Insider Pages Reviews for Barn Yard Child Care Ctr Inc

5 Stars: For what it's worth... (by by FellowCollegue at Citysearch)

by FellowCollegue at Citysearch — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I do not have a personal connection to the Barn Yard but for what it's worth...
I have been in the field of Early Childhood and Education for 25 years. I have been employed at a high quality center in the Boston and has an excellent reputation. I have had the opportunity to visit many centers throughout the years from either providing a staff training or visiting for professional develoment. I am familiar with the centers around the Westwood area. I did visit the BY several years ago and was incredibly impressed. The faciliy, the staff, the program all seemed top notch compared to so many places. The fact that the center is family owned and run gives it a personal feel and the entire staff/ownership deserve a lot of credit for creating such a beautiful and thoughtful place. I always find it interesting when parents complain about how expensive child care is, but you pay for what you get. The staff have to be well taken care of in order for them to remain invested and valued in their work. I say congratulations to the Barn Yard for maintaing such a high level of quality care - the bulk of your feedback from parents is extremely positive and all comes down to the staff. Those who complain about too many days off or high costs are far and few between. I would send any parent looking for a high quality program directly to the Barn Yard!

5 Stars: Awesome Child Care Center (by by jovigirl74 at Citysearch)

by jovigirl74 at Citysearch — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I personally do not have children that have attended the BarnYard but the family I nanny for do. The two oldest both went there for many years and I know my bosses were very happy with everything about the center. I will be leaving them come Sept as the youngest who has been on a waiting list for there got in and so they will be sending her there. Her sisters keep telling her what a great place it is and how much fun she will have there. All the teachers that I have met have been so kind and friendly. I wish they would have job openings so I could work there!

3 Stars: What a shame.... (by by New2DaycareSearch at Citysearch)

by New2DaycareSearch at Citysearch — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I am in the process of choosing a day care for my daughter and am sorry to say that the bickering back and forth on this site has completely turned me off to this center.

I believe in standing up for the truth, what you believe in etc. but I also believe in knowing when to walk away, turn the other cheek and so on. Any adult with half a brain could have seen that the ridiculous post about how many days off the center has was written by an angry, ignorant person. Had you just left it alone and let others write their praises, I would have been calling to set up an appointment to tour the center. You have underminded my ability to make an intelligent, informed decision. But regardless, the bottom line is this- if you doubt my intelligence, who is to say you won't doubt my daughters. If you fall into the trap of anger and vindictiveness, will you be teaching my child the same?

I am not willing to take that chance.

5 Stars: We Highly Recommend The Barn Yard (by by BarnyardSupporter at Citysearch)

by BarnyardSupporter at Citysearch — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I am a parent who has been with the BarnYard for several years (we started there when our child was only a few months old) and we have been nothing but pleased. The staff (teachers and directors) are wonderful people who truely care about the children and the families who attend their center. We view them as an extension to our family as we are entrusting them with our young child for 9-10 hours a day, several days a week and as such they are highly involved in our child's development during these early years.

The staff at the Barn Yard have been a great resource for our family on many levels (including food choices, developmental milestones and potty training - we may not have made it through potty training without the teachers in the "Piglet" room!) We have always referred to the Barn Yard as "school" because learning begins in the infant room and continues through the preschool years. The teachers in each room strive to teach the children important age appropriate skills in each room (including many self help skills such as communication, dressing, pouring drinks, using the potty, etc).

I have recommended the Barn Yard to several people in the past and will continue to recommend them in the future. As for the communication issues noted in other reviews, other families may feel that there has been an issue, however we have never felt that way.

5 Stars: Couldn't be happier (by by BarnYardParent at Citysearch)

by BarnYardParent at Citysearch — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

IMy family has been at the BarnYard for about half a year now and we couldn't be happier. The teachers are truly incredible in the way that they care for my son -- he is thrilled every morning when he first sees them! They help in any way they can and are always patient and kind. The Barn Yard has a true family-feel, unlike any of the large "chain" day cares that we visited in the area. The physical space is adorable, safe, and extremely clean and well-kept. The teachers even made the parents individual holiday presents - I won't spoil the secret in case they want to do it next year! But it was unbelievably thoughtful. As for the snow-day policy - it was clearly stated that they would go by Westwood Public Schools schedule and I believe that is the way to keep everyone safe. If I ever end up having a complaint about how that is dealt with, I will speak to the Director before I write anonymously on a site like this. As for the vacation days, I have never felt like it is a problem. I personally would like my son's teachers to be rested and happy and they cannot do that if they never have a holiday off like other working-people do. I would schedule my vacation time for the Chirstmas week even if the Barn Yard was open. As for the week in August/Sept., it is NOT vacation for them. My son's teachers worked incredibly hard that week cleaning, training, and preparing the classroom. Without that week, how would they ever get that stuff done? At 6pm on a weeknight after a full day of working with our kids? I know I couldn't do either. As for price, you get what you pay for. I absolutely believe that the Barn Yard is worth every penny. If you don't want a year contract, go to a place without one and have the teachers turn-over every couple months. I would prefer a place with a staff who is close and trusting of one another. I have recommended the Barn Yard to everyone that has asked me about it and fully recommend it here.

5 Stars: A perspective family's thoughts (by by wishiwasthere at Citysearch)

by wishiwasthere at Citysearch — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I am a Dad who has looked at The Barn Yard with my wife for our child. I did not want my child to enter daycare but my wife told me it was good life experience for them. So like any good parent we looked at many centers is the Westwood area and I didn?t love any of them. Then we walked into The Barn Yard and I knew this place was different. Teachers greeted us and "oohed and ahhed" over our child. The assistant director was very excited to get us started on our tour. We felt instantly at home (which, after reading this thread I see is what they shoot for). All of our questions were answered and more. All of the teachers took a moment to speak to us or too our child. We also received a second packet while we were there, and I went back when I read all of this to see if what the staff was saying is true. And sure enough there was a calendar in the envelope. It was so nice to be at their center, and even leaving I felt so happy and at ease knowing that my child would be cared for the way I would care for them. For all of the parents who are complaining about days off, just don't. Realize that what you have is an incredible bunch of teachers who truly love what they do and where they work. And if you would like to keep enjoying this phenomenon than deal with the days, just deal with it. Because I have spoken to many people who couldn?t get into The Barn Yard and would give anything to have had the opportunity that your families are getting right now. I can read the passion that all of the staff and parents are writing with and if they put half of that into their teaching than I know it will be an incredible experience! I hope that this will be helpful information in the future.

5 Stars: My perspective, cont. (by by KevinPowersSr at Citysearch)

by KevinPowersSr at Citysearch — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Pleasebefair:

To go on a site such as this for the sole purpose of doing harm to someone's business is the very definition of vindictiveness. And let's be honest, as well as fair here, the issue at hand that began this thread was in fact a snow day. And the BarnYard made the decision a long time ago to go by Westwood Public School's cancellations in order to make communications as clear as possible! The very thing you are complaining about.

To give this center a 1 or a 2 star rating out of 5 because someone is unhappy about a snow day, or their calendar for that matter, when all are saying that they love the teachers and the care that their children receive, is extremely spiteful and vindictive. And I hope anyone looking for a great child care center can see through that.

5 Stars: really be fair (by by byparent2 at Citysearch)

by byparent2 at Citysearch — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I tried to write again and only edited my previous post so I apologize if I am repeating myself. I felt the need for the last parent who posted to know all the commuication I got that they missed? I repeat.....You get the calendar in the information packet. The calendar is pointed out and talked about on the tour before you pick the center for your family. There is a part of your contract that you have to sign that says you "agree you have recieved a calendar" before you sign up. The calendar is posted on your childs parent board in their classroom. The teachers put the closings on the monthly curriculum calendar. The closings are posted on the door of the school a week before the holiday or week closed. If parents are going to say "but it is not specifically in the handbook" then so be it. You need to know EVERYTHING works for you family before you sign up. It is not the center's responsibility to make sure you read ALL of the paper work they give you not just the handbook. It is yours. If you picked the center for the teachers or the location then you need to deal with the things that don't work for your family....or don't pick that center. Many of the centers in Westwood go by the school vacation weeks in Feb. and April as well as the Dec week. And I again agree with Mr. Powers about wait until elementary school when you can't pick where your child goes to school and Teacher development days are every other week.

2 Stars: A solution - at the very least (by by befairplease at Citysearch)

by befairplease at Citysearch — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Let's be specific for the sake of being fair: The reference to the Calendar on p.10 of the 2008-09 Handbook, ONLY describes the Monthly Calendar that lists activities and theme for the calendar month, with NOTHING about closings. There is no reference in the Handbook whatsoever to that Annual Calendar, that separate handout that includes the closings, which makes it unfair to parents who are told that the Handbook contains everything regarding Barn Yard's policies. A Fact: Page 41 does in fact refer to the BY's closing policy. But it only states that parents are responsible for paying one annual tuition cost regardless of the days the BarnYard is closed. So much for clearly stating its closing policy and Calendar in the Handbook. The real matter is it's not the weeks closed that's the problem. It's the weeks closed that is not clearly communicated to parents before they enroll and are locked in. Sure we could sign saying that we agree to the closing policy, ie: we are willing to pay when the BY's closed, which is absolutely fine and normal. But again, the problem is that the Handbook's policy is not the full policy and yet you are told that the Handbook contains everything regarding policies, so you sign a year's contract and believe that you understand the policy and you end up having to scramble to find coverage for all those weeks and half-days closed. We do not want teachers to work more and have less vacation time. Not at all. We just want to be fully aware of the closing policy, not just as it pertains to payment, for the sake of planning the care of our children. No one is asking that BY lists the exact dates in the Handbook. AT THE VERY LEAST, BY should state that they are closed for a week or more during winter break and for another week before the school year begins in September, and that exact dates depend on the calendar year. Families need to know that before they enroll - it would be quite unfair otherwise. Parents are disappointed, not vindictive.

5 Stars: My perspective (by by KevinPowers at Citysearch)

by KevinPowers at Citysearch — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Both of my sons went to the BarnYard up until they started kindergarten. The younger one left the Barn 4 years ago. And they had nothing but the best times there. They entered their school years well-prepared, both educationally and socially. From what I've read of this thread, everyone seems to agree that the care there is first rate. As for questions regarding closing policies, everything is very clearly spelled out in the handbook. I know, as I have actually read it a number of times. Are the exact dates of the Christmas closing spelled out? No. Because as was previously pointed out, they change based on the calendar. Was the current year's a little longer than usual? Yes. But the parents complaining about this are in for a very rude awakening. When your kids start elementary school the vacations and days off are much more frequent. My wife and I both work, and the juggle now is MUCH more difficult than when our kids were at the Barn. From what I can see, the one complaint is that the Barn is closed for these two weeks (+) during the year. As pointed out, one is a training requirement. The other is during the holidays, when at least 75% of people are off anyways (and I believe the BY teachers are required to use vacation time for this break, so it is not that the individual teachers are then off a lot during the rest of the year on top of this...).

It seems to me that to give a place like this a bad review based on the length of the Christmas break is very small-minded and vindictive. Hopefully most of the readers will see that for what it is. If anyone has questions, they can please feel free to contact me at kjpowerssr@msn (it won't let me put the rest of the address here, but you can figure it out...).

2 Stars: Objective Parent's View - Hope this is helpful (by by candidMomm at Citysearch)

by candidMomm at Citysearch — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

As an objective parent who heard about this discussion, here's my 2 cents if it helps.
1. I don't think the issue is not about the teachers at all nor the quality of care. I agree with ConcernParent100 that BY is one of the quality centers where the teachers are very kind and friendly. They are truly deserving and truly wonderful.
2. The issue that I see is about the center's broader policy of closing for several weeks and not disclosing this in the Parent Handbook. It's really not about the snow policy. That is in the handbook. But ConcernedParent100 is correct that closing for more than a week (it happens to be from noon on Dec 24 and not opening again until Jan 5, much later than the New Year), closing for a full week before labor day, and closing at 12 noon twice a year, ARE NOT in the Parent Handbook. Not serving lunch to the children on half days are not in the handbook. On this note, I agree with ConcernParent. This is a critical policy for a working parent to know because they do add up to many weeks of being closed.
3. I love spending time with my child as much as possible. I absolutely treasure every moment. But it is a fact that I, like other parents, HAVE to work. to support a family. So having a center that recognizes that working parents have to work is helpful, and other centers in Westwood do a good job of this.
4. BarnYard is a private business paid for with private (and very high) tuition. Comparing BY's closed weeks to those of public schools, due to spring break for example, is irrevelant. Teachers definitely deserve breaks, (and much more!) so the center should figure this out rather voluntarily close for weeks and place the burden on parents schedule.
5. The teachers, once again, are wonderful - our child is fortunate to have that interaction. The challenge that potential families might consider is the schedule and pricy tuition for all the atypical weeks that are closed for a child care provider (not a public school).

1 Stars: For an expensive daycare, you would think there is better communication (by by ParentMovingOn at Citysearch)

by ParentMovingOn at Citysearch — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

People put reviews to share their experience as third parties that might be helpful for others who are looking for the right place. What I see here is that the comments that parents have placed to share their experiences, clearly varies from family to family. What I do see in common is that all the parents who have written, including the first one ConcerningParent, are not emphasizing the snow policy as the issue. I don't understand why the staff has commented so much on the snow policy when the important issue, which ConcernedParent and Candidmom emphasized, is the multiple weeks closed, half days, no lunches, etc, that are clearly not apparent to all parents. Some parents who have commented below say that they read the handbook and the half days, weeks closed, are all in the handbook. But several other parents confimed that these closings are not in fact in the handbook (I'm not talking about the snow policy, a moot point). This is an opportunity for the center to improve it their communications and create a more welcoming environment for feedback rather than be exclusively defensive. Perhaps that's why parents aren't feeling welcome to express their concerns at the center? On the one hand, some parents are told that the Handbook includes everything you need to know about BY's policies, which really does not cover all. On the other hand, some parents are lucky to get 3 calendar hand outs and be aware of the closures 3 times. There needs to be better communication. Finally, for the purposes of sharing my view for readers, it's true that other quality centers give teachers the time they deserve off without burdening parents and closing for multiple weeks. They have back up staff, rotate, or other method that they develop. BY lacks this so it's imporant to know in advance. It is a wonderful place in many ways, don't get me wrong, but there seems to be inconsistency at the policy communciation level, certainly not by the teachers, who are wholeheartedly great.

5 Stars: Lets reeally be fair (by by byparent at Citysearch)

by byparent at Citysearch — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Let's really be fair.
You get a calendar in the info packet . The calendar is pointed out to you and talked about during you tour of the center before you sign up. You get the calendar in with your contract before you sign up. If you read your contract it says you agree that you "have recieved a calendar". The teachers put the closings on the monthly curriculum calendar. The Calendar is posted on the parent board in your childs classroom. And the closings are posted on the front door a week before the holiday or week off.
If parents are then going to say "yes but they are not specific in the handbook" then so be it. How much more communication can there be about it? As I said before in my last posting. You need to be sure about EVERYTHING a center does for your family before you sign up. If you did it because the teachers were what you wanted or the location worked then you have to deal with the things that don't work.....or don't pick that center. I had a positive experience and certainly agree with Mr. Powers when he says just wait until elementary school when you dont have a choice of where you send you child and the Teacher Development days are every other week!

5 Stars: Let's make sure we all have our facts straight.... (by by DisappointedTeacherAgain at Citysearch)

by DisappointedTeacherAgain at Citysearch — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

First I would like to thank Candidmomm for the kind words she said about us. I appreciate them. But in regards to our policies, you have it all wrong. For anyone who has been following along, please turn to page 21of your 2008-2009 Parent Handbook. Here you will find a copy of our snow closure policy. Then I would like you to think back to when you received your contract packet for this school year. Included with your copy of the handbook was a brightly colored calender. If you don't still have yours you can see them posted in every classroom at the Barn. I invite anyone who has any questions to please talk to any staffer and have them point it out to you so you will be aware of any future closings. As always, we are more than happy to help! Just for the record, we are expensive but we are not overpriced - you will not find the care we give at any old center. I cannot believe how little ConcernedParent100 thinks of our time and our families' needs. This year was an exceptional year because Christmas fell on a Thursday ,making it a much longer vacation than usual. For every year that I have been with The Barn Yard(with the exception of this year), we have re-opend on January 2nd which means we got (including weekends) 7-8 days off. If we deserve so much Candidmomm, then why not just let us have the week ...or the 11 days, because, like I have said before, we work the last week of August! We don't do it to inconvenience anyone!!

5 Stars: Never in 10 years... (by by BYsupporter at Citysearch)

by BYsupporter at Citysearch — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I have been a teacher at The Barn Yard for 10 years. More importantly I have been Maria's "older" sister for 38 years. Since day one I have watched both Maria and my parents transform what was once an old barn into a wonderful, caring and nurturing enviroment for children. This is Maria's dream and she takes it very seriously.
Maria has spent countless hours, weekends and too many late nights with my other sister making sure that this is going to be a properly run organization. An organization where it's policies were written with the assistance of many different professionals. These policies are presented EACH and EVERY time a tour is given to interested families. So, it is infuriating to me, when I hear this slander against MY family's business. We all, including the teachers, work hard EVERYDAY to make sure we provide good, quality childcare for all of our families.
It is very hurtful and disrespectful to air your grievances in this manner!
I, unlike "ConcernedParent100" have no problem signing my name! It's Tina Mather and I am very proud of my sister and the school that she has created!!!

5 Stars: The Barn Yard is one of a kind... (by by lovetheBY at Citysearch)

by lovetheBY at Citysearch — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I can't believe what I just read about the Barn Yard in Westwood. The only thing acurrate about the description is that it is pricey. But I believe you pay for what you get. I have had a child at the Barn Yard for the past 4 years. During my tour I was told about the days off they had, and honestly did not have a problem with that. Who doesn't want to spend time with their children over a Christmas break. As for the week in August well I guess I know when my summer break will be taken. For any holiday or 1/2 day they may have the Barn Yard always posts a notice on the door a week in advance for plently of time to get coverage. When I received my contract I was given a Parent handbook which again went over everything (which I read), concerning anything from lunches, to tuition, to fees, to clothing, to days off, etc apparently the other person did not read their copy. You also receive a updated Handbook every year! As for weather related closings, sure they are an inconvience, but if WW Public is closing I am pretty sure it is for safety so the Barn Yard should follow suit. I am lucky that I have the Barn Yard to care for my child. All of the teachers are wonderful, caring individuals who go above and beyond for my child at all times. I wish more people could go their and receive the love and care for their child that I get! Oh and one more thing, as for needing 5 weeks vacation, what a farce. Most all other preschools in WW are either 1/2 day programs or closed for the whole summer, so you tell me how a year round center is a bad thing. Kudos Barn Yard for a job well done, I will continue to spread the good word around, you are what every center should be and more!

5 Stars: I am so upset to read something this mean...continued (by by DisappointedTeacher at Citysearch)

by DisappointedTeacher at Citysearch — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

When the Barn closes in late August it is upsetting to all of us when parents get upset and make jokes about us taking a vacation... We are not on vacation we are there working. Cleaning, painting, scrubbing every toy and game to make them fresh and new for the new group of children. We are also fortunate enough to have in-house training for a few hours. We are required to have 20 workshop hours every year and they are almost all done on our own time. Just and FYI for tor future, public schools close for the entire summer. They also have at least 2 half days a month and at least 1 full close day... and they have snow days, so your issue with secondary childcare is not going anywhere. We put everything into this center and it is so disheartening to hear someone talk about our center in such a passive-aggressive way. You are not commenting on bad service at a restaurant, you are commenting on the way WE help raise YOUR children. In my years at the Barn i have never been so hurt by a parent . My safety and my coworkers safety is important just like you and your family's safety. It is important, and if Westwood Public thinks we should be closed than I will stand behind them. Instead of regretting the work your missing, you should take advantage of this extra time with your child. Enjoy these little years because they are short and you will miss these times someday.

5 Stars: I am so upset to read something this mean... (by by DisappointedCont at Citysearch)

by DisappointedCont at Citysearch — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I have been a staff member at The Barn Yard for more than 4 years now and am so upset by what ConcernedParent100 wrote about our center. We are not some generic franchise childcare factory, we are a FAMILY!! Something that no one has mentioned thus far is that no teacher at our center has worked there for under 3 years... that is something you will not find everywhere. You will also not find teachers who care whole heartedly for the children not only in their classrooms but throughout the entire center! Teachers know every child's name and every parent's name when they walk through the door. They also know every family's story. We know it is difficult to have a surprise snow day, that is if you can call it a surprise. This is New England, it snows here and as adults you should know that if you see fresh snow you should check the news for closings. Also Channels like Fox25 are offering a text message service to alert you when there is a closing. You can talk to any of the staff member about how to set this up. I see everyday how much my Co-Teacher and I put into our classroom making everyday fun and different for ConcernedParent100's child and everyone else's child. In each classroom we have what we call Parent Boards. These boards post our policies, personal classroom calendars and school wide calendars to list all of our closings. The fact that ConcernedParent100 choose not to read our handbook is his/her own fault. When i hear our wonderful assistant director give her tours of our center to new or prospective parents she always points out that we do close and when we close and how we decide were going to close. I am so fortunate to have the Director and Assistant Director that we have at The BY because they care about their staff enough to know that we have families too. And that we need time off too.
(Cont. Below)

1 Stars: Overly priced daycare that will not warn you of their many days and full weeks closed during the year. (by by ConcernedParent100 at Citysearch)

by ConcernedParent100 at Citysearch — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The Barn Yard Child Care center not only requires that you sign a 1-year contract with no refund if dissatisfied, but they do not tell you before you enroll that they are closed for what is equivilent to more than a month of being closed. While closings for holidays is absolutely acceptable, they have other closings that are not dislosed in the parent handbook nor anywhere before you enroll. They have a "winter break" when they close for more than a week between Christmas and through New Year, they also have another full week of closing before labor day to "train teachers". Most other day care centers find other times to train teachers that do not place hardships on parents' schedules. They also close and do not tell you this, at 12 noon, serving no lunch for children due to "early dismissal" the day before Thanksgiving and the day before Christmas. Working parents cannot even get a half day of work in because on those early dismissal days, you have to leave at 11 am to pick up your child by 12 noon. In total they close earlier than most daycares do, Barn Yard closes at 5:30 pm and they take more vacation days, more breaks, that total more than a month's time, and yet parents are still obligated to pay for all of it when there is no service exchanged. They also close based on the public school system's weather-related closings, while most daycares close only if road conditions are unsafe and it is a state of emergency. So before you consider this place, make sure you have at least 5 weeks of vacation time to cover the care of your child while the center is on "break". You can find a better daycare with more convenient balance for working families.