Good Child Development Center - Milford, Connecticut

Pam R.

We are a proud alumni family of Good Child Development Center. My son first came as an infant and has just graduated from the preschool program. Good Child is so much more than a daycare or pre-K, it is truly a community and family. When I hear stories from friends and neighbors of the care providers for their children there is always a stark difference between them and what we experienced at Good Child. The teachers here are kind, caring and foster an inclusive and engaging learning environment that spans across the entire building not just individual classrooms. My husband and I have seen and felt the genuine love these individuals have towards the kids. They go above and beyond to understand and know the children individually, to inspire curious learning and build confidence. Many times we have said ‘wow’ because of the extra mile they go on a regular basis. You see this influence within the children and how they have developed positive relationships both with the staff and their peers. My son is very well prepared for Kindergarten with has a solid foundation and love of learning.

We have always appreciated the open communication we received on a daily basis. Through their communication app and email we always knew of the events, helpful information and most importantly what was happening in the classroom. We would receive daily updates through the app regarding what was being learned and often pictures of our son and the lessons. We were able to communicate with his teachers and always received timely responses. Of course pick up and drop off also allowed a strong and valued parent teacher relationship to grow as they were always willing to share and partner. There is no greater comfort than to have total transparency when it comes to your child’s care!

Each classroom is set up for learning, engagement and play but the center itself extends this. There is a large ‘great room’ which is utilized during inclement weather to get all that energy out and a large secured gated outside play area which is utilized pretty much all year round. The outdoor play area is separated into age appropriate sections for safe fresh air and fun. Another differentiator of Good Child is they provide meals and snacks for the children as part of the weekly tuition – infants all the way up. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are all prepared in-house to be healthy and offer a wide range of options. My son has gone through quite a picky eating phase and they would always ensure he had something he would eat but the exposure to the variety of foods also helped expand out his pallet. I was truly spoiled to have never had to pack a lunch for my child until recently starting Kindergarten!

I honestly can’t speak highly enough of our 5 years at Good Child. We kept him in right up until the start of Kindergarten and his last day was needless to say emotional for all. We are truly grateful and blessed for the care we received and the connections our family built.

YESENIA R.

There is no better place where I could have left my daughter to be cared for. My daughter was in two daycares before this one and this was the best. The staff take care of the children with dedication and love, as mothers you realize when your child is happy and well cared for. My daughter, from the moment she arrives at the center, goes to give hugs from the office to everyone she meets on the way to her class. It is a very safe place, they are always aware of who enters and leaves the center. They give you a summary of the children's daily activities in the app and they send you photos. It is magnificent, I was very fortunate to have my daughter be cared for at this center. Ms. Jo-ann is a very sweet person and understanding with parents and their needs for the children. The teachers are very careful with the children. My daughter learned to go to the bathroom thanks to the teachers at the center who taught her with dedication and patience. The children learn many things (animals, colors, numbers, sizes. They talk to them about everything and they learn.) 100% recommended.

Liz E.

I am writing this review in reference to Good Child Development Center, Milford CT. I am the education consultant of many schools in both New Haven and Fairfield counties. I have been an Administrator for many years. I often visit the center and spend a lot of time in the classrooms. The teachers are enthusiastic, eager to learn many new activities and give the children a great deal of love, understand, and attention. They try very hard to meet the needs of every child and family in their classroom. I am most impressed with the program, and the time and effort that is talking place to prepare for the renewal of their National Association of Early Childhood Education Accreditation and the goals that are expected to be met. The school follows all of the policies and regulations listed in the handbook provided by the Department of Licensing. I work very closely with Bill, the executive director and the entire staff! Great school!

Stephanie M.

I have been loyal to Good Child Development Center for eight years, entrusting them with the care of all 3 of my children. I have always referred them and had a positive experience, However, recent events have left me deeply disappointed and concerned about the quality of care provided. Their short staffing has affected my child in the following ways:
Because they do not have enough staff to supervise all children, my child has been excluded from activities. He has gotten hurt and the response from his teacher is “management doesn’t give us the help we need” now the director is telling me that because my son pulls hair he is getting kicked out… he’s 18 months old. If the center can’t handle an 18 month old who needs a little bit more attention and redirection, then they should reevaluate their strong suits.

The director Bill, is incredibly unprofessional and despite expressing valid concerns about my son and how the staffing shortages and the lack of supervision has affected my family, his response was dismissive and unprofessional. Instead of addressing these issues with the seriousness they deserve, I was met with defensiveness and a refusal to engage in constructive dialogue and was told that the reason I’m so upset is because “I’m not getting what I want” if what I want is for my child to be cared for properly, then he is correct. I am very upset that my son was not getting the care he deserves.

I urge management to prioritize the well-being of the children and foster an environment of open communication and accountability. The employee turn over is another issue completely, this center can not keep staff because they treat them like GARBAGE.
Until meaningful changes are made, I cannot recommend this center to other parents seeking quality childcare. If you need a daycare look elsewhere. The director should stick to what he knows. Children and parents is clearly not his forte as his email responses were dismissive and unprofessional towards a concerned parent.

G D.

In a few short months I will be reaching my 10 year anniversary with this center. Throughout my time with Good Child, I have witnessed continued growth in the center to include: improved security cameras and protocols, start of PAC (our parent advisor council), and increased staff education and development of skills. Bill, the Director, takes multiple tours of the facility daily but most important is his tour in the morning where he wishes staff and children (who are always excited to see him) a wonderful day. Bill tirelessly supports staff, children, and families. Together, the staff and the director work towards a promise of providing safe and nurturing care for your family’s most important member(s) while promoting success in all developmental domains. We take immense pride in our job and appreciate the opportunity to build positive relationships with all families and children. I encourage you to experience the quality care first hand by booking a tour if you’re not already part of this growing family.

Gabby

Paula H.

Good Shepherd Daycare is a wonderful, trustworthy & honest place. You can entrust that your precious children will be cared for & loved. Of you can't stay at home with them this is the next best thing. They have worked hard to create a developmentally appropriate setting for children to learn & grow & use their imagination. It's a great place!

Lisa T.

My granddaughter went when it was Good Shepherd and my daughter was very happy with the care she received, so when I got my grandson as my foster child I had no doubt where to bring him. He started at 7 weeks old and his teachers love him as if he was theirs... I am very comfortable with their staff and wouldn’t want him anywhere else.. he is now 5 months old he looks at his teachers with love in his eyes!

JoAnn A.

Good Child Development Center is a wonderful place for children to attend. I have worked at other child care places in Milford and I can honestly say this center is one big family. From the staff to the families that trust us to care for their children. The children and their safety come before anything else.