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I am expecting my first child and could really use some help selecting a day care center near Ballantyne. I did a little bit of research online and identified 3 centers which were rated as 5 stars by the state of North Carolina (Goddard School, Kids R Kids at Blakeney and Shining Stars). It looks like Goddard School and Kids R Kids are a little expensive but we are willing to spend the extra money if the quality of the center is good. Does anyone have any feedback on any of these daycare centers? Any additional suggestions?
If you can afford it, hire a nanny. Your baby will be in a classroom with seven other infants, so even in a five star center the care he receives will never be as good as that of a nanny. I can recommend a nanny agency if you are interested.
If that doesn't suit your needs, look at non-profit childcare centers at churches. For profit centers such as Kids R Kids, Goddard, and Shining Stars are only worried about one thing: their profit.
If you can afford it, hire a nanny. Your baby will be in a classroom with seven other infants, so even in a five star center the care he receives will never be as good as that of a nanny. I can recommend a nanny agency if you are interested.
If that doesn't suit your needs, look at non-profit childcare centers at churches. For profit centers such as Kids R Kids, Goddard, and Shining Stars are only worried about one thing: their profit.
We looked into a nanny and have decided that this is not a good option for us. I am definitely willing to consider non-profit childcare centers if you have any recommendations.
I am a little confused regarding the quality of care at the five star centers. I thought that the state of North Carolina mandated an infant teacher ratio of 5:1 and all of the centers I mentioned advertise 4:1 ratios? Are violations of the law frequently noted? I did not see it in the reports from the state of NC.
I have had my children at the Goddard School in the past, not the infant room, but the stages just after it. My children enjoyed it and if it is the same manager, she was wonderful. We left however b/c it was so expensive.
Check out Field of Dreams (Home) located at Edgewater Corp Park on Hwy 521 just south of Ballantyne. It's a brand new center, but they have a sister site at Baxter Village in Fort Mill.
We had our two boys at the Baxter location and absolutely loved it. The principle owner is often on-site and very involved. The director is amazing and I believe she's running the Edgewater location.
If you can afford it, hire a nanny. Your baby will be in a classroom with seven other infants, so even in a five star center the care he receives will never be as good as that of a nanny. I can recommend a nanny agency if you are interested.
If that doesn't suit your needs, look at non-profit childcare centers at churches. For profit centers such as Kids R Kids, Goddard, and Shining Stars are only worried about one thing: their profit.
Agreed. I've worked in several 5 star centers and the bottom line is always profit, not the quality care of children. 8 babies to 2 teachers is a challenge when the babies need things at the same time (feeding, diaper change, attention, etc). It only gets worse as the ratio increases with age and you have a bunch of toddlers running around and eating each other. But if you don't have any other options, just get to know the teachers. It's not about how great the director is or how impressive the curriculum appears to be, but about the people that will be caring for your child's needs all day. If you feel comfortable with the teachers, then you know you are in the right place...then you just have to hope the teachers in the next room up fit the bill as well. Good luck in your search!
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student: teacher ratio
