My girls LOVE LOVE LOVE Oakridge KinderCare! We have been a KC family for almost 2 years, and couldn't be happier. There have been ups & downs in management but Shanell is *amazing* and works so hard to keep parents informed and up to date about what's happening. She's recently implemented a 'fun calendar' for themed days (favorite color day, Halloween in June, pajama day, etc). They had "Muffins for Moms" the Monday after Mother's Day & "Hot Dogs & Popcorn for Dads" the day after Father's Day.
When it comes to administrative tasks, the current team is also on it! I've had some issues with the new billing system/automatic payments but Shanell has been super responsive and helpful during the process.
The rest of the office team/management/support staff is also amazing! My kids get dropped off around 7a by Daddy & Mommy does the pickup around 630p (I know, we aren't winning #ParentsOfTheYear). Every team member I've talked to has been so friendly, and both my girls seem to love every single 'teacher'.. My 2 year old even says "Mr. Ben is my best friend" (sometimes it's Leah, or Kim, or Darius, or Kat, etc but usually Ben).
As far as the center itself goes, it is ALWAYS clean and organized. The classrooms are decorated age-appropriate and there is always artwork/projects/etc on display. My 2 year old is learning about insects & spiders so there are different bugs and spiders hanging from the classroom ceiling, they are reading themed books and exploring outside.
Kindercare, as a whole, sends out a monthly email about "What We're Learning This Month" which explains that month's theme and how each age group/classroom is exploring that theme. It also gives some examples of what you, as a parent, can discuss with your child to continue the education/theme at home.
Kindercare also offers LA's (Learning Adventures) like cooking, phonics, music, etc. My two year participated in the music class for several months and came home so excited to tell me about her day. With the music class, we also received a workbook and musical instrument every month. My daughter loved her 'homework' and she regularly plays with the musical instruments (train whistle, sand blocks, music sticks, etc). Each class is for a specific age range, and starts at $15/week depending on the class.
In regards to pricing, KC is comparable with similar Fort Collins daycare centers. I recently started a new job, and this location is no longer the most convenient but my girls adore the staff and I've had such a tremendous experience with Shanell as the new director, I will be commuting a little further to keep my family at Oakridge Kindercare. read more