to put our minds at ease. On each occasion, no matter what she was doing or where she was, she gladly made time to offer just that – sometimes even allowing me to ramble, vent or even cry for what seemed like hours. There’s no question that she has found her calling; I can think of nobody better suited for her position as Director – one that requires patience, understanding, knowledge and compassion. She is constantly striving to improve, motivate and stimulate her employees and her students. Her education and experience has given her the tools to do just that…and do it well.
Quite simply, this place is amazing. Anyone would be lucky to leave their child in this establishment. For five years, I’ve driven an extra 25 miles every day to do it, passing other (closer) daycares on the way. When it’s over, we’ll be faced with the challenge of finding a way to say ‘thank you’ to the very people who have helped to mold and shape your child in to the wonderful little person he’s become. It’s funny; I used to think his first day of daycare would be the hardest of them all. Today I feel certain that the hardest day will undoubtedly be his last.