Pardon the length, but my review is long overdue. My two daughters had been attending Cadence Academy Preschool (CAP, formerly Prime Time Early Learning) since LITTLE BABIES and LOVE THE SCHOOL!!! Overall, I am very happy and rely on CAP to take care of my daughters. CAP has certainly become an extension of our family.
For my older daughter, she attended CAP from 11-months old until 4 years old (50-60 hours/week, 2015-2020). In 2021, my daughter entered Kindergarten upon a "pandemic gap year" of staying at home, however, she transitioned quite easily into the larger, more structured school environment. Now in 2022, she is graduating Kindergarten with the strong ability to socialize well (loves going to school and learning with schoolmates), as well as achieving basic reading and math! Much of her success is attributed to the nurturing, social and learning environment from her early years at CAP.
For my younger daughter, she attended CAP from 4-months old until 2 years old (50-60 hours/week, 2018-2020) and is planning to return to CAP soon. Unfortunately due to the pandemic and personal reasons, we had to suspend her attendance, however, she still has many fond memories of her school days at CAP. She tells me every day that she can hardly wait to return, be with her loving teachers and make new little friends. Every time we drive by the school, she still excitedly shouts, "OH THAT'S MY SCHOOL (CAP)!!!" It's been over 2 pandemic gap years!!!
OUR PERSONAL FAMLY NEEDS
* CAP is extremely responsive with a dedicated administrative staff and hands-on school director (Ms. Setenay is amazing!!!); Any time I've called during school hours, a staff member always picks up the phone line
* CAP is convenient for drop/off and pick-up relative to home and commuting routes; Edgewater shuttle bus van connects from ferry at Edgewater Marina
* For care, we wanted a "village" of people versus a nanny, so we weren't always relying on one person for childcare
* Social aspect was important for us
* My older daughter as a baby had stranger anxiety, because she was just interacting with family/adults; Since she joined the school at 11-months old, she improved playing, sharing and communicating with other kids
* My younger daughter didn't have separation anxiety, because we enrolled her earlier at 4.5 months old; Btw, the baby room headteacher (Ms. Julia) has been at the school, much like other teachers for over 15-20 years!
* My girls eat better at school then at home, maybe kid pressure, lol, but also regular schedules
DURING PANDEMIC (MARCH 2020 UNTIL NOW)
* Teaching staff extremely friendly, patient and professional, answering all my periodic questions in anticipation of returning my daughters back during the pandemic
* Long history in Edgewater for last 20+ years of establishment (formerly Prime Time Early Learning), so teaching staff retention, association with public schools and community are strong
* Classrooms are 6-month age groups until 3 years old, then 1-year age groups, e.g. 3s, 4s, 5s, etc
* Features mobile/desktop app (e.g. Preschool2me or KidsReport app) for daily updates (photo, weekly learning themes, diapering, napping, eating)
* Building used to be a school, so all classrooms have lots of light and air conditioning
* Large indoor gym, nice for rain/cold days
* Several outdoor playgrounds and classroom walking routes
* Security deposits honored for future re-enrollment
* Adjusted Operating hours very flexible: 7:30am-6pm, Monday-Friday; open year round except for major holidays
* Flexible enrollment packages: 2 half days minimum (7:30-12:30 or 2-6); Minimum 8 hours/day to customize drop off/pick up times
* "1-week vacation credit" every 6 months on tuition
* Accepts Bright Horizons as supplement on top of base package
* Virtual tours (during school hours) and in-person tours provided
* 2022 Summer Camp available for school-aged children
PANDEMIC SAFETY (may flex due to state guidance)
* Several mom friends gave updates on their children at CAP during the pandemic and all safe and healthy
* Masks required for staff
* Masks are optional for students
* Dedicated drop off and pick up areas outside of school and in hallways
* Routine daily cleaning
* Teacher vaccinations encouraged but not required
* Ventilation with open windows encouraged
* Extremely low Covid cases w/ staff/students; did not charge families during closing period
PRE-PANDEMIC (2016 to March 2020, may flex due to state guidance)
* School/classroom photos 2 times per year
* Extracurricular (e.g. Spanish, soccer, dance, music, martial arts, gymnastics)
* Learning visits (e.g. dental, water/fire safety)
* Field trips (e.g. pumpkin picking, roller skating, bowling, pools, water parks)
* Meal planning (e.g. pizza days, external catering, ice cream trucks)
* After school program & busing from local Edgewater public schools
Choosing the right daycare is not easy, but know that you will make the right decision for your family. Hope this was helpful! read more