Menlo Children's Center? Schools & Kids, posted by Nate, a resident of the Menlo Park: The Willows neighborhood, on Jun 16, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Hi - I'm a father of a two and a half year old boy. He's in day care in Palo Alto but we're considering switching him over to Menlo Children's Center in the fall. We'd really appreciate any comments or notes from anyone who has had a child in the program or otherwise can tell us a bit about it. Thanks!
Posted by think twice, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on Jun 16, 2008 at 8:28 pm
I'll keep it short and sweet. i wouldn't. i would give the overall program a C+. never signed a transportation wavier - never once signed my kid out, only one of the "teachers" even knew my name. twice they didn't know the precise location of my child. mostly 20 something yr old teachers more interested in each other than the kids. there were a few exceptions (who were wonderful). no great academic enrichment, not a great "structured" environment (which is what we were accustomed to). i might be the exception. I'm sure there will be equally positive feedback but don't cut your PA strings without doing more (and significant) research on the issue to ensure this is the best you can get and the best fit for your family.
Posted by SecondOpinion, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on Jun 16, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Ignore "Think Twice" - s/he's talking about the after-school program, not the pre-school program. The pre-school program has received excellent reviews from parents in the past, while the after-school program is admittedly a "mixed bag."
For a more appropriate forum to inquire about this, go to PAMP (Palo Alto Mothers Club) at:
www.pampclub.org
You'll need to become a member to access the forum they have, but its well worth the nominal cost of membership:)
Posted by Mamma, a resident of the Menlo Park: Downtown neighborhood, on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:57 am
We switched to MCC when my daughter was 3 1/2 and have been thrilled with the program. The teachers, facility and program are top-notch, and we've really enjoyed the wonderful mix of families who are in the program. Compared to the previous daycare we were at, MCC is far superior.
The other benefit for children in the Menlo Park school district is that being in preschool gives you a secured spot in the afterschool program, allowing you to leap past everyone on the huge waiting list. Afterschool care in the district is in very short supply.
Visit the preschool program, I think you'll be impressed.
View in an RSS Reader
E-mail this topic.
Print this topic.
