A to Z Child Care & Preschool

My child is about to graduate from A to Z (they have an unbelievable concert/graduation ceremony each year!). We are already starting to miss it! Its been an amazing experience for our whole family. Children are so well taken care of, have much to do, learn, have fun, etc. (makes me want to be a kid again!) . Great location, right between Needham and Newton, also helps! recommend all the way more

We are very impressed by the center and teachers who are always cheerful and thoughtful. We realize and appreciate how sensitive and careful A-Z teachers are about our son?s allergy condition. Teachers seem to be so patient and creative in helping our son acclimate to the school and grow good characters. Cannot tell you how much this means to a working mom! more

Where do I begin? I have had two daughters grow up at this center. I couldn't believe that a place could have so many activities: music, spanish, ballet, math, concerts and reading, and have enough time for active play. Let me tell you an example of what impressed me the most. When I enrolled my first daughter in the baby room at 6 months, I was definitely in withdrawal and didn't think anyone other than myself could take the very best care of her. So, I would make visits or call during the day to hear about the progress, but the best communication was through email with Jane (the director) personally. I would email her at all hours. I'm serious. I wanted to ask questions, seek advice, or make note of concerns. Jane always made it seem that she was open to hearing me out and that I was her top priority to fix any issue I had. One time I was really open with Jane about wanting to have early potty training, and even though that was something advanced for my daughter's age, she asked the teachers in my daughter's room to help me enhance what training I was doing at home at the daycare as well. Like I said, I was so happy with the level of care for my first daughter, I had her sibling enrolled as well. And having both of my girls go here was one of the best decisions of my life! I strongly recommend for parents to make this one of their best decisions as well!! more

I completely agree with Ima Teacher in : a) that all the positive reviews must be a scam of some sort and b) the the director a huge problem in this place. Director is a a complete nut case. She can not keep any good full time teachers because of the way she treats her staff. E.g. she does not pay for sick days until a person works for her for a year. What does that do? You guessed it - teachers go to school sick and contaminate kids. Also - she does not pay a cent for snow days, which is a common practice in restaurants , except for the fact that school parents *do* pay for the same time. Due to all this nonsense there is always a large number of part time very young teachers who are there for some experience and are not very picky in terms of benefits. Kids never get a dedicated teacher - by the time they grew attached to one, she leaves the school. Bottom line - do your kid a favor. Pay $200-$300 more for a good quality school. Please avoid this zoo. more

This place is so bad. The director is insane. She works her teachers to death and she doesn't like the kids at all. There is NO communication from director to parents or director to staff. The parents only know what the director wants them to know. The children are NOT supervised well at all. There may be one or two teachers that are good but that's it because the turnover is very very high. STAY AWAY FROM THIS CHILDCARE CENTER. I'm telling the truth, I should know I worked there. RUN AWAY more

My daughter just graduated last summer - that's right, GRADUATED from Child Care and Preschool with a written diploma and gift that she is still talking about - and I feel compelled to write a review as a minor token of my appreciation. To say I highly recommend this center is an understatement. Of course it was hard at first for me to be OK with leaving my little girl, but I have to say the policy at A to Z makes it an easy transition. I was allowed to visit, make check-in calls, and there are monthly newsletters and constant emails that always keep me in the know (even when I have a fleeting question at odd hours). And now my daughter is so proud of the skills she learned - spanish, music, ballet to name a few. I am very grateful to A to Z and have no doubt that those who enroll will be too. more

My children are in love with this school. They love their friends there, their teachers, toys, etc. So many of our friends have problems finding the right care for their children. We are lucky that we found A to z from the beginning and have stayed there for 3 years now. Pros: classrooms, playground, teachers, concerts, program itself Cons: Groups get filled very fast, almost a year in advance more

It was obvious from the second we walked into the classroom that it was warm and nurturing environment where routines have been established. Our daughter is thriving under your guidance. We can't express our appreciation enough for the patience, understanding, and kindness of teachers as our daughter develops. We are kept well informed of her behaviors, development, and growth. We are so impressed with the A to Z preschool. Pros: caring environment with structured cirruculum more

I spent months looking for a Daycare in Newton, Wellesley, Framingham and Needham. Either the prices were too expensive, the staff was unfriendly, or the kids weren't being taught to reach their potential. At A to Z the staff and director are very welcoming, and always accessible to answer any and all questions (I have to admit, I have sent emails way into the night that were gladly answered!!) There are even helpful articles posted at the entrance about what your child may be going through in development and transitioning for other first-time parents like myself. The few con's are that spaces really fill up fast, so when a parent is planning to enroll a sibling, that decision needs to be made relatively sooner rather than later. Also, the Child Care is warm and welcoming to many Teachers and Assistant teachers, so the staff can change from group to group. A final note must be said about the Director. Jane is one of the nicest most caring people I have met, and when I first enrolled my baby son in the infant room I know that I was not one of the easiest parents. Whatever my requests were, even if my suggestions were sent late into the night (guilty as charged!), she would always try to be helpful and nurturing to both me and my family. Without her tenacity and vision, this center wouldn't be able to provide the concerts and shows that are gems on my camcorder (and holiday gatherings =)), and I can proudly say that my eldest is reading at 1st grade level while his graduation from the Daycare is in May! This place cannot be missed or compared to any other Day Care. I know I'm not alone when I say that this is the best, except better Child Care!!!! Pros: Strong Curriculum, Music, Performances, Ballet, and Shows!! Cons: Spaces fill up so need to plan ahead when enrolling more

This place is a sad excuse for a child care. Despite what they say, there is basically no curriculum past what art project will be done during the day. There is one room for each age group, which might sound nice, but it is not a close, nurturing environment. The infant room looks like a third world orphanage with cribs everywhere! The playground is dangerous and almost every snack is a form of cracker. Don't let the director fool you, the center runs and looks very different when a potential client is touring. In reality, I think most parents would be appalled if they knew the ins and outs of this place. Cons: Everything more

Wonderful and experienced teachers, a lot of educational activities and lessons, games and play both inside and on playground. My two children are simply loving it! Pros: The best day care and preschool Cons: absolutely none more

I've seen and used many day cares. This is by far the best. The way it's organized - every room makes sense, well equipped and beautifully kept. The program is amazing: it's very well thought out and my two kids love it! Teachers and Director are so committed, caring and professional. I've been recommending it to all my friends and co-workers. Pros: Program, Teachers, Facilities, Playground, and location Cons: absolutely none! more

I am truly amazed by this place. A to Z Child Care is just the right size - where you get a lot of highly qualified and caring teachers, so much materials and supplies, many daily activities, and yet it feels very personal and friendly. It's also a place where parents are welcomed to get involved, thanks to a wonderful Director. The Holiday Concert was such a success - all teachers and children participated and it was magnificent. Very impressive! Pros: Great teachers, beautiful rooms, strong curriculum, highly experienced Director, very convenient location Cons: n/a more

I was completely blown away by the recent graduation recital. The caring atmosphere to both children and parents, as well as making it a policy to create both educational and fun activities bring this daycare above the rest. I've enrolled my second daughter and can't wait until next year's festivities! more

new director/owner has taken advantage of great location and made the daycare more welcoming and pleasant. children have a place to learn and meet new friends and staff is very amiable. great place to enroll if near or around Needham Heights! more

Very pleasant staff, one of a kind garden and playground, superb service! Both of my kids look forward to going there every day. Pros: staff, premises, location more