Ok, just so you know--- I enrolled both of my kids at the Surprise/ Bell road Tutor Time last week and they LOVE IT! In fact, my 3 year old (in 1 week) is 90% potty trained because of their efforts to work with me! His teacher is so sweet. And my daughter is having a great time too. She's going to kindergarten in a few weeks but we pitched Tutor Time to her like she's getting to go to a cool summer program thing. So, thanks for all the advise- but I used my instincts and I am glad I did. If anything happens in the future- I will keep you all updated- I think it's important to spread the word on good or bad childcare places!
Well, I hope your luck
Well, I hope your luck continues! I know I would never take my precious babies there after what happened with my son. I have to believe the teachers and director make all the difference. But again, beware.
I'm glad it's working well
I'm glad it's working well for your family. I think following your instincts is the best thing any mom can do.
I was on vacation when you posted your original question. I would have provided overall positive feedback about my two boys' experience at Tutor Time in Goodyear. As was raised in responses to your original post, I'm sure experience varies greatly depending on personnel at each location. Please do keep us posted if you have any problems!
GopherGirl is a discussion follower. She lives in the West Valley with her husband and two boys, ages 4 and 2.
I'm glad you're having a
I'm glad you're having a good experience so far and I hope that continues for you. My main concern with Tutor Time as well as the various other chain childcare centers through out the valley and was when I originally responded to your first post is that their primary goal is not teaching, although they consider themself pre-school. They are not NAEYC accredited (National Association of Education for Young Children) and the "teachers" they employee are not actual teachers with teaching degrees. I just personally feel it's important for children to be taught by teachers pre-elementary if that is what you're goal is when seeking a "preschool". Also, the on-going training required for their employees through out the year is very minimal. If one is solely looking for childcare and it's a good fit and you're satisfied then that's great.
I noticed that they call
I noticed that they call their staff teachers too so it always made me wonder until I called them to ask. I think it's a bit misleading to call them teachers, but I found out at that age that they really don't need to be teachers just as long as they can teach basic things to children. My concern will always be ratios and make sure that they aren't bored. I'm glad to hear some good news about places like that since my daughter isn't in a facility like that. She maybe when she is older though when she starts school in 4 years. :-)
Lisa - Mom to her spunky little Scarlette
I found the website to
I found the website to assist in a search if anyone is interested in trying to find one near them. There are none in the city of Surprise. ( http://www.naeyc.org/academy/search/Search_Result.asp )
Country Meadows Community Preschool Partnership
7841 West Sweetwater Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85381
Phone: 623 412-4485
Ira A. Murphy Community Preschool Partnership
7231 West North Lane
Peoria, AZ 85345
Phone: 623 412-4485
Litchfield ECE Center
13825 Wigwam Boulevard Community Ed
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Phone: 623 535-6042
Luke Air Force Base Child Development Center
7205 N. 137th Avenue Bldg 1119
Luke AFB, AZ 85309
Phone: 623 -623
Pendergast School District Desert Mirage
8605 West Maryland Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85305
Phone: 623 772-2550
Sundance Community Preschool Partnership
7051 West Cholla Street
Peoria, AZ 85345
Phone: 623 412-4485
Mom of 10 yr old step daughter, 12 month old son, 2 dogs, 2 cats a husband I adore and.. in my 'spare' time an amature geneologist.
3rd St/Bell Tutor Time - 2
3rd St/Bell Tutor Time - 2 of my kids go there and they absolutely LOVE IT there. I totally know what you mean about the potty training as well. My son started at 3 yrs old and was not interested in potty training. Within 2 months, he was fully potty trained. I wouldn't take my boys anywhere else. I firmly believe in what was said that it all depends on the directors and who is in charge. If they care, then everyone else will also. I have never EVER had a secong thought about leaving my boys.
My son has been going to
My son has been going to Tutor (the one in Surprise) for the past year and overall we've had a pretty good experience. I agree that you cant take opinions from other schools, because they are all ran differently, by different people. I loved his 2 year old teacher Ms. Margaret. They were great with working with him on his potty training and he's now completely potty trained at school (we're still working on it at home.) If you ever have a family vacation or just take a few days off you can update them the week before and only pay for the days your child attends. We switched from Kindercare and definantly had a better experience. Kindercare seemed to be closed a lot of extra days, besides just the normal holidays and then we had to pay for outside child care on those days and when we took a week long vacation we had to pay full price to 'hold' our spot. My son recently switched from the 2 year old room, to being partly in the preppers and partly in the 3 year old room to full time in the 3 year old room and I'm not quite as happy. When I drop him off at 6:45 he has to go in to a group room with kids of all ages until his one of his teachers get there. We looked at Kiddie Academy this weekend and I think we'll be giving our two week notice tomorrow. They seem to have a better cirriculum, he'll have just 1 teacher, they have cameras and a water splash pad for a little bit less money than we are paying now.