Anyone have experience with Kids Village Learning Center on 16th Street and Kalmia?

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Does anyone have there kids in the newly opened Kids Village Learning Center in the Washington Ethical Society Building on 16th Street in D.C.? If so, I'd love to chat about your experience there. We have a 21 month old and are looking into daycare options. Thanks very much.

[Anonymous]

It's a new daycare, and I think there are 2 or 3 kids there now, with more to start through the summer. My DC will be starting there in the Fall. I don't know that you'll get many responses to your question.

[Anonymous]

Bumping this up. Wondering how people regard this program now that it has been open for a while.

[Anonymous]

I think the program is still very new and they have no established a routine for all involved. The caregivers are caring and nurturing but I feel more educational programs and activities geared towards learning need to be established at the center. My DC has been attending, I'm encouraged... But I also have reservations if the educational curriculum is not brought into focus.

[Anonymous]

Not sure if anyone is still wondering about Kids Village, but wanted to round out the perspective above. We've been there for a while, and I've been more than pleased with the experience. Our child is excited to go there, and talks about the caretakers and children happily.

We were looking for someplace that has appealing facilities with plenty of daylight, easy outside access, and seems to really enjoy meeting toddlers on their level. The adjacent outdoor playspace and multiple weekly trips to Shepherd Park playground have been our real selling points. The staff has been great about potty training as well. I would like a little more work on table manners though! In general, they've also done a great job at handling the various unwanted toddler behaviors that crop up (both in our child and others).

It's sometimes hard to talk about the curriculum because the main staff for drop-off and pick-up are not necessarily the main teachers, but we've been pleasantly surprised by how many songs, words, and letters our daughter is naturally expressing. I really appreciate that they aren't pushing the kids on academics at this age. We're a bit disappointed that the kids aren't learning/doing much with Spanish, however, though as non-speakers our child may just not be choosing to use the language with us.

[Anonymous]

Hi, wondering if there is any more feedback out there on Kids Village. We are looking at joining their new facility in Silver Spring. All sounds good about the program, but I was surprised to learn the kid to teacher ratio is 1-10 for a mixed age group of 2 to 4. That seems like a lot of kids. (MD confirms that ratio is legal).

Thanks, Megan

[Anonymous]

I'm also wondering about it, as I'm looking at the SS location. I've heard it's Reggio Emilia based, but their website doesn't say anything about Reggio Emilia. Do you feel that philosophy comes into the curriculum?

[Anonymous]

The director plans to use Reggio Emilia philosophy and materials in the SS location, with the concept in mind that the environment is the third teacher.

[Anonymous]

Bump. Giving consideration to DC location - any feedback from current/former parents?

[Anonymous]

I know this is an old thread but thought I'd respond for future archive searching. Our kid has been at the DC location for over a year and we love it. The teachers could not be any more involved, inviting, warm and loving. Many of the teachers at the two locations are related and get along well. They've all been there for years, which makes it nice for consistency for the children.

Its theoretically Reggio Emilia based but certainly not strictly enforced. Its very play and environment based. They get outside all the time, and when too cold and rainy they use the WES congregation room, which allows for lots of running around.

I couldn't recommend the place enough.

[Anonymous]

At the Silver Spring location, the teachers use the Creative Curriculum which is based on learning through play. They do small groups based on the children's ages and that are developmentally appropriate. They also work individually with my child to maximize their learning potential. We couldn't be happier with the program and the teachers. Ms.Elizabeth has 17 years experience with the curriculum and working with children. My child receives music and spanish lessons throughout the week. I have a 17 month old child who I will be enrolling in the DC location when she turns 18 months.

[Anonymous]

Any new information? Thinking of enrolling my 2 year old here...

Any difference between the 16th street and sligo locations? I can make both work with my commute

Thanks

[Anonymous]

My son just enrolled at SS location.

Differences are: price and music teacher frequency. He is amazing, and does daily sessions in DC, but only twice a week in SS. I am told it will be more frequent when enrollment increases.

[Anonymous]

Any recent opinions and experiences at this center? Thinking of enrolling my 19th month old there. Also curious what folks have heard about the infant center located in the same building.