Primrose school

NicB

Has anyone had experience with primrose schools for childcare?

tsmomma42

I tried to look at the one in FoCo. I gave up after 3 canceled appointments including 1 where the director yelled at me because I calmly expressed my concern that she had canceled last minute for the third time. She was obviously frustrated that I couldn't rearrange my schedule to come in later that afternoon. At least the last time there was a valid reason. The director said her kid had gone to the ER the night before. Still, I don't like being yelled at so I crossed them off my list. I've heard really good things about them aside from that though.

ETA: By last minute I mean she canceled 15 minutes before my tour was scheduled.

ondrea

we looked at the one in Arvada and liked it.  we opted not to go there b/c DH didn't want DS to have to wear a uniform ( which they have to do in pre-K age).  I have a freind whose DS is there for private K and she is happy.

whitdog23

They are franchised (like Goddard, etc) so I think a fair amount may depend on who the franchisee and director of the location youre interested in and how they operate things.

tra_la_la

We toured the Arvada one a few weeks ago and I didn't like that every moment of the day is planned, to the minute. It is also the place went and DD peed her pants while I left her in the room to tour the school and get more info and niether of the teachers noticed. There were 14 kids (2 year olds) in the room and 2 teachers, it was too overwhelming for us.

ruby soho

I toured one in cos and was not impressed. The infant room consisted of a very young teacher playing on her phone while two babies were in bouncers and a third baby lying on her stomach in a crib filled with blankets. 

INgirlinDenver

DS goes to the one in Aurora and we have nothing but GREAT things to say about Primrose.  They have been amazing with him. We've only had one teacher who I wasn't a fan of but the rest have been really good. 

I think part of it depends on the school but we really like their set-up and the staff.

jacqueblittle

My daughter has been going to the same one since she has been 18 months old she is now almost 5yr old and I have nothing but good things to say about the one she attends (Reunion). 

Karenbird

They do seem to vary a lot by owner.  My DD and DS went to the one near Southlands in Aurora, which has the same owner as the one at Tall Grass. If you are looking at either one of those, feel free to PM me.

NicB

thanks for all of the responses, it is appreciated.  I know each one is individually owned, and we are looking at the one in Westminster.  We got a good feeling from the director. I think my only concern is there will be 14 kids and 2 teachers in the class, and it's SO regimented with schedule. 

smilelari

NicB:

thanks for all of the responses, it is appreciated.  I know each one is individually owned, and we are looking at the one in Westminster.  We got a good feeling from the director. I think my only concern is there will be 14 kids and 2 teachers in the class, and it's SO regimented with schedule. 

We don't do Primrose, but the 14 kids, 2 teacher thing is pretty typical for a 2 year old classroom.  Our daycare classroom currently has 11 with 2 teachers, but could potentially have up to 14.  I'm sure it's a lot of work for the teachers with them trying to get the kids potty trained and everything but they seem to handle it ok

As for the regimented schedule, we're at a Montessori which also has a very regimented schedule.  At this age, they seem to crave routine and Gavin really does well with it.  Probably depends somewhat on the kid, but even our weekends have become somewhat structured, with at least naps and meals occurring at consistent times and Sundays always involving a trip to Target

AdaraMarie

It sounds like your DD would be in the early preschool class, right? DD goes to the same Primrose as INGirl's DS. Where she goes the EP class is the first class where the ratio goes from 1:5 to 1:7. Is that higher than other places you have looked (assuming you have looked other places)?

DD is in the class below that one and her schedule is not that regimented, even though they have a specific schedule posted. Of course, I don't know how it is in the older class yet, and I am sure it varies by teacher.

In DD's class, the only things that are more firm schedule wise are snacks, lunch, and naptime, and even those fluctuate a little. Other than that, they seem to do different things everyday depending on the mood of the kids and the weather.

Have you had a chance to observe the class for a while when it is full? Maybe that would make you feel better about the ratio and schedule.

uteandbuff

Both of my kids are at a Primrose and we have been pretty happy there.   I totally agree with Smilelari on the routine.   My DD does so much better on her routine and knowing what to expect.    Even though the day is structured, they still have free play.   They have centers that they will play at and can decide which center they want to go to, etc.