Our son attended MAC from September 2024 - June 2025…read more
Teachers: We started our son in the green classroom (18 month old start), and he had Ms. Saideh and Ms. Jackie. I really like Ms. Jackie since she is warm towards the kids and is open to giving them a nurturing presence. Ms. Saideh seems a bit colder. I remember during the tour, before my son attended, I asked Ms. Saideh her favorite part of her job , and she looked at me and said that her favorite part was when the students were not crying and instead, were behaving. She didn't smile or laugh, which to me, indicated that she wasn't joking. Her communication wasn't the best either. When there was a glitch in the sign in/out system or if I had forgotten to sign in, she would wave towards me and say "you didn't sign in! You forgot. You need to remember to sign in." I get her point, but saying it in that tone doesn't build good relationships with parents.
Positive: I will say that in the midst of our time here, Ms. Biridiana was incredible. She was so kind and loving towards my son and I always felt relief whenever I saw her in the morning, because I knew my son would be in a loving environment under her care (she does the early morning care before 8:30 AM). She would ask me questions and show care for the parents. She and Ms. Jackie were the teachers and staff that really stood out to me.
Tone at the top: there is no question that this school is structured quite well and organized quite well. Their calendar is meticulous and they are quick to send parents notifications of upcoming events as well. That said, the verbal communication style is different from ones I've had in the past. There is a certain amount of formality and professionalism, which can be helpful, but also there is an overall lack of warmth. For example, when I ask the Director, Ms. Svetlana how her vacation was, her response was curt, "Good. Yours?" She was responsive, yes. However, that sort of a curt response doesn't generate a feeling of community nor does it build relationships.
Unfortunately, MAC does not emphasize social emotional learning, and it is very obvious on the playground next door. I actually have to hover over my child (2 year-old), because at least a handful of times, several students at MAC have pushed him on the playground (both intentionally and unintentionally). The other parents, instead of prompting them to apologize or leave the playground, instead, threaten their kids to leave and get upset with them, but end up staying at the playground. If you care at all about social emotional learning, this is definitely not the school for you or your child.
Also: if your kiddo needs diaper cream or has sensitive skin, you will need a doctor's note for even aquaphor to be applied 1x. I asked the reason for their no diaper cream policy and their reason was that if they let us have aquaphor then it would be unfair to others. I still am baffled by this policy. They did cooperate by not giving my son citrus that may irritate his skin, but c'mon now - how harmful is aquaphor? I know other centers that have a one-time physician form that parents fill out that can include aquaphor or desitin, etc.
When I was touring this place, Svetlana made it seem as though the waitlist was quite long. I asked if putting in a nonrefundable deposit and paying for the entire month of September when his start date would be September 23rd would help. She said it would. I made that choice because per the reviews it seemed as though this place was worth paying for the entire month of September when he started so late that month. I regret that choice now.