Any FDA WOW Discovery Preschool Program parents here?

[Anonymous]

My child will be starting in the discovery preschool program in the next few days. Can you tell me what you think of the program so far?

[Anonymous]

When do you start? We start Monday. I'm hoping for a smooth transition- he loved the Open House day- so I'm hoping he remembers that and has a lot of fun.

[Anonymous]

We start the following week. I am not too nervous that my child won't be happy there, but I am nervous about the preschool component of it-I am really hoping the educational component is strong.

[Anonymous]

We began today- I think there will be a lot of active play learning since they're all around 2 years old. Our little one dove right into playing (to my surprise) and didn't cry at all... but another child in his second week had a visibly difficult time being dropped off this morning. It's our first day- but our last daycare/early preschool did activities everyday with numbers and letters- so I'm hoping to see evidence of the same. Our child knows the alphabet and numbers and colors and I'm hoping they have more creative learning techniques.

[Anonymous]

Last week, my daughter glued pasta on the first letter of her name--if that helps. The newsletter was just sent around to all the parents detailing the focus for this week.

[Anonymous]

My child is in one of the Discovery Twos classes. I am reconsidering my choice to send them there. The teachers already seem irritated and cold with the kids. I really don't understand what the issue is - they are young kids in a new school, with new people taking care of them. Our old daycare was so different, and I chose this one for proximity's sake. I'll have to see, but I am really having second thoughts.

[Anonymous]

9:53 can you post more on what you have witnessed? In what ways do the teachers seem cold and irritated? Have you brought your concerns up to the directors? My child's spot at his/her previous center has already been filled and I can't get him/her back in there until June, unless there is an unexpected change (and even then I am not sure if there are other people ahead of our family). Would really appreciate any additional information you can provide.

[Anonymous]

Please post more, 9:53. Concerned parent here.

[Anonymous]

09:53 here. No, I haven't brought up my concerns with the director yet, because I've been waiting to see what happens, since the center has only been open a week. I figured, "Maybe it's growing pains."

My child was at a center (DC's spot has been taken, as well) where when DC walked in in the morning, the teachers smiled and started singing. There was always lively music playing, and all 3 teachers were young and vibrant. Not to be ageist, but most of the teachers at the center are past their 40s. One morning when I walked in, the teacher and an aide seemed so irritated with the kids as they took their snack. The aide actually reprimanded one child loudly and firmly put him back in his seat when he stood up. I walked in, and there was no smile from the teacher for me or for my child. The aide didn't bother to say anything to me.

Granted, I am there only for drop-off and pick-up, so perhaps things are different during the day. But I somehow doubt it. It would be helpful to have other parents weigh in.

[Anonymous]

09:53 thanks so much for coming back. I hate, hate, hate the fact that the teachers didn't greet you or your child. Ugh. Also, it sounds like the kids got their snack and then one of the boys went to stand up and they forcibly put him down? Was that the first step before asking him to set or explaining that he needed to sit?

[Anonymous]

09:53 here: The teacher, although not the warmest of people, did explain to another child that they needed to sit down. The aide was the one who sat the child down forcibly, and there was no explanation that followed. I don't know how much training she has in early childhood education, or even in looking after kids. We all know that kids that age are all over the place; they need to be gently taught about staying in their chairs during meals.

[Anonymous]

9:53 thanks again. Do you mind posting if your child is in the younger or older discovery program? Thanks a lot

[Anonymous]

After reading that the poster was concerned, it actually made me nervous. So I left work and went over there myself to "pop in". No one knew I was there. On my way in I did see one of the infant room teachers who was taking the babies for a walk. I came to the door of the Mulberry class, where my child is, I didn't want to disturb them (because my child would turn to hysterics if he knew I was there and left)- but the older teacher was holding two kids by the hands showing them something- looked as if they were either about to do an activity or had just finished. My little one was playing on the floor. (Kids this age don't necessarily play with each other, so I didn't find anything weird about that.) I did get the teachers attention & just waved and observed for a little while. Then left. I want them to know that I will pop in and check on my child at any hour of the day. (I've always done this.) I think others need to do the same and report back. It would be very helpful to everyone.

[Anonymous]

11:57, thanks for the drop-in. My DD is in the Mulberry classroom too.

P.S. I have no problem with older teachers or any other diversity. I really like that one of the teachers has an obvious physical disability--it teachers her that all people are capable of doing a great job.

[Anonymous]

11:57 again- I agree. It's just very hard to determine how it's going as of right now. The more parental involvement the better everyone will be.