When we brought Valkyrie to KinderCare when she was about 2 years old. At that time she barely speak anything except mama, papa, and no more than 5 words in Chinese. We were so worried that the communication problem would upset her. In the first 3 weeks every time in dropping off and picking up my daughter cried in tears, it’s like we were being cruel to her. Frankly speaking, we worried almost everything at the beginning. But the supportive staff there really relief us a lot. Miss Kim sent me email with pics that show my kid is happy there. Miss Krissy held my daughter and comfort her when she cried just as we would have. Now my daughter would happily run and give a big hug to Miss Krissy every morning as other kids do. I love getting daily reports that tells me what she ate, how she slept and what she learned for the day. When we knew that she had a big sounding nap and ate everything since her first day there we knew that she is so well taken care of. And it surprise me that my daughter eat everything there in every meals all by herself. Since we thought she has been used to Chinese food only and need to be feed sometimes. Now it’s been months since she’s in KinderCare, we enjoy to hear the new words that come out from her, the new nursery rhymes she sings and new movement she shows us. We know these all contains dedication and devotion from teachers there with their loving heart to kids. We are thankful for each and every teacher at North Woodridge KinderCare.

For a month, as we welcomed a new grandchild into our family, I had the pleasure of taking and picking up my granddaughter from the Woodridge KinderCare Learning Center. I wanted to share some observations. I was impressed with the staff who greeted us daily as we entered the facility. There was a hello, a wave from across the lobby and/ or a brief conversation. On numerous occasions we were witness to the director greeting children and parents by name. On one such occasion she inquired how a child was feeling since he had recently sustained stitches from a recent home accident. Her enthusiasm for his return was apparent. As well, other parents we encountered at arrivals and departures were friendly and were not without a hello. The lobby is welcoming not only by the staff presence but also by numerous books on display. These books appeared to augment classroom curriculum themes such as gardening and insects. With our relaxed arrival and departures times we often took the time to look and/or read a book. Upon entering my granddaughter’s brightly lit classroom, we were welcomed by her teacher. The children who had arrived prior enthusiastically greeted my granddaughter by name and on numerous occasions invited her to play in one of the activity areas. It was obvious the children enjoyed being in this classroom as evidenced by their smiles, greetings, conversations and body language. They made me feel welcome! The prevailing atmosphere throughout the classroom was learning through play. There were numerous activity centers in which children had choices---reading center, block area, science area, dress up and a manipulative area. A toileting area and handwashing sink with easy accessibility for young children plus a changing table for those in need of diapering was also present. Each child had his or her own cubbie for coats and extra clothing. An enclosed outdoor play space was also available for extended gross motor activities. I enjoyed reading the daily report received at the end of the day. This was also a way my son and daughter in law could keep abreast of days at school. This report gave me an overview of what had transpired during the day. Sometimes I received an extended account of a particular activity highlighting something great my granddaughter had done that day. An accompanying picture rounded out the story. One thing that impressed me was my granddaughter’s enthusiasm for singing. I had the feeling a lot singing took place in the classroom throughout the day and this was confirmed when I asked one of the two teachers. What a great way to learn language, learn concepts and experience social interactions with others. The carry over to home--invaluable! Any concerns or questions I had were addressed by the administration and/or the teachers. Staff listened and my thoughts respected. The facility is secure and designated outside spaces enclosed. While not part of our routine, some children are also picked up and dropped off for intervention services as well as attendance at local elementary schools. The atmosphere in this facility made me feel comfortable and I feel my son and daughter in law have made a good choice for their child. My granddaughter is enthusiastic about being in this learning center and soon her new baby brother will be in attendance as well.

My children and I have had nothing but great experiences with this center. The directors and teachers have been always extremely welcoming and helpful throughout the time we've been here. My children never fail to come home happy and excited to tell me about their day and what they've learned. I know I have made the right decision when enrolling my children here and I am very pleased with the amount of dedication from the teachers.