tell me about Goddard School

sharonke4 · July 2010

I never wanted to put my baby in daycare (because I worked in one right after high school) but I'm now considering it. I think Goddard Schools are far above a standard daycare but I don't really know much about them. Do you ladies have any info that will help me decide if I should make an appt to visit the school or forget it and go with in-home sitter (in my house--I work from home).

TIA!

hav2run · July 2010

We are putting DD in early preschool, and I have it narrowed down to the Goddard School or Child Time Learning Center, which is a branch of Cincinnati Montessori Academy. Both are similarly priced (hella $$$$...we have to make cuts to get her to either of them), but both are stellar in what they do with the kids. The only difference between the two is the montessori curriculum. I want somewhere that DD can stay through kindergarten, and both offer that. I am super impressed with the fact that their teachers have been there forever, so no worries about turnover every few months. I love watching the kids in the two places. They are on a schedule, and go get their tray of things when it is time to learn. They also know to clean up their space when an activity is done. It is impressive. Go watch one day when you have a moment. Those are some super happy kids. I was excited when I saw what they can do.

AnnieG123 · July 2010

I worked at one about 10 years ago (omg, I can't believe it's been that long). They are very structured. Parents were surprised at how much the children were learning but we had a really great group of teachers and I think that's what really makes the difference. The school sets high standards for the teachers. Many had degrees or were in the process of getting them. I would go see them and ask a lot of questions. Ask to see every room because teachers can move from room to room. I'm sure you can find a list of questions if you Google. Overall I think they are one of the better schools in the area. Let me know if you have any more specific questions.

katpres06 · July 2010

My MIL works in the infant room of a Goddard. She has to do lesson plans! So I think it's pretty structured.

She once told me this is what she tells new parents who come in for a tour - it never hurts to take a tour of any facility, and you should go to multiple places just to see how you feel about it. It doesn't hurt to go and just take a tour, no harm in that. Once you get there and get a feel for the place, you'll be able to make the best decision for you guys. Good luck!

Klmorgan83 · July 2010

My nephew goes there a few days a week and he enjoys it. But I don't know if it's an issue for you or not but not all of the teachers are actually "teachers." DH worked there when we were in college (he was an education major at the time) and there was a lead teacher, who had a degree, but she left at 4ish and DH was there alone until 6 in his room. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but just something to consider for the price you are paying. DH did a great when he worked there, and was loved by the kids...but I always thought it was strange he was left alone to "teach" when he wasn't a teacher.

But this may be the norm because my sister works at a daycare and the lead teacher leaves before she does.

hav2run · July 2010

What I was told is that they require one teacher for each age level to hold a degree. Typically, the second teacher is not required to have a degree, but most of them are working on a degree or certification. HTH.

alisonada · July 2010

I don't have any personal experience with Goddard but have heard good things about them. But if I were you, with a 3 m/o, I'd rather have a nanny/sitter at my house for that one-on-one attention (not to mention you can BF if you're BFing, since you work at home, sneak out to see her on breaks, etc.) To me, kids don't really benefit from the socialization and structure that a daycare center provides until they're a littler older, around one or so.

jerseygirl81 · July 2010

I know people with kids in Goddard and I think it really depends on the location. I've heard great things about all of them except for the one on Red Bank Road, and the moms I know who use that center aren't very happy with it.

We've had Charlie in a center since I went back to work at 12 weeks and were lucky enough to find one that we really like. He seems very happy there. I know some people are more comfortable with nannies or an in-home, but I wasn't really interested in either of those options. I like the flexibility of a center and I prefer him to have multiple caregivers than just one.

There isn't anything wrong with daycare centers, provided you find one that fits your needs and wants.

sistrkate · July 2010

My son started going to Goddard when he was 4 months old. I love the school and his teachers have been outstanding in every classroom he has been in.

I truly believe that he has developed cognitively faster through their curriculum than he would have had he stayed with me at home. The previous posters are right -- their teachers all have some type of degree or certification, or are working on one (if they are the lead or assistant lead teacher). The school that my son attends keeps enough teachers to be below required ratios in both the infant room and the pre-toddler rooms. They are at ratio in the other classrooms.

It is kind of pricey for sure, so be prepared for that. I would definitely make an appointment to go visit them if you are interested. You're not obligated to sign up if you decide not to do it, but a visit there is what sold DH and I on sending him there.

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