Especially for Children

Our family has been attending Especially for Children (EFC) at the Edinborough location for more than 4 years, and with all three of our children. Nobody has asked us to do this, but my husband and I are now planning a move to Seattle which means we are once again researching childcare. With that in mind, let me share the pros & cons of this childcare center, which we are really sad to be leaving…
PROS:
— Fantastic staff. The teachers are WONDERFUL. In all the time we’ve been there — again 4.5 yrs, we have never had to complain about the primary teachers. They are doing something right here with engagement, and it shows because our kids have LOVED their teachers. They do semi-​annual parent-​teacher conferences, giving you great insight about your child’s development. Not only that, but the director, Anna, has a long tenure and is absolutely wonderful.
— Great curriculum. There have been so many times that we’ve realized the kids learned something that we didn’t even know they could do! (Like drinking from a cup, using a spoon, writing letters, etc.) Not to implicate myself as a parent, but if you’re kind of clueless like me — knowing they are in good hands developmentally is a big plus. They do lots of theme weeks, field trips, and other fun even within the Edinborough park. Great access to lots of fun for the kids.
— Lots of extra programs. The kids have participated in dance, computers, spanish, sign language, art, soccer, and more. The list goes on and on. There is no way your kid could be bored here. And for dance — the kids have a special program twice per year in the Edinborough amphitheater. So darn cute. Highlight of our kids’ young lives for sure.
— Communication. The center is advanced in that they have been using «BabyConnect» — an app that we have been using with our twins since they were infants. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that they could continue tracking their days and development in this app! Not only that, but they post photos EVERY DAY so you can see the fun your child is having. It also proved to be a big time saver — instead of filling out paperwork or reading paperwork, this is way more handy.
— The other parents. We have met some great parents in the process of playdates and other events at EFC. My children truly have «best friends» through EFC and I am delighted that we have loved their parents as well. We even sign up for other activities with them (tee-​ball) and the kids loving going to each other’s birthday parties.
CONS
— Because they are at Edinborough, they will run into «non-​center» kids in the play areas. With our older child (4) we had some issues wth a mean boy. The teachers handled it beautifully, and have done a good job communicating about it.
— Strange layout. The center used to be in another area of Edinborough, and was more centralized with the classrooms and playground. When Edinborough kicked them out to expand the senior center amenities, they had to take over office space in a different part of the park. They did the best they could with the rooms and security. But they do have to trek down to the playground now.
I could go on for a while about the great care they take of our kids, and how well they work with us as parents. Hopefully this is helpful info. As we look for new childcare I would be looking for the same information. :)