I also LOVE this school. I am an attorney and was extremely stressed and concerned returning to work. I have two children - one that attended D2D from infant to K and a child now in infant care. I researched all options and was completely discouraged until I toured D2D. I also thought the place was too good to be true. I also observed several day cares with children at the local parks; D2D was the only staff with 2 staff members that interacted with the children. However, the care has exceed my expectations. Staff greets the children by name with a very cheerful good morning - the tone is always positive. The children have fabulous activities each day - weather permitting, the children take advantage of local parks and city activities as age appropriate. There are strollers for the infants for walks each day. There is a large motor room. The children are fed quality and healthy snacks and lunch. Each infant parent receives a note each day detailing diaper changes, eating, naps and the activities. Staff is connected with each child and the individual personalities. The building is well maintained with high ceilings, large and colorfully decorated rooms and plenty of space for the children. There are half doors or large windows for each classroom so that it is clear to see what is happening in each room. In addition, the management has a camera in each room and can observe what is occuring. Parents are permitted in the front office to also observe their children. D2D sends the staff to a conference each year and promotes continuing education. The staff to child ratio is very low and demonstrates the dedication of D2D to the quality of care. I have not had a negative experience. Addressing some of the comments from other reviewers: (i) the hours are appropriate. At the beginning D2D had extended hours, but the director stated some parents were leaving children 5 days for 12 hours, and it was not appropriate for the children. D2D is supplemental care, not primary care. In addition, most of the staff have families and want to return home to see their children; (ii) Days Off - it is unbelievable to me that any parent would begrudge the staff days off and complain they need to take a vacation day to spend with their child. The staff is not highly paid and deserve the days off to spend with their families and this is one of the few benefits that are afforded to providers. Parents can use vacation and personal days during the D2D days off - they are published well in advance. I appreciate the school closing on ""snow days"" - why have staff, parents and children out in dangerous conditions. I am shocked any parent would complain about staff days off to attend a continuing education conference or to clean the school - most parents view these as positives! I also feel the need to respond to the review from ""msmommy"" on May 02, 2009. I have never witnessed any act of aggression toward any child - it would not be tolerated. And it would be noticed due to the cameras in each room. I have never seen a child treated in way other than positive. The toys are cleaned at the end of EVERY day and I have seen the staff cleaning the toys, which are age apppropriate and well maintained. The published D2D policy is that a child sick for more than 3 days must have a note to return to school - this is for the protection of all staff and children and a positive, not a negative. Staff is diligent about changing diapers and records each diaper change in a daily note. Any ""Mommy"" who would leave her child at a day care she alleges is neglectful, poorfully run, aggressive with children and in a ""run - down"" building for her own ""convenience"" says far more about the mother than the truth about D2D. If the events described were true, I would not have sent two children to D2D. It is truly premium care.
Pros: Staff; Low Ratios; Activities; Philosophy; Food; Location
Cons: No benefits for Staff due to size of business
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