As a Child Psychology major at Albertus Magnus College I did my "normal child" internship at St. Rita's. There is a reason that this day care fills up so quickly: the staff is fantastic! They become as attached to the children as the children do to them, sometimes even more. Hell, I bawled my eyes out on my last day and had to tell all the kids that they were "tears of happiness because [they] grew up so much." And I know that any of the other staff members would do the same. They are gentle with their discipline and give lots of hugs and kisses as needed. When a child was ill for more than a day it was a huge discussion and parents were called to make sure the child was OK. Doctor's visits were always discussed. I mean when I say they care, they are like your kids' other family.
They really teach the children and they are amazingly advanced by the time they leave. An example: when I was working at People's United Bank one of the parents brought their children that I taught at St. Rita's and the three year old said "I was really mad that Mommy made me come to the bank, but now I'm happy because I got to see you, Miss Sara!" (He was a very silly kid, always trying to convince me that he didn't know how to color and then make amazing artwork).
So why four stars and not 5? 1. The teachers aren't certified. Don't get me wrong, these people can TEACH, but when you're in a private day care setting with pristige I feel like parents are always looking for that certificate. 2. The big appeal is that your child is almost guaranteed a spot at St. Rita's school and that seems to be the primary reason that parents choose the day care and they capitalize on that. 3. They sometimes have a hard time with rowdier children, and children are rowdy. But the discipline is never an issue: it's always appropriate. Then again, I don't believe that there is one perfect day care, just a perfect day care for your child. read more
