Our children attended Joyful Noise many years ago, when the only center was in the Federal building, downtown. We were waitlisted then, too. Our son was admitted just after his second birthday, and I -- pregnant with our daughter -- cried on his first day. His teacher (""Man Stevie"") assured me that almost every mother cried on the first day! I felt as well cared-for as my children at Joyful Noise, made many lasting friends, and formed strong bonds with the teachers, several of whom stayed with our children at our home over the years when we had to travel for business. Both children thrived there. Not only was the environment stimulating, but it had the right mix of structure, social interaction and learning, and unstructured play. Lunches were nutritious and delicious (I still make Colleen's lentil stew at home!). Teachers were caring, attentive to our needs, and knew our children well. We have highschoolers now, and I must say that their humble beginnings at Joyful Noise helped prepare them to be self-confident and successful young adults with excellent social skills. The other night, as we waited at the Max stop on our way to the Blazers game, my 17-year-old son crossed the street to peer into the windows of the toddlers room. He came back with a big grin on his face. ""Best years of my life!"" he exclaimed.
Pros: staff was wonderful: kind, caring, communicative
Cons: parking could be difficult
more