Testimonials
What Parents Are Saying
We routinely conduct satisfaction surveys among Growing Kids parents. Following are verbatim responses – typical of what we hear every day. Click here to take the Parent Survey.
Testimonials
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I absolutely love Growing Kids!
I absolutely love Growing Kids! I cannot even begin to express how much I like and appreciate Growing Kids and their staff. I like the facility, the extra programs they have for the families especially around the holidays, the curriculum they use, the atmosphere, the personality of the staff, and the extra activities they bring in for the children.
I was very particular in my search for a preschool. My oldest son was at a fantastic preschool before we moved to this area. His previous teachers knew my son, treated him as their own, taught him a curriculum and allowed me to be at ease while being a working mom. I would love to be able to stay at home with my children but since I can’t I wanted a preschool that would treat my sons the way I would, teach them a curriculum, and allow them to learn through social activities and play. I visited several preschools and there were none that could meet all my requirements except for Growing Kids.
Growing Kids makes my life easier because I know my children are taken care of, educated and have fun every day. I love the Life Cubby App which allows me to check on my children throughout the day and know how they are doing. I love seeing pictures of my children throughout the day as well. I have called to check on them and the staff is always very accommodating and will update me on my children’s days. I have developed relationships with my children’s teachers and they do a great job of communicating with me on my children and their daily progress.
I wanted a preschool where my children would be known, cared for and educated. I toured several preschools and would like a few things but wasn’t comfortable about leaving my children there for an entire day. I walked into Growing Kids and fell in love with the assistant director, Megan and the director, Sarah. They remembered my children by name and were so friendly and personable. After I toured the facility I knew immediately that I would feel completely comfortable with my children spending their days at Growing Kids if they couldn’t be home with me.
I absolutely LOVE the teachers and feel like my sons have really been fortunate in the teachers they have had in their classrooms. I have developed relationships with the teachers in the classrooms and have open communication with the teachers to be able to keep up with how my students are doing daily. My youngest son started in the infant room and Ms. Hannah was absolutely amazing with my son. I knew my son was in the best care besides being with me or a family member. I trusted Ms. Hannah with a reference on what teachers and room Connor should move to after the infant room. Connor did well in Toddler 1 and is now in Young Preschool A and has great teachers once again that treat him as his own. My oldest son started in Preschool 3 with Ms. Kim and Ms. Keyanna who were amazing teachers. My son absolutely LOVED both of them and grew so much in the year he spent with them. He is now in Preschool 6 and we chose Ms. Toni and Ms. A.J. because of the curriculum, structure and how well they prepare students for Kindergarten. I love the administrative staff and cannot say enough great things about all the individuals I have had direct contact with.
Moving to this area was a huge adjustment for my children especially my oldest. Growing Kids has truly helped my children. Growing Kids and the staff provided my children with stability and an education during the day while my husband and I worked. Ms. Keyanna and Ms. Kim were constant in Jaxon’s growth and development during our first year here. He really likes them and still talks about them all the time. He likes school and wants to go to school each day which makes it easier for me. He has grown so much; socially, educationally and behaviorally.
I would recommend Growing Kids because of all the amazing staff, the curriculum they offer and all the programs they offer. My children have benefited so much from attending Growing Kids so I would highly recommend it to anyone.
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The one word to describe Growing Kids
The one word to describe Growing Kids is Family. We consider them our family. We started attending Growing Kids when our oldest daughter was 1 years old. I was a first time mom heading back to teaching and was torn over putting my daughter in daycare or staying home. The decision to put her into Growing Kids completely changed our lives for the best! Sydney has grown in so many ways. She is independent, kind, smart, disciplined, and enjoys spending time away from home! I contribute each of those characteristics to her teachers at Growing Kids.
When we found out we were expecting our second little girl, having her attend Growing Kids was a definite! Katheryn was only 4 months old when she started Growing Kids. The love, attention, hugs, and schedule she experiences each and everyday is amazing.
We tell everyone parent we know how much we love Growing Kids. They are a blessing to our family.
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I have two daughters who attend the Chesterton
My name is Laura Brennan, and I have two daughters who attend the Chesterton facility full time. Please feel free to copy Sarah so she can pass on anything she feels appropriate to anyone else.
Last summer, we moved our girls to Growing Kids from another daycare in Chesterton after very serious considerations– I did not want to upset the girls by moving them, as we were pleased where we were. My husband and I agree that it was absolutely the right decision, and we have not regretted it for a minute. The girls transitioned fairly quickly, and now even though we would all rather be at home with each other–they love going to their ‘big’ school. Although my heart breaks every morning dropping them off, knowing how loved and cared for they are there makes that much easier to handle.
Everyone at the Chesterton school has been phenomenal- Sarah Scott and the other office staff (we’re just getting to know Teddy, but she’s been great too!), the kitchen staff, and all of the teachers have been so welcoming and respectful– I don’t even know where to start, and apologize for what is probably going to be a long read!
First of all, all of the little things that the school does are so very appreciated, and really show that Growing Kids cares and wants to make families feel welcome–and isn’t afraid to put a little time, effort and money into it. To mention a few–soccer camp, bringing in the ‘Kola ice?’ truck, bringing in art teachers, having Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and so many other parties–where the kids and parents never go home empty handed. The creativity and thoughtfulness that the teachers and staff put into these parties is exceptional. Last winter the children put on an amazing Holiday show at Chesterton High School-I hope that will happen again this year, I’ve been looking forward to it since the last one! One day, the center had a huge ‘Welcome Home’ banner–and there were American flags and crafts all over the place–I cried when Sarah told me that one of the parents was coming home from the service and surprised their child that day.
Sarah has been so easy to communicate with, and shows true concern and care for her families. The few times I had minor issues, or need to change a schedule due to my lack of work, she handled everything professionally, quickly, and very sincerely. I feel very welcome to talk with her if I ever have a concern.
Our 4 year old daughters last teacher–Ms. Maria– is by far our most beloved teacher –and we have had plenty of amazing ones in 4 years of daycare! Katie just transitioned out of her room, and it makes her day to run into her in the hallway. Maria’s classroom is full of energetic 3-4 year olds, quite often with a few friends who take a little extra care and attention. She handles every child with such care, compassion, love, and light-heartedness–and ensures that all the children in her class are sharing that same respect and kindness with each other. Such an important lesson to be learned at such an early age. Her patience and kindness towards everyone reflects so positively in her children, and in the way my four year old treats her little sister at home. Ms. Maria has also taught her children Spanish–these four year olds can count to 50 in Spanish, learn new words daily, and love it! I hope that Growing Kids continues to hire staff who can provide a second language–it is such a great opportunity for the kids! Ms. Maria’s room was always so creatively decorated with the kids arts and crafts on display- she excelled in making the room feel like their home. (Is it too early to request that Kira is put into Ms. Maria’s room when she is old enough?!)
Katie’s other teacher- Ms. Shelly has been exceptionally kind as well, and we are happy to get to know her better as she’s moved up with Katie to Ms. Jenn’s room–who also in the short time we’ve known her seems to be great!
We’ve been out of school for a three day weekend just now, and our two year old was excited to go back to school today. Her teachers- Ms. Krystal and Ms. Irisha (and for a while Ms. Sarah) have all been amazing, and have treated Kira with such love and respect as a tiny little human. They have taught her so much- letters, numbers, yoga, crafts, activities–and she loves it! She has been a challenging child, and outside of myself and a grandparent or two, she hasn’t come to trust many other adults (not even my husband/her dad unfortunately–he would tell you that himself!)–but she is so welcomed in her room by these amazing teachers that she easily and gladly runs to their arms every morning. While we have never had Ms. Kim who is in her room every morning as a regular teacher, she has been a huge positive influence on both girls, and we appreciate her care so much. It takes a special sort of person to still be wearing a smile (and clean clothes) after being in a room full of potty-training two year olds, and they always are. Kira’s previous teachers, Ms. Lindsay and Ms. Sam were amazing as well- very welcoming, caring, and so patient with these little people!
One of the things that stood out when we were considering moving to Growing Kids was that the existing teachers felt appreciated by the managers. I don’t know what is being done to make this happen, but from my perspective this appears to be the case- I have never heard any complaints about ‘management’, which is wildly different from where we were before. Being treated well by your company makes a huge difference, and I’m glad to support one who seems to be doing just that.
We have been very happy with the facility itself- it is always clean and maintained, and decorated very cheerfully and welcoming. The girls like the food so much I have a hard time getting them to eat the food at home! I like the variety of foods, and that there is always something outside of the standard ‘kid food’s’ offered. I can only imaging the challenges of feeding so many people so many times of the day…but I often wonder if there is a way of becoming less dependent on Styrofoam and plastic. If there would be potential to consider bringing in plates/cups/utensils-even enough for the day, and bringing them home to clean, I would be happy to try something out (but don’t want to add to an already complicated system).
I’ve enjoyed checking in on the kids days via Life Cubby, and appreciate all the notes the teachers put into them–I know it takes extra time that they have very little of. I am pleased that there are different spaces the children can move to throughout the day– the playground, Main Street, the garden, Minds in Motion, and even just having hallways wide enough to get the small kids out of their room on a walk for a few minutes. I was a little disappointing to hear that Minds in Motion was changed to a classroom- hopefully that time and those activities can continue in a different space. As someone who likes to move around a lot, and has a hard time sitting in one space for too long, I greatly value allowing the kids the opportunity to get outside of their main 4 walls throughout the day.
I am glad the kids get outside once or twice a day- especially when it takes so much extra effort to dress everyone up in snow gear! It makes a huge difference on their day, even if the elements only allow them to be out for a few minutes. They have been loving water day as well. They have had a lot of fun getting to know their outdoor space- the playground, the wetland, the grass, trees, observing the world outside the center, and all the great music activities and little bikes they can ride; we love the variety and the space they get to enjoy!
So, even though this is a little late for a Happy first birthday to the Chesterton school, we would like to thank all of the hard working staff there for a wildly successful first year (from our perspective at least)! We appreciate all that you do, and trust you with the most important people in our entire world.
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I just wanted to say thank you
I just wanted to say thank you to all the teachers and everyone who has helped Callen come out of his shell. Today was his first full day at Kindergarten and there were no tears, I have to say that he has come a long way since his first month at Growing Kids. I do believe that his personality is all due to the nurturing that the staff there gave him. I really want to thank Ms. Lu, Ms. Cindy, Ms. Charmaine, Ms. Tina (sp), Ms. Ashley, and Ms. Lauren I believe these teachers have helped him overcome his shyness and have given him the confidence he needs to succeed in school.
So thank you again for everything
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How much we appreciate you
I just got a bunch of pictures of Sam playing outside and it reminded me that I wanted to take a quick moment to tell you how much we appreciate you and the team at Growing Kids. We had a stressful summer with Mason getting hurt at the camp at the Y. I had a moment where I wanted to quit my job and keep him right by my side for every moment. I honestly didn’t know what we were going to do for the rest of the summer. When my mom said, “Why don’t you send him to Growing Kids?” I immediately felt a huge weight off my shoulders. All of the teachers in the Toddler 2 room have been so amazing with Sam, there was no question that Mason wouldn’t be safe and cared for as well. He is having a great time at camp and we appreciate the combination of learning and fun. The move to your camp made our mornings infinitely easier. We spend our morning relaxing and enjoying the time together instead of scrambling to make lunches and find lost items that are needed for the day. Your team’s organization and planning is obvious and greatly appreciated.
More than anything, I want to let you know how much we love Sam’s teachers. There is nothing better than dropping your kid off knowing that his teachers love him almost as much as you do. Aaron and I have joked that if Sam ever goes missing, we are checking Miss Cas’s house first. She is absolutely wonderful with him and with us. I can’t tell you how much I love getting pictures of him playing and enjoying his day. The time that the toddler teachers spend orchestrating activities and crafts is appreciated.
Trusting someone else to care for your kids is extremely difficult. Thank you so much for making it a little easier.
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I chose Growing Kids because
I chose Growing Kids because of the friendly environment and the excellent teachers. I can tell my child is loved and is learning a lot!
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I chose Growing Kids because of the professional demeanor,
I chose Growing Kids because of the professional demeanor, friendly, happy smiles from the staff, and the safety. This is a great childcare center. The management staff is outstanding, compassionate and always willing to do what is in the best interest of the children.
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The center looks amazing!
The center looks amazing! I’ve heard great things about Growing Kids. The perks are also so inviting. I am really pleased at how patient and understanding my kids teachers are to their specific age group.
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We recently enrolled our second child.
We recently enrolled our second child at Growing Kids. The staff and the center are excellent! Having used other centers and home daycares, I can honestly say that Growing Kids is the best! There are weekly themes, daily learning activities and daily messages to home about their day. From the earliest age, care is designed around the developmental stages of your child. Honestly, we were struggling with potty – training at home, but within a week of training at Growing Kids, accidents are rare! We trust the staff at Growing Kids to provide the best care possible for our child when we cannot be there. Tim and Carrie Buss
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They offer wonderful opportunities for my child!
Growing Kids has great teachers and staff. They offer wonderful opportunities for my child. Kindergarten is wonderful. Carson has come a long way in just a few weeks with Ms. Kim and Ms. Heather. – Lyndsay Bowman
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Friendly staff and excellent reputation.
Growing Kids is a very clean and organized center. Friendly staff and excellent reputation. I really like how almost all of the staff seems to know almost every child! – Tami Para
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I love the teachers!
I like that all the teachers are certified, there are cameras in the rooms, and I like the educational environment. My children have been attending Growing Kids for a total of 6 years. I love the teachers and feel they genuinely care for my children.
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I’ve LOVED the curriculum for her from day 1!
My daughter has been with Growing Kids since she was 1 years old. I’ve LOVED the curriculum for her from day 1!
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My daughter always comes home happy!
I’ve always heard great things about Growing Kids. I was referred by another family that goes to Growing Kids. They’ve always been very happy. I am very satisfied with Growing Kids and the teachers. My daughter always comes home happy!
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My son seems very happy here.
I like Growing Kids because of the great scheduling. Open earlier, closes later, open during the holidays and the location is convenient. The menu is great! I also appreciate how accommodating Growing Kids has been with my cloth diapers. My son seems very happy here.
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I know that my children are being taken care of
When I finally decided to send my children to daycare, Growing Kids had the most reputable reputation. I don’t have any worries about my children while they are there. I know that my children are being taken care of and that all the teachers there actually know my children and their personalities. They go out of their way to make sure they are happy and fell safe.
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My son is actually learning!
I love the security and how my son and the teachers interact. I love what’s offered because my son is actually learning!
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Thank you and your amazing team!!!
When we started at Growing Kids when my son was 2, I had no idea I would have two more children and spend 8 years with all those wonderful teachers. Today is our last day at GK. I know it may seem silly to be all emotional about daycare, but I’m so thankful for the care, kindness and education your team had shared with me and my children over the years. It’s a bittersweet day for me, but I wanted to share with you how happy I am to have trusted such a wonderful place with my children. Thank you and your amazing team!!!
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I don’t know what I would do
I don’t know what I would do if it weren’t for the outstanding, trustworthy, hardworking staff and administrators of Growing Kids. I toured several child care centers, and interviewed numerous providers before coming to Growing Kids, where my search for the safest and best came to an end. Growing Kids is the only one with a curriculum built around values to help my child grown intellectually, emotionally, socially and psychologically. The caring, seemingly tireless and committed staff have made this a home away from home for my child, and set my mind at ease through every stage of her development. My nearly two year old is excited to come to school every day, and I wouldn’t have her anywhere else. Thank you to all of the very special people making this place all that it is!
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Kudos to each and every one of your staff
Growing Kids has been one of the most positive influences on both of our children! Kudos to each and every one of your staff. Keep up the excellent work!
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Very professional
Very professional. Very safe and reliable teachers that are very caring and loving. Growing Kids follows all the rules and standards to be nationally accredited, very impressive! Wonderful teachers and directors!
Growing Kids puts parents satisfaction over everything else! Absolutely wonderful!
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No other daycare measures up
No other daycare measures up. My kids aren’t being watched, they’re being taught. Door key pad and fingerprint entry slips make me feel safe when I’m away.
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Far above his class
My son completed preschool at Growing Kids and he is so far above his class that he is bored! How awesome! Your staff is amazing! I love Growing Kids, and would recommend to everyone!
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Thankful for Growing Kids
1. Thank you for having a staff lounge. I know that this seems like its a ‘given’, but the child care I worked for did not have a staff lounge. Reasons being: “it’s not a good use of money to add to the building” and “it creates a space for staff members to gossip”. At Growing Kids, I remember using the staff lounge for many things: baby showers, pot lucks, making a personal call to home when I needed to, just relaxing and eating lunch on a snowy day. I bonded with my fellow co-workers during the times in the staff lounge and it created a ‘team’ throughout the whole building. It was a home away from home and I thank Growing Kids for offering a comforting space for the employees to go on their lunch breaks.
2. Thank you for always acknowledging when it was our work anniversary. When it came time for my one year anniversary at Growing Kids, I knew that I would have a meeting to discuss my yearly review and acknowledged for my hard work. Every year after that, a meeting was scheduled promptly on or very near my anniversary and I could count on a meeting to discuss my work performance. I knew that I wouldn’t automatically receive a raise, but I at least appreciated some feedback.
3. Thank you for having a ‘Main Street’. At my previous place of employment, this was again considered as ‘not a good use of money to add to the building.’ As a teacher, I REALLY appreciated having an indoor area to take my class to play, explore, do group activities and learn. This was especially helpful on days when it was too cold outside, rainy or too hot. The children and the teachers BOTH benefited from Main Street by getting out of the classroom at some time during the day.
4. Thank you for showing appreciation to volunteers. In my years at growing Kids, I volunteered at all or most of the community events such as the Easter egg hunt, holiday show, etc.. In addition, my (now husband) volunteered with me to be the Easter bunny or Santa. We both enjoyed doing this together, because not only was it fun to interact with the children, but we were also shown appreciation in many ways. We would receive a simple thank you card, the teachers got to do an adult egg hunt when the Easter egg hunt was over, etc.. Simple things like this, showed me that Growing Kids really appreciated me spending my extra time to be a part of the many fun events outside of regular hours.
5. Thank you for providing dinner or snacks at all of the staff meetings. Growing Kids understood that many of us were taking time away from our families to be at the staff meetings at night. Because of this, there was always some sort of meal or snack provided. It was simple, but it again showed me how much I was appreciated and thought of as an employee with Growing Kids.
6. Thank you for always giving positive feedback. Whenever someone entered my classroom, I was given some sort of positive feedback. I still remember Julie walking into my room and saying how much she loved our bulletin board and how it brightened the room. There was also constructive criticism given , but there was just as much (if not more) positive feedback about my teaching skills. I was TRUSTED and BELIEVED IN.
So, as we approach Thanksgiving and we think about what we are thankful for, one of my top things I am thankful for is Growing Kids and the time that I got to be an employee there.
Thank you & much Love,
Mrs. Adrienne Moore
Kindergarten Teacher
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I’m impressed with your high quality
My name is Victoria Baker and I work for Cummins, Inc. in Columbus Indiana. I oversee all the on-site child care centers “globally” for Cummins. I also was the verifier that was assigned to review the Valparaiso child care/development center. I wanted to send you a quick and personal email letting you know how impressed I was with your high quality, very professional staff that engaged the children throughout my visit. I too, believe that every child is a miracle and when we invite a miracle into our lives (environment), we prepare ourselves and the environment around us. I wanted to praise the Management Team at this center. The Director and Asst. Director did a wonderful job in preparing the center, staff and program for the visit. I was very impressed and honored to have spent some time in “your” center. Again, thank you for everything you are doing for children.
Cheers,
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I am so Thankful
Today is the last day for my children at GK on Ironwood and Douglas. My baby is going to kindergarten in the fall. I sent this to Erin Hann and she requested I share it with you…
When we started at Growing Kids when my son was 2, I had no idea I would have two more children and spend 8 years with all those wonderful teachers. Today is our last day at GK. I know it may seem silly to be all emotional about daycare, but I’m so thankful for the care, kindness and education your team had shared with me and my children over the years. It’s a bittersweet day for me, but I wanted to share with you how happy I am to have trusted such a wonderful place with my children. Thank you and your amazing team!!!
Eileen Dimino
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Dear Growing Kids family,
It is a very rare occasion that I write a letter of accolade such as this, however, given my family’s experience with Growing Kids on US-23, it is the prudent thing to do. It is not difficult to find a daycare or pre-school which is in the business of providing care for your child. It is an exception to find a structured organization whose business is but a catalyst for providing a home away from home, a parenting partnership, and a venue that even our spirited and expressive child was eager to attend, knowing that he was accepted and nurtured as a unique individual. In fact, the Growing Kids difference over another daycare was encouragingly notable within mere days from when our son first started attending.Your expertise at child development is not the entirety of the Growing Kids experience, albeit a substantial one. I have heard it said that it is during difficult times that real friends can shine. In the case of Growing Kids, who put people before profit and gave reassurance in times of need, I am simply unable to articulate our level of gratitude. It is your compassion which rivals your professionalism which has, more than anything, inspired this letter. It is why the Growing Kids staff are more like family as opposed to simply a vendor. It is why having to move on to regular school after being in partnership with you over the past couple years is as much somber as it is a moment of celebration.Thank you for all you have done. We will miss each of you, but we are most assuredly fortunate to have found you.You are, quite simply, the best.
Gratefully,
-The Bryner/Hindawi family
This is the nicest childcare I’ve seen in Elkhart. Good Job! Keep up the good work!
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I’m very happy with Growing Kids and all the teachers, as well as the rest of the staff. I feel my children are safe and well taken care of.
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I think all the teachers, as well as the front desk employees are great. All are helpful, caring and extremely nice.
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I am happy my son is a part of your “family” at Growing Kids and appreciate each and every one of the staff members.
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We love how our concerns are addressed with caring and concern immediately and that you offer part time & are affordable.
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I feel safe and secure sending my child to Growing Kids.
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I appreciate the good customer service. I am always greeted with a hello and a smile.
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I have seen a huge improvement in Ava’s speech and behavior since starting Growing Kids and I can tell you all actually care about the children!
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The environment is very nice and clean.
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Very pleased & feel assured my children are in great hands at Growing Kids!
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I appreciate the daily communication w/ teachers to help me monitor my child’s behavior and make adjustments as needed.
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This is the first daycare she has attended and 4 years later she’s still happy here.
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Thank you for a fun and happy environment to learn!
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I’m glad I made the switch from our old daycare. You guys are wonderful! My daughter loves going to Growing Kids everyday and loves her teachers and friends. I like all the arts and crafts projects.
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I enjoy the holiday programs as well as the Halloween fun house.
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I enjoy the fact that my kids are learning. I can really tell a difference.
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I enjoy the holiday programs as well as the Halloween fun house.
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I love the security and I feel very safe with her being there. The teachers are awesome.
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I like all of the structured learning time combined with lots of physical activity and playtime. I’m so glad she is learning with kids of her age group only.
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I just love the whole thing. My daughter has learned more songs and other things that she was missing from the home care.
