Pieces of the Puzzle Day Care - Thoughts?

[Chuck]

My wife & I are checking out day cares in the neighborhood, and toured POTP recently. We were impressed, but admittedly know little about day care, as we are expecting our first. The manager explained that the facility was clean, organized, and that all of the teachers are state certified and have passed a federal background check, all of which sounds great. We were hoping some of you with children that attend the center could comment on your experience there. We and our unborn child thank you.

[MiamiDauphin]

I am also looking for a day care and was considering Pieces of the Puzzle. My wife and I live in Fishtown. We checked out Starlight Starbright on York St., and while that is still an option, we're expanding our search. Any other places you visited that you would like to comment on? Anyone else out there have any ideas?

[Chuck]

We got the tour of the place and liked what we saw, but then again I like the kid's playroom in IKEA. We're planning on looking at a few other places, and I'll post about them here. Surprised that no one else on these boards has feedback on this place.

[Chris]

we started our 18 month old son at Fun Kids at 4th & Market (in the Wells Fargo bldg)- a little out of the neighborhood, but a great program and nice facility. they don't have any flexibility with scheduling though (full time is 5 days per week, or part time is Tu-Th or Mo-We-Fr).

Fun Kids provides meals and snacks (one less thing to worry about) and has a great outdoor space.

[phillychic928]

my daughter went there for 6 months, she was in the 2/3 year class. It was OK, she transferred there from the Goddard School. She learned at the Goddard, she played at POTP (IMO). she now goes to St. Pete's that has a preK that starts at age 3, a quarter of the cost and amazing. We are super happy.

[Chuck]

That's great feedback. Thanks! To be clear, still better than IKEA's ball pit, correct?

[phillychic928]

haha. yes. one other thing to note, not sure that the teachers are degree'd and for 800/1000 a month, that should be a requirement. the other daycare on 3rd and spring garden is even more $, does not have a lunch program and use certified assistants.

I really LOVE AKWD but the wait list is forever, that would be my second suggestion apart from St. Pete's for 3+.

[Chuck]

During our tour, the manager said that all of the employees are certified and have passed a federal background check. She didn't mention degrees. Is the AKWD waiting list over a year?

[phillychic928]

Not sure now, as I gave up. If you stay on top of it and call from time to time to check on your spot you should be good. The difference between degree'd and certified is huge. It's my number one requirement, initially Shasha had told me they were but I found out otherwise.