Parent's Perspective on Paidea Teachers
I think there are some key items that make the Paidea teachers so fantastic:
The teacher child ratio is small - the teachers really "know" each child, their temperament and how to get the best possible results from them. Maggie has four teachers that can work with her and four teachers who can work together to decide how to work with her. This collaboration is another key component.
Most of the teachers have been there a long time. In fact Paidea children have returned to teach alongside former teachers. When have you ever heard of something like that happening?
The Paidea teachers are just that...teachers. They are certainly not daycare staff. I have observed other centers and the staff look like I imagine I would look if I were responsible for 16 kids - frazzled, harried, impatient and frustrated. I literally have NEVER observed that at Paidea. The teachers have a planned approach to the day and proven strategies for working with children of all temperaments.
One example of why we love the Paidea teachers occurred this Fall - Our daughter Maggie is high spirited and passionate - she stopped napping at Paidea earlier this year and was being quite disruptive during "siesta" time. Carol worked with us diligently to try one strategy after another to calm her for nap time. Back rubbing, hair brushing, taped stories etc. When nothing worked I was a little embarrassed that my lovely daughter was causing so much extra work for the teachers each day. I offered to pick her up early so she would at least stop disrupting the other children. Carol and Lynn were both aghast. They had never considered such an option, they explained that they were still very engaged and upbeat about the process of finding out just the precise thing that would work for Maggie - "We need to figure out what Maggie needs to calm and relax, that's what we do here!" How wonderful to have people as invested in your child as you are.
Kids Night Out
One Friday a month, Paidea provides child care, hosted by the teachers, where my kids can play with their Paidea friends.
Parent Night
Once a month, parent education classes are offered free of charge. First, a pot-luck dinner with families and staff, then parents attend class with Lynn, while the children play together under teacher supervision.
Fall Progressive Dinner
Each Fall, Paidea hosts a progressive dinner where we bring in a guest speaker. This evening also allows parents to get acquainted.
Spring Gala and Auction
This is an evening out for parents. It includes a silent auction to raise funds, and a fun activity (e.g., dancing, casino night, comedian, etc. )
For Families
End of the Year Picnic
Paidea hosts a year-end celebration picnic where we recognize staff for the past year, and kick off summer.
Spring Clean Up Day
This is a fun day for families to do a "Community Service" and help Paidea too by cleaning up the Paidea grounds.
Kiddie Parade
Kids love this...parents, teachers, and children are encouraged to march in the Oakdale Summerfest Kiddie Parade. Kids are encourages to dress up and throw candy to onlookers.
Teacher/child attachment. Teachers are trained to learn the child's temperament, to work with their strengths and around their challenges, and always toward developing new skills for self-management.
We try to look at each child and understand the "fuel" or reason behind misbehavior. we do not deal only with the "fire" or misbehavior itself. This way, we can effectively address and change behaviors.
We have 3-basic rules at Paidea - "Stop" to anything 1.) unsafe, 2.) hurtful, 3.)disrespectful. If a child does one of these, we say:
Stop
That is unsafe / hurtful / disrespectful
You need to ... (tell the "do")
Have the child re-do the behavior appropriately.
For example, "Stop. That is unsafe. You need to walk. Show me how you can walk from the table to the door."
Day sheets - Each day, parents receive a day sheet that tells them about their child's day. What they did, what their mood was like, what friends they played with, etc.
Journal - Teachers keep monthly journals, memory books with pictures and stories about your child. Parents are encouraged to add memories too.
Room Newsletter - Each room provides a monthly newsletter to let parents know what's going on in that room the next month.
School Newsletter - A monthly newsletter is provided to parents to inform them of upcoming events, reminders, and other Paidea news.
Conferences - Parent teacher conferences are conducted twice a year (once a year for Toddlers). This is an opportunity for parents and teachers to meet one-on-one to discuss their child's development.
Phone calls, meetings, email, etc. - We want to make communicating with Paidea staff as convenient as possible. Therefore, you are able to choose the method that works best for you. Feel free to contact us by phone, email, or set up a one-on-one meeting with any of the staff.
No. Children do not have to be potty trained to attend Paidea's preschool program. However, parents are required to provide diapers and wipes for their child.
Paidea provides morning and afternoon snacks as well as beverages during snack and lunch; however, we found that most families wanted to control their child's nutritional intake for lunch. Therefore, we do not provide lunch.
