Three Bears Daycare

We have only been here for a week, but so far everything seems great! The outside of the building is a bit shabby, and the neighbors are clutter bugs, but inside has just been completely updated, and is bright, cheery, and clean. Due to the pandemic, Three Bears is only taking children 5 and under right now, though they are licensed through school age. Each day has a schedule, with a variety of age-appropriate activities. In pre-pandemic times, the children are divided up by age, with the youngest, baby through toddler, in the back room, and older pre-school in the front room. School-age children were in their own separate building, but one of the changes the pandemic brought was school age children staying home. Everything is kept clean, and sanitized, and most of the time there are few enough kids there that the back room is where everyone stays. One of the things I REALLY appreciate is that the teachers work with us on parenting style, in particular, potty training. Our previous experience was very negative, with the provider forcing out child onto the toilet, and not listening or respecting our family's decision on how and when that should take place. Both teachers currently working are great, and we have not met the third teacher yet, who is currently in school. The only reason I have not given a 5 star is that we ARE still new here, and I will try to remember to update this after we have been here awhile. So far it has been great!

The lead and supervisor seemed supportive with somewhat bright personalities. Unfortunately the facilities are poor. This small house is licensed and zoned appropriately, but the surroundings inside and outside are grim. The facilities smell horribly of cat urine which is a concern for the health and well-being of the children.

The activity the children were doing was not well constructed, as it seemed. Crayons and paper with scribbles from 6 yr - 11 yr olds. It did not seem the children were motivated in activity related to life, relationships, or interest.

As an educator, it makes me wonder if the provider is planning projects and lesson plans based on age difference and complexity of each child's interest. I'd like to sit in on a few hours to justify these findings as I am concerned.