I am actually shocked at some of these negative reviews, because our experience has been 180 degrees different. Prepare yourself for a novel...
Our first daughter started Goddard in the infant room after we took her to the next best competitor in the area. We did not feel right at the competitor, felt security was lacking, later heard about a child that was checked out and left in a room by himself before his parent arrived along with another child being fed his breast milk... In the end, our gut was correct, not that we needed that subsequent justification to know how happy we have been with Goddard.
My daughter has now grown through five classrooms, and we've never been disappointed. It all starts with the teachers, each of whom has been an amazing choice at the school, even the teachers who have departed have all been wonderful. They are constantly engaged and the kids absolutely adore them, which lets me know the teachers are working hard and treating my child right. More importantly, the right teachers have been hired to challenge our kids. While you feel like your child and their peers are pushing the threshold of their capabilities in knowledge, skills, math, and language, it becomes VERY apparent when you see them interact with children outside of Goddard. I know it's not just my daughter either, because we're around her peers who are similarly advanced. It's really a tribute to the school and the staff hired by T.J. And Kelly.
As far as T.J. And Kelly, they are amazingly accommodating and flexible, and they truly care about the quality of care and education our kids are receiving. They are wide open to dealing with any issues and suggestions, and they have really made Goddard a school, not a daycare.
It may surprise you, but the cost of Goddard is nearly identical to KinderCare from our understanding.
This may or may not be a popular statement, but Goddard also does not accept public assistance which was attractive to us, because we knew all of the parents were invested. I understand not everybody is fortunate, but my kid's education comes first, so this was a consideration. If all parents are invested, the probability they challenge their kids is higher. Being surrounded by peers who are challenged at home only makes your own child better. If you are paying what we pay, you don't let your child slip. Obviously, not everybody challenges their children, but every parent I have encountered at Goddard through personal experience or seeing it on Facebook is really involved with their child's education, despite many of the kids living in households with two working parents.
As far as facilities and activities, the teachers execute multiple planned events and curriculums to ensure the kids are exposed to a variety of topics through toys, crafts, iPads, and other tools the teachers have at their disposal that we simply can't provide our kid at home. The facilities are clean and the rooms are utilized in a way that your child often gets to interact with their older peers. I personally believe this helps with transitions to new rooms and with developmental milestones by utilizing positive peer pressure and exposure.
Look, every school is going to have an issue here or there. It's the nature of a business, but it's how you manage a and respond to the issues. As far as I know, Goddard has avoided major issues and has taken immediate action when any issue has arisen. It's abundantly clear that they care about the kids, parents, and their staff.
In fact, with our second child started Goddard and we have complete faith that she will surpass expectations with the same care our first child has received, thus far. So far, we haven't been disappointed and believe number two is receiving additional benefits our first child didn't... If that was even possible!
I swear to God I don't work for Goddard - I am just incredibly happy with the service we've received, love our teachers, and wanto to let other parents know who may be considering the school, but may be afraid to ask certain questions or worry about the negative reviews. And, no offense, if you're making a decision based on T.J., you're missing the big picture. I love T.J., but he merely manages business side and ensures the right teachers are working with your kid. Judge T.J. Based on the quality of education and care he has worked so hard to develop and grow. He's always has a smile and says hi, and my kiddo loves to run into his office to say hey, but he doesn't teach. Judge the school based on the supremely amazing teachers that are developing your child every minute of the day. T.J. Has done an amazing job identifying college graduates and other skilled daycare professionals to enrich your child's life.
I would be incredibly deflated if we had to go anywhere else. Like I said, here's your novel. I hope you found it informative and hope if you are fortunate enough, you consider sending your child to Goddard! read more
