Our son started at Carpe Diem when he was 4 months old, and is now 22 months old. When we started our search for a daycare facility for our first child, we quickly discovered there were lots of options in Frisco. We made a list, did some research, and took recommendations from friends we trusted. We narrowed it down to just two places that we were seriously considering. We toured both places a few times, and liked Carpe Diem better; however there was a wait list for the infant room. We don?t have any family locally, so we definitely could not take a chance on the wait list. So, we put in applications at both Carpe and the other place, and kept our fingers crossed that a spot would open up ? and it did! While I was still on maternity leave, they called and said they had a spot for our son. We decided to tour both facilities once more, just to be sure (Carpe Diem was more expensive), and let me tell you? you see the world through very different eyes after having a baby, and the advantages at Carpe Diem were even more apparent.
The staff is wonderful. They love the children, and it shows. The children love them right back! I am always amazed at how many teachers know my child, even though they have never had him in their class. The director, Ms. Zlata, goes out of her way to build relationships with the children. Even Ms. Phyllis in the kitchen knows all of the children (and believe me, they all know Ms. Phyllis)! I love that the owner, Ms. Ashlee comes by and spends time on a regular basis, and that she knows all the children as well. My son is always excited to see her, and runs over with a big smile to get a hug. They have a dedicated full time music teacher and Spanish teacher, so it is part of the daily curriculum. They have the perfect balance of age appropriate curriculum, structured and unstructured play. Even the infant room has daily visits from the music teacher. All of the teachers are degreed in fields directly related to early childhood education. The teachers do a wonderful job of communicating with us, and we have one-on-one conferences on a regular basis.
In the infant room, they have a 3:1 ratio which is better than the state requirement. They have 9 babies and three teachers, and typically have an assistant teacher for most of the day as well. The infant room also has two separate crib rooms that are separated from the main infant room by half doors. The crib rooms are kept dark and they play ocean sounds, or the like. As you know, infants are always all on different schedules; this really helps the babies to be able to eat, sleep, and play on their own schedules without affecting each other too much.
The facility is very secure. You enter the facility into the lobby, and the directors? offices are right next to the front door (watchful eyes). To pass through the door leading to the classrooms, you must enter your passcode and place your finger on the fingerprint scanner to unlock it. The hallways are wide and bright with natural light from the skylights, with classical music playing in the background. They have a library, computer room, music room, two activity rooms, and separated age appropriate outdoor play areas, so the children have several changes of scenery throughout the day. They even take the infants on buggy rides around the hallways. The play areas are fenced in (of course) and they face residential areas or open fields (not main thoroughfares).
I could go on and on, but I suppose this review is long enough! Carpe Diem is fabulous!
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