I am a current parent of a child at S4CCDC. Here's my experience:…read moreI first learned of the center from my sister who had her son (my nephew) enrolled. She always spoke highly of her experience.
My first time at the center was when I went to pick up my nephew. Because it was my first time there, they were adament about checking my ID and calling my sister to verify who I was. They would not release my nephew to me until they were sure of who I was. Its comforting to know that they take safety very seriously. So when I needed child care for my daughter, S4CCDC was my first stop.
I checked out 3 centers and 2 babysitters. This felt like the best fit. Ms. Moore (the director) met with me to provide me with all the information I needed. I was able to meet a few staff members before enrolling. The enrollment process was relatively simple. Ms. Moore was also helpful and pacient as I got my enrollment documents and daycare voucher situated.
My daughter started attending S4CCDC in January 2025. She had just recently turned 2. She adapted well right away and started making friends. Within a few months, I noticed her vocabulary had doubled and she was speaking more clearly. She knew the day to day routines, transitioned well at drop off, and was always smiling when I picked her up at the end of the day. She is now 3. She knows her colors, numbers, letters, and shapes. She loves books. She often comes home with arts and crafts. She has learned about planting, weather, and has developed social-emotional skills while at the center. She receives "homework" to reinforce the work being done in school. The homework is age/skill appropriate and very manageable. I am regularly updated on her progress, where the class is in the curriculum, and upcoming events and lessons. The center also partners with families to teach independence and autonomy such as potty training, dressing, and feeding.
My daughter has eczema. It requires regular monitoring and ointment applications throughout the day. The center regularly alerts me if her eczema patches worsen, change, or improve. They also administer her ointments during the day are flexible when she needs to arrive late or leave early to attend medical appointments.
My nephew continued to attend the center until very recently. My nephew is on the spectrum. S4CCDC was supportive of his developmental needs, provided education on how to support him at home, and partnered with providers to delivery appropriate services both at the center and at home. When my nephew started attending at Pre-K program at a public school, the teacher remarked at how much he already knew coming in. I am so confident in S4CCDC, that I recommended them to a family friend who also enrolled their child. And I would recommend S4CCDC again and again.
S4CCDC also partners with the community and organizations to connect families with resources and supports, as well as encourage families to become strong advocates for their children. There are a number to leadership, collaboration, and learning opportunities available to parents of the children at S4CCDC.
The children and staff of S4CCDC have become valued members of my daughter's life. Every child is valued, cared for, and appreciated for who they are, and in turn, they treat each other with the same warmth. When I ask my daughter about her friends at school, she names EVERY CHILD. The staff blends the mix of seasoned, experienced educators and caregivers who bring the patience and wisdom of years of child rearing and pedagogy, with the energy of new teachers who bring new ideas and the hopeful energy of youth.
While no parent will ever believe that any place can be perfect, I leave my daughter at S4CCDC knowing that she is safe and cared for. She does not lack for care, security, or an opportunity to learn something new. And while academic rigor and an abundance of resources may be more present at other UWS childcare centers, I know that my daughter is learning kindness, respect, and what it means to be part of a community.
"Children are not a distraction from work. They are the most important work." - John Trainer
