What makes Goddard School different?

[Anonymous]

Everyone is always touting Goddard School. However, isn't just like most daycare centers? Is the curriculum different?

[Anonymous]

It's not significantly different. Most center based day cares around here have specific guidelines and curricula in place that are based on best practices in early childhood development and care. They may be a bit different around the edges, but the substance is similar. Some may emphasize academics more. Some emphasize play-based activities more. Almost all focus on social development.

Quality varies by center and is mostly a function of manager/director/head of school and staff. There are good Goddards and bad ones.

[Anonymous]

We only saw the Gaithersburg one, but it actually feels like a little school. A very clean, well organized little school with a very happy air about it. The teachers we have interacted with are wonderful with our kids and all the kids just seem really happy. The facilities are also top notch. We love the gym, playgrounds, and extra activities that are set up for the kids. At least for us, when we toured other daycares around here, they felt more like just a daycare rather than a school if that makes sense. Also, many seemed messy and just chaotic, which I did not like at all. I also was impressed by how meticulous the directors seem to be with security/safety procedures. Anyhow, all I know is that it comes down to me feeling good about where my kids are in the day, and we feel great about the Goddard School in Gaithersburg and I didn't about other places I toured.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We only saw the Gaithersburg one, but it actually feels like a little school. A very clean, well organized little school with a very happy air about it. The teachers we have interacted with are wonderful with our kids and all the kids just seem really happy. The facilities are also top notch. We love the gym, playgrounds, and extra activities that are set up for the kids. At least for us, when we toured other daycares around here, they felt more like just a daycare rather than a school if that makes sense. Also, many seemed messy and just chaotic, which I did not like at all. I also was impressed by how meticulous the directors seem to be with security/safety procedures. Anyhow, all I know is that it comes down to me feeling good about where my kids are in the day, and we feel great about the Goddard School in Gaithersburg and I didn't about other places I toured.

That one had a good reputation. The one in Rockville does not. Owners make a huge difference, much more so than name brand.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Does anyone know anything about the location in Urbana? I'm especially interested in hearing any comparisons with the other daycare/childcare facilities there. There are so many!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We only saw the Gaithersburg one, but it actually feels like a little school. A very clean, well organized little school with a very happy air about it. The teachers we have interacted with are wonderful with our kids and all the kids just seem really happy. The facilities are also top notch. We love the gym, playgrounds, and extra activities that are set up for the kids. At least for us, when we toured other daycares around here, they felt more like just a daycare rather than a school if that makes sense. Also, many seemed messy and just chaotic, which I did not like at all. I also was impressed by how meticulous the directors seem to be with security/safety procedures. Anyhow, all I know is that it comes down to me feeling good about where my kids are in the day, and we feel great about the Goddard School in Gaithersburg and I didn't about other places I toured.

Would you mind sharing what the tuition fee is? My LO is a toddler, not yet preschool aged, if that helps. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

The early preschool room (2s-3s) is a little over 1600/month. Under age 2 would be a little over 1900/month.

[Anonymous]

You may want to visit Green valley montessori school near urbana...

[Anonymous]

It's a franchise, so ownership makes a big difference.

[Anonymous]

My kids didn't go there, but from friends I learned the Gaithersburg location has a great playground and many afterschool classes in addition to a great teaching staff. The Rockville one has a poor playground and more turnover.