A Child's World - Daycare Center Review

Daycares can be found in every city of every state. Children all across the world attend daycares and preschools every day while their parents are working. It is generally left up to the public to release reveiws of their experiences with a particular childcare center. Often times, referrals and word of mouth advertising are the best forms when it comes to finding a quality daycare center. I will portray my thoughts of A Child's World, located in Jamestown, North Carolina.

A Child's World does have classrooms for children 6 weeks-12 years of age. Before school and after school programs are available. The classes are set up as infant-walking, toddlers, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, and school age. The school age program is divided by age/grade into three separate groups. Each classroom has atleast two teachers-one lead teacher and atleast one assistant teacher.

In the infant classroom, the room is divided into two parts. On one side, you will find small babies ages 6 weeks until crawling. Once a baby is crawling, they graduate to the older baby side where they can play with older babies. Babies stay in the infant class until they are walking and ready to move to the toddler class. Both sides of the infant classroom are equipped with cribs, a changing table and age appropriate toys. The younger baby side has swings, rocking chairs, bouncy seats and high chairs for the babies. On the older side you will find exersaucers, a table with chairs and a few nap mats to prepare older babies getting ready to move to the toddler classroom. Each child has their own crib and cubby to store diaper bags and personal items.

The toddler class is also separated into two sections. All children participate in age appropriate activities and devedlopmental playtime. Children in the toddler class drink from sippy cups and sit at the table for two meals and a snack. All toddlers take a nap on a mat during rest time. Again, each child will have thier own cubby to store personal items.

The two year old class is busy, busy, busy! There is no separation and all children are able to interact with each other throughout the day. Center play is encouraged and children begin to learn preschool skills. Toilet training is begun and there are two potties in the classroom for the children. Children do have cubbies for their items and a personalized mat for rest time.

The three year old class is divided for better learning. Children should be potty trained because field trips are a part of the curriculum. Older three year olds are prepared for the four year old class. Center play continues and both sides of the classroom learn preschool skills. The class has a variety of toys for the children. Art, science and water play are also added.

In the four year old class, children are getting ready for kindergarten! Center play continues and science, art, math, water play and field trips are added. Children are still expected to take naps during rest time.

Each class is offered two meals and a snack each day. Occasionally, special snacks are offered for celebrations or as part of a lesson plan. A weekly meal plan is posted on the front bulletin board and in each classroom. Allergies are taken into consideration. Milk and juice is provided at each meal and there is a water fountain that the children can use throughout the day.

Outside play is available for all ages. The infants and toddlers/two's each have their own play area. Three and four year olds share the same playground as the school age class. In the event of bad weather, classes can use the indoor play area for playtime. Balls, jump ropes and other games are offered to the children.

The ratio is slightly high at this preschool. They do try to stay within guidelines, but often go over ratio towards the very beginning and end of the day, during naptine/teacher lunch and if teachers are absent.