| Author |
Message |
    
Neen
Citizen
Username: Neen
Post Number: 238
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 - 11:25 am: | 
|
Could someone tell me the name of the daycare center located behind the Blockbuster in town? Thank you! |
kriss
Citizen
Username: Kriss
Post Number: 315
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 - 12:03 pm: |
|
Little Stages? |
wolfegirl
Citizen
Username: Wolfegirl
Post Number: 2
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 - 6:17 pm: |
|
Yes, it's Little Stages:
http://littlestages.com |
red_alert
Citizen
Username: Red_alert
Post Number: 303
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 - 8:33 pm: |
|
Do they have a dropoff slot there too?  |
Neen
Citizen
Username: Neen
Post Number: 243
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 6, 2006 - 11:26 am: |
|
Any positive or negative experiences with this day care facility? |
red_alert
Citizen
Username: Red_alert
Post Number: 306
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 6, 2006 - 10:22 pm: |
|
The late fees are tough.
|
wolfegirl
Citizen
Username: Wolfegirl
Post Number: 3
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 12:29 pm: |
|
Our 13-month-old daughter goes once a week when I go into the city for work, and seems to love it there. She's always happy to see us leave in the a.m., and is enjoying herself when we pick her up at the end of the day. Our nanny of 1 year recently left us, with no notice, and we feel VERY fortunate to have found Little Stages. It's a smaller facility run, from what we can tell, very professionally + with great care by the owner. We hope to eventually have her there more days/week. Feel free to PL me with any questions! |
composerjohn
Citizen
Username: Composerjohn
Post Number: 867
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 12:47 pm: |
|
Do they have dropin daycare (like Totri)? |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5617
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 2:22 pm: |
|
The website says nothing about what her undergraduate degree is in, nor does it say what her master's will be in. Another thing I noticed there is nothing noting the center is licensed. How many children go to Little Stages? How many staff does it employee? The pictures look nice though. |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1400
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 2:26 pm: |
|
Yeah I have to agree with JTA on that one. |
Slim Jim
Citizen
Username: Arrakis
Post Number: 25
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 4:58 pm: |
|
Someone should drop by there and ask all of those questions. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3546
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 5:44 pm: |
|
It cannot be a day care center if it is not licensed. There are required ratios for daycare, and there are periodic inspections. JTA, might I ask why you care about those things you asked about? Are you considering sending kids there? Do you have reason to believe the kids currently there are not properly cared for?
Does it matter what her undergrad degree is in? Does it matter what her graduate degree with be in? What matter is, is the center providing good care, and is the staff qualified. Degrees are not really good indicators of care quality.
Asking questions just for the sake of asking is just as bad as not asking questions that need to be asked. I'm sure parents who are considering the facility will ask the questions they need to make their own determinations. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5621
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 9:42 pm: |
|
Rastro-
Do you send your children there? Are you speaking from experience? |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3550
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 9:46 pm: |
|
I don't send my children there. But one of my children is in a similar day care. Are you planning to send kids there? Is that why you're so interested? |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5625
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 12:11 am: |
|
I would think twice about sending a child of mine to a daycare that does not list the qualifications of it's care givers on it's website. The information on the website is too vague. But that's just me. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3551
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 12:19 am: |
|
Most parents I know... no wait... every parent I know is more concerned with the day care center and its staff than the day care center's web site. I would be concerned about nay day care center that listed the number of children in its care. There are ratios that must be adhered to, and the state performs random inspections. So as long as they are "within ratio," I don't care how many kids they have or how many staff members they have.
I haven't looked around much, but can you tell me which day care centers list their staff qualifications on their web site? |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1404
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 12:29 am: |
|
Rastro..why so up-in-arms? |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5626
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 12:36 am: |
|
Some suggestions when choosing a daycare:
CHOOSING A GOOD DAYCARE
HOW TO CHOOSE A PROGRAM
Choosing a day care program for your child can be a challenge. When selecting a program, visit at a time of day when the children should be active, such as in the morning. Take your child along and don't hesitate to ask questions. Take this checklist as a guide. Don't expect to find everything listed here! Do choose the program with which you feel most comfortable.
What Sould I Look For:
Staff
Treats children with respect, flexibility, and patience.
Is able to meet your child's developmental and emotional needs.
Is of a sufficient number to meet the needs of children.
Takes time to discuss your child with you.
Practices good personal hygiene.
Has previous experience or training in working with children.
Facility
Safe indoor and outdoor areas and equipment.
Orderly, clean play areas.
Airy room with bright colors.
Sanitary bathrooms and diaper changing areas.
Health and Safety
Comfortable temperatures summer and winter.
Rounded table corners and other furniture safety features.
Non-toxic play materials.
First aid kit.
Healthy snacks and/or meals.
Clean kitchen area.
Handwashing after toileting and before meals and snacks.
Separate cots/mats for others.
Cleaning materials, and medicines secured out of reach of children.
Program
Proper child-staff ratios.
Creative Play.
Plenty of play materials.
Plenty of educational materials.
Organized program of activities.
Supervised rest time.
Minimal, supervised TV if any.
Stories read.
General
A license or registration certificate from the New Jersey Department of Youth and Family Services (DFYS)
Rules clearly explained.
Good behavior encouraged.
Other parents visiting.
Children allowed to get dirty naturally through play.
No children "left out".
Lots of laughing, caring, sharing.
HAPPY CHILDREN!
Ask these questions:
May I drop in anytime?
May I participate in program planning?
May I take part in special events and trips?
What are the hours?
What are the fees?
What does this include?
Is there a reduction in fee if my child is out sick?
What happens if my child gets sick or injured at the center?
Are the caregivers trained in child development?
What are the hiring procedures?
How long has most staff worked here?
May I contact staff references?
Are there 'safety' restrictions on who may pick up my child?
Ask yourself:
Is the center conveniently located?
Is the center affordable?
Do I feel comfortable with the caregivers?
Do I feel good watching my child play at this center?
Do I feel that the center is right for my child and myself?
Try to:
Set up a "trial day" when your child can join in activities while you observe.
After your child begins attending:
Drop in unannounced and visit regularly.
Leave emergency contact information with the caregiver.
Set up two or three "back-up plans" in case or your child's or your illness.
Get involved with your child's day care experience!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Choosing a Good Center
What should you look for in a day care center?
Whether you are considering a commercial day care center or one in someone's home, you should check it out carefully. Ask questions of the staff and members. Talk to parents of other children at the day care center. Look over the center carefully.
Ask about the child to staff ratio.
How many children are there for each staff member? A ratio of one staff person for 6 to 8 small children might be good. One staff member for 10 to 14 older children may be okay.
Are the younger and older children separated? Separating the older and younger children helps reduce the number of infections that are passed around.
Ask about the center's policies.
What are the center's policies on discipline and other important issues?
Are the policies in writing? (Ask to see a copy.)
Ask how the center cares for sick children.
How is medicine given?
How are parents told about illness among the children?
When must children stay home because of illness?
Does the center have a "sick room" for children with minor illnesses?
Is there a nurse or doctor to help with medical care?
Is each child required to have vaccinations before coming to day care?
Is a physical exam required before admission?
Does the day care center keep a record of health-related problems, such as illnesses, injuries and accidents, for each child?
Ask about staff training.
What are the training requirements for staff members?
Are all staff members certified in basic first aid?
Are all staff members trained in child development?
Are all staff members trained in identification of abused children?
Are all staff members trained in preventing illness and injury?
Does the center have rules about careful and frequent hand-washing? This is key to reduce the spread of illness among the children. All staff members must wash their hands each time they diaper a child and before fixing meals or snacks.
Check building and playground safety.
Are poison control phone numbers and ambulance phone numbers clearly posted?
Does the playground have impact-absorbing surfaces, such as wood chips, under the swings and slides?
Are young children able to get to high places?
Are the children protected from strangers?
Are fire drills held at least every month?
Are there smoke alarms throughout the building?
Does the center use space heaters, which might burn the children?
Are safety gates used in areas for small children?
Are electric outlets covered?
Are sharp corners of furniture covered?
Are the toys kept clean? Washable toys should be washed every day with a disinfectant cleaner, such as Lysol or a solution of water and bleach.
Does the day-care staff regularly clean all surfaces with disinfectant?
What can I do to keep day care safe for my child?
Visit with the staff at the day-care center. Go to meetings for family members and learn about the concerns of staff and other parents.
Suggest educational programs for parents and staff members. Helpful topics include child development, first aid, dental care, skin cancer prevention, general safety and recognizing abuse.
Help with cleaning and repairs at the day-care center. Many centers appreciate parents helping out as playground supervisors.
Ask your child every day about what happened at day care.
What are some signs that would tell me if there are problems?
The staff fails to answer your questions and address your concerns.
There is no way for parents to be involved in the day-care practices.
Your child tells you about problems or is not happy with his or her day care experience.
Unexplained accidents happen more than once.
The staff changes often.
The management can't offer you a written copy of the day-care policies.
Other parents tell you about problems or concerns with the day-care center.
*****************************************************************
Under provisions of the New Jersey: Manual of Requirements for Child Cafe Facilities (N.J.A.C. 10:122), every licensed child care center in New Jersey must provide to parents of enrolled children written information on parents visitation rights; State Licensing requirements; child abuse/neglect reporting requirements and other child care matters.
http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ool/documents/Manual%20of%20Requirements%20 for%20Child%20Care%20Centers.pdf
|
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3552
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 12:37 am: |
|
Up in arms? Me?
 |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5627
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 12:39 am: |
|
Rastro-
I'm a little tired right now and I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow. But I will post several random sites for you (in the area) tomorrow. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3553
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 12:43 am: |
|
JTA, I must be missing where it mentions the word web site (or website). Where does it say to ask how many children there are, or how many staff members there are? Where does it say anything about the degrees or education of the staff? All those things you said were so important for a day care center to have on its web site...
What is it you're trying to prove? That you can find information on the web? So what? There's a lot of imnformation there, but nothing that is contradictory to what I said. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3554
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 12:46 am: |
|
JTA, I have no doubt. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5628
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 6:43 am: |
|
Rastro-
I don't recall saying anything was 'important' for a daycare center to have those things on their website. I did say
"I would think twice about sending a child of mine to a daycare that does not list the qualifications of it's care givers on it's website"
I would want to know some specifics about a daycare center, childcare center, home childcare center, preschool (whatever) before I'd even make that first call. I did bookmark two sites last night. Have to be somewhere in a few minutes; but will post the links to those and a few more when I have a chance.
|
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3555
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 10:04 am: |
|
I'm sorry. Since you say that you would think twice about sending your child to a daycare center that does not have that info on their website, I assumed that you thought that was important for them to post. I'm sorry for my tremenous leap from "I would think twice" to "important."
The whole idea of making that first call is to get information. The implication is that without the web, you would never send a child to a day care facility. Heaven forbid a day care center, especially home-based day care, doesn't have a web site. Should they even be licensed???
I'd rather they spent the money on my child's care than on marketing, which is all the web is for these kinds of facilities.
Again, are you considering sending your kids to this facility? I'd guess not, given how you find their web site lacking. But were you before this? Or are you just asking questions to ask them? |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 2561
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 11:44 am: |
|
JGA - FWIW, I interpreted your post the same way Rastro did |
Hamandeggs
Citizen
Username: Hamandeggs
Post Number: 333
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 12:22 pm: |
|
And to think that I've sent 3 kids to Totri...a place that doesn't have a website at all. Nor do I have any idea what the ed bkgr of the caregivers is. And the same is true of the other place my kids went years ago.
I do know quality care when I see it. That's enough because it is everything. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3562
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 12:36 pm: |
|
My kids used to go to Tutor Time. Great facility, Very education-oriented. The owners are college educated, but I would guess they are the only ones. Most of the others are high school educated. Some have child care certification. No where on the web site does it even talk about teacher qualifications, numbers of students, etc. It talks about their approach to child care.
A degree does not make someone qualified to care for children. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 2653
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 4:48 pm: |
|
This makes me feel like a terrible parent.
For three years, I sent my son to family daycare in South Orange. The caregiver did not - gasp! - even have a website. To this day, I don't know whether or not she went to college, and if so, in what subject her degree is.
All I did when I met her was ask an extensive series of questions (not unlike the list JGA helpfully provided, above) that were answered more than satisfactorily.
Wow. And I sent my son there anyway, with no website and no way to get the "qualifications" of his caregiver.
I guess the facts that he thrived, stopped using diapers early, learned to count, read basic words, and acquire skills beyond those of his nursery school classmates -- not to mention that he was incredibly loved and well cared for -- are all negated now. I should have found a place with a website. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 8335
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 11:37 pm: |
|
Oh, I think education is important. Who else but someone trained in emergency medicine should blow up their own house? |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5634
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 12:22 am: |
|
I only went to the link because someone posted it here. I thought it was strange instead of having information about the qualifications-such as what the degrees were in; there was information about volunteer work as a CCD Teacher. Many Daycare Centers do not have websites, but I have noticed more so then not, the ones that do list the qualifications of it's staff.
If a home daycare has more then a certain amount of children it also has to be licensed.
I got the question off the websites of the boards that license childcare facilities. As I said, what jumped out at me was instead of stating what the college degrees were in, the volunteer work was given emphasis. |
Neen
Citizen
Username: Neen
Post Number: 248
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 5:25 pm: |
|
Has anyone had any experiences with this daycare facility other than visting its website? I would love to hear some reviews from parents who actually send their children there.
Just the Aunt, thanks for the list of things to think about. Quite useful to new parents.
|
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3573
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, July 14, 2006 - 11:07 am: |
|
JTA, I'm curious. Can you list a site or two that lists the qualifications of the staff? |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page