As a parent, I agonized over who would be caring for my daughter. She started in homecare as an infant, the first home I couldn't shake my negative intuition- within months I moved her and was fortunate to find a nuturing loving home caregiver. \r
I think our intuition can be a great tool to help guide us, along with unannounced visits and continuing contact with the caregivers. When my daughter was a toddler, I wanted her to be exposed to different learning opportunities, socialization, activities etc. I wanted the best of both worlds- a loving home environment combined with a structured teaching environment-- I found that in North Oaks Country. My daughter has attended the daycare since she was a toddler- and is now an afterschooler. I have been nothing but pleased with the care she is provided. The teachers have been loving and attentive. I have seen teachers come and go- but that probably has more to do with the nature of the business, than the daycare. It takes a special person to care for children, especially as a group- I for one recognize that I couldn't do it on a daily basis. My hats off to (good) teachers everywhere in Daycare! My daughter has always been strong willed with a mind of her own. As a toddler/ preschooler when she didn't get what she wanted- look out. Yes, I would hear about her behavior on particular days and it didn't always feel good. But I have to respect and would prefer the teachers be up front and honest with me so that I can better make decisions on how to guide her and her behavior. After all, daycares and schools really have our children more than we do (sad but true fact). So if I am going to believe in anybody to care for my child for the majority of their waking hours as I would want them to be cared for- it would be a place like North Oaks Country. I feel very fortunate and grateful for the care my daughter has received. It is a wonderful loving place, guided by the heart.
Pros: Not corporate environment- Home like setting/ ambience with very involved owner/ director. Very high rating with Licesning (State agency who regulates daycares)
Cons: My daughter never liked taking naps as a preschooler- wish they had an area for children who didn't want to nap. They wouldn't make her sleep, but she had to lie down for at least an hour.
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