Kidopolis Child Development Center in New Orleans

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comments 4

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  Mother Football

  :: 14 November 2015 09:14:45

  The teachers are mean and my child got a bad education

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  Byron marigny

  :: 28 March 2015 15:33:37

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  Użytkownik Google

  :: 15 September 2011 11:51:39

  Honestly, this place doesn't need a review, as they have no problem filling their spots; however, I am so incredibly happy with the place that I want to share my enthusiasm. My daughter started there four months ago after spending three months in a different facility, which did not cost that much less, but the care my daughter received there was NOWHERE close to what she is getting at Kidopolis. Yes, it is expensive, even with a Tulane discount, but if you can somehow afford it, it is worth every penny. The facility is accredited by the National Association of Young Children (NAEYC), which has incredibly high standards. However, you don't have to know that to realize, as you are walking in, that the place is spotless, bright, colorful, open and full of people who really care about your child. The class rooms are partitioned from the hallway by walls that are stomach- or chest-height on an adult, so that one can more or less oversee the entire place, minus the infant section, from the lobby - this enables the staff to help each other if needed and for the center director to jump in and assist. It is also nice to be able to see the children in other class rooms at work. The children can look into the adjecent class rooms but not into the hallways. The rooms have lots of space with open shelving that divides different areas and contains different kinds of toys, such as dolls, puzzles, dress-up clothes, books, cars, a sand table, anything you can imagine. Meals and crafts projects take place at child-size tables, and not, as at the previous place we had our daughter, at tables with integrated seats that the children cannot leave at will. Here they are allowed to get up at any time and explore, which does not mean that they are not encouraged to eat when it is time. Teachers don't give time-out but, instead, talk to the children. No worries, boundaries are set and maintained in a firm but friendly voice. The children go outside twice a day and play in sections separated by age. The playground is padded, with nice, clean equipment, and most of it is shaded. Yes, there is a lot of traffic on Elk Place, and there is a bus station right there with a lot of transit, but that, to me, is one of the TWO down-sides of the place; he other is the food that, while not bad, could still be better balanced (cookies and juice for snack without protein just doesn't strike me as the best choice, and pairing pizza and garlic bread is also a little questionable, but oh well). When the weather does not allow for outside play, they spend the time in a padded area with tons of room for tumbling and running around. The teachers do lots of arts and crafts projects with the kids, sing with them, constantly talk to them, read to them, do little themed lessons etc. Throughout the class room, there are photos of the children, displays of their art projects, charts of their height, displays of shapes, letters and numbers etc. In short, it is a very stimulating environment. As far as the teachers go, my child's teachers are incredibly loving and have the right mix of engaging the children and leaving them to discover things on their own. They REALLY care about their work and their children and are constantly working on improving themselves and their class room. Before I go on and on, let me just say that, although I am torn about being a working mom, there is not a morning I leave my daughter at Kidopolis where I have the feeling that she isn't getting the best care possible. Sometimes I think they're probably doing an ever better job than I :) So, yes, this is the kind of place every family should be able to afford for their children. Just as a disclaimer, I work for Tulane, but I am in no way related to anyone at the center or have any interest in giving a biased opinion. For all I know, there are lots of other places just as good around town, but this is the one I can recommend. Good luck!

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  John Boyd

  :: 18 February 2011 13:17:33