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Testimonials
"EduKids has been an absolutely wonderful experience for our family. My child looks very forward to coming each time. I appreciate how happy he is when I drop him off, but more so, how happy he still is when I pick him up." - K. Struebing
"I feel my daughter is learning very important skills when she is at EduKids. The rules, morals and values are the same as what we have at home and that is important to have structure and consistency when she cannot be with her family. Thank you." - L.M. Payne
"I love EduKids. I couldn't be happier with everything. I know my daughter is enjoying herself when she says she wants to go to school on Saturday!" - H. Filipski
"I am very pleased with the care my children receive. The teachers are great and the kids are learning something each day and having fun while doing so. Thanks for doing a great job so far this year!"
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. My mother is currently watching my 18-month-old daughter. I think my daughter gets bored during the day or becomes too much of a handful for my mom. What is a good age to start her in a program?
A. You're right! Your toddler is developing physical skills, language and her natural curiosity at an astonishing rate! She will get into everything and is looking for a way to take charge of her little world! Enrolling her in a center based childcare center would allow her to explore toys, climb and run and constantly "talk" in a safe and appropriate environment - totally meant for her! While there is nothing that takes the place of grandma, a family friendly program supports your daughter and gives grandma a chance to completely enjoy her when they have their time together!
Q. I see the words Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) in connection with childcare. What does it mean?
A. DAP is a philosophy base of a program. It means that each part of the program is developed for the age and stage of a particular child. Toys, books, materials, equipment, supplies and furniture are carefully selected to include in the classroom environment of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children. Curriculum is enthusiastically planned and implemented to be respectful, fun and stimulating for each age. Adult caregivers are academically trained and professional in all of their work with children and families.
Q. Is there a difference between a preschool program and kindergarten readiness?
A. While these are titles that are often interchanged, it is important to look at the curriculum, hours and philosophy of the program you are considering. Both titles are designed for children who will enter kindergarten the following year after attendance in program. Typically, kindergarten readiness implies a curriculum that looks at kindergarten expectation and works "backwards" giving your child experiences and activities to prepare them for kindergarten. This is often incorporated into a full daycare program with specific scheduled time for skill focus along with extended, enrichment activities throughout the day. Preschools also design activities around skills needed for kindergarten. The biggest difference tends to be hours of child contact. Often preschool programs run mornings or afternoons without extended day enrichment opportunities.
Q. What does it mean when a childcare center is "nationally accredited" by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children.)?
A. NAEYC accreditation is a guarantee to families that their child comes first. An accreditation certificate is a visible sign that a program is committed to research based goals for growth and development in physical, social, emotional, language and motor skills. An accredited center is staffed by licensed, professional adults and is a partner with parents to respectfully guide children through their earliest years.
Q. Are there standards or accreditation that exceed the national standards based on NAEYC's criteria?
A. No. These standards are researched based, approved, referenced and implemented by leading professionals in the education/early childhood fields. A high quality early education experience in a child's youngest years is a proven indicator for later school success. A NAEYC accredited program is nationally agreed upon as a child's best experience in care and education.
Q. Do children enrolled in childcare get sicker than those that stay home?
A. No - NYS licensing mandates a formal procedure be strictly followed to ensure hygienic, sanitary conditions in the facility. Centers must have a health policy for children and staff, and the NYS health department procedures designed for children in group settings are part of every day in every classroom. Curriculum that teaches healthy habits start with infants.
And Yes - anywhere designated as a "group" setting (stores, churches, restaurants, schools, childcare) naturally is a place that people share what is infectious. Adults as well as children build immunities and children in childcare often miss the beginning sicknesses associated with kindergarten entrance. Children and adults in a childcare center learn to have the cleanest hands in the world!
Q. What is open-ended art?
A. Your child's own creation! The process of art is emphasized over an end product. Children express themselves in many ways. By offering a variety of colors, materials, clay, textures, magazines, glitter and glue children discover the artist inside of them! Open-ended art is a learning experience. Children not only learn how to use a scissors, blend colors and select materials, they learn that their ideas and expressions are beautiful! (Not just a copy of an adult pattern.)
Q. Are computers really beneficial in a childcare setting?
A. It depends on how they are incorporated into the curriculum. Research clearly shows benefit when computers are integrated into an already language based classroom. As tools that hold a child's interest in problem solving, letter manipulation, sequencing action and cooperative learning, computers enrich a kindergarten readiness program. Computers should be an addition to a classroom, complimenting the most important way a child learns - through human attachments and interactions. While they can be wonderful for children 3 years and older, toddler and infant classrooms are not appropriate environments for these machines.
Q. We are just beginning a search for childcare for our 11-month old twins. What are the 3 most important things we should hear from the Director on a tour?
A.
#1. Our Center welcomes your child and your family. We are set up for you.
(Look for a current NYS license, this is compliance with regulations - ask about regulations if you are not familiar with them.
A NAEYC accreditation certificate, this is compliance with national standards of excellence in programming and family partnership.)
#2. Our teachers and staff are academically trained in early education and participate in early care professional development.
(Ask about the director's and lead teachers' background and experience. Pay attention to what is going on in each room - look and listen to interactions, watch children play, notice classroom set up, toys, displays and furniture.)
#3. We make our Center a professional and pleasant extension of your home.
(Are there professional enrollment forms and policies and procedures that are clearly understood and easy to complete? How are emergencies handled - payments - special events - community connections? As parents, how are you included in every aspect of the Center? Ask questions!)
Q. We have childcare options both close to home and convenient to work. What is really better?
A. There are two (2) important things to consider when answering this question. First, which center is better for your child in terms of curriculum, enrichment and staff qualifications? If one of the centers is NAEYC accredited and the other is not, choose the accredited center. Secondly, decide if one center would cause a child to be rushed when dropping off or picking up - this will often cause a stressful connection between home and center. If your child (or you) became ill during the day, how would pick up go? With a preschool child, does the center near home enroll children your child will go to kindergarten with? The choice is often difficult to make. Visit both for extended time with your child; often you will be able to make a successful decision after that.
Q. What is the most recommended childcare program in the WNY area?
A. EduKids. Because of NAEYC accredited centers, connections to professional organizations and higher education institutes along state of the art facilities and exceptional staff; EduKids is recognized as the premier childcare in WNY. EduKids' mission and vision is to warmly welcome each child and family into a program of excellence. |
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