I moved to Tampa a few years ago and was having a tough time finding a daycare that "measured up" to my and my husband's standards. We visited preschools that were run like military bases and others that were so anti-structure/pro TLC that it seemed that it would have been more appropriate to have the kids on the payroll for watching the teachers. Needless to say, balance was what we were looking for.
Discovery Point Seven Oaks nailed it! Although they were 10 miles out of my way to work, i was committed to keeping my boys there. They are structured and organized AND the love for the kids oozes out of everyone from the front desk to the teachers. I appreciate the fact that my children were in an environment where they were free to be kids, but had the oversight to understand the concept of boundaries.
My oldest son attended their pre-VPK and VPK programs and he finished knowing far more than I would have ever imagined. His VPK teacher, Mrs. Lindsey, is tiny in stature and as sweet as they come; but when she says it's quiet time, it gets quiet! I had the opportunity to attend a field trip and was amazed at how she was able to keep 20 children from going crazy at build a bear without speaking harshly once! She had really easy to follow rules that the kids in unison could recite and when they broke a rule, she would start the recitation and they would get back on track. She was amazing to watch!
My youngest started Discovery Point at 8 weeks. I felt like THE WORST MOM EVER at the mere thought of putting my then 9lb baby into daycare! The director, Nichole, and the assistant director, Jessica, took me into the baby room at least 6 times in the weeks leading up to my little guy being born and a few times just before he started. Once he was in there, Jessica would send me pictures throught the day to help put me at ease. I got to know the infant staff and felt like my little man was with family. They were all moms who relied on their motherly instincts as well as their professional training to take care of the babies. My son would jump from my arms into those of Ms. Rose, Maribel, Quyen, Kim, and Amanda. And... each teacher sincerely celebrated the milestones of the first year... rolling over, crawling, new teeth, eating solids, etc. I loved it! I love them!
When my oldest started elementary school, we had to change daycares. It was a reminder that not all daycares are created equal. I appreciated them when my kids attended, but I do all the more now that my boys are not there anymore. Mike, Nichole, and Jessica run a great childcare facility. It is worth the drive and worth the money (and more). My kids are worth this level of care! read more