My Baby & Me/Dearborn Early Learning Center

My Baby & Me/Dearborn Early Learning Center is a great school and every child should attend,This is one of the best, actually the best schools I have found in the Detroit Metropolitan area. The children learn so much, I had mine for up to and including preschool, and she learned beyond my expectations. My child learned how to read 3 and 4 letter word in preschool, without the pressure, and she wanted to go there every day, even on Sunday she kept asking if she had school, because she wanted to be there. It was fun for her, and educational at the same time.The teachers are great and do a wonderful job teaching.The teachers and staff there are committed to the safety and caring for the children, on top of teaching them and even more, giving them the discipline and the feel of how to behave in a school environment.If I wasn't laid off from work, I would continue to send my child there as long as I could. in conclusion, this school is the best in education and fun for the kids.
Sincerely, Lucian M. 2009

Posted 09/22/09 | Report Abuse

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My daughter loves it here! She talks about all of her teachers and imitates everything at home! She has learned so much and is always eager to go to school. Everything is so well planned and organized here!! Not to mention that everyone is so helpful and nice!!! I can't say enough. I'm expecting my next child any day and will be sending him to pre-school here as well!

Posted 12/26/08 | Report Abuse

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I have researched so many early education facilities and this one is second to none. I had been referred by so many people to check out this school and after looking into other programs, I always compared them to this one. It is a top notch facility. It is clean, organized, and up to date. You can not put a price on the experience my child has had in her brief time here at The Dearborn Early Learning Center. The love and devotion the teachers and staff give to these children is unmatched. The head start and creative teaching techniques are absolutely wonderful. I only wish we could stay here forever. A big thanks to Miss Sandra, Miss Monique, and all of the staff for the priceless education experience my daughter has had.

Posted 12/03/08 | Report Abuse

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The Dearborn Early Learning Center is a wonderful school. My son started in the 2 year old parent participated program and is now in the 4 year old program. He loves school and he has learned so much. Miss Sandra is a great teacher. She knows how to make things fun for the kids. I don't know what to do about 1st grade. I wish Miss Sandra had an elementary school too. The school is worth every penny.

Posted 12/01/08 | Report Abuse

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i can think of no better place to send my preschoolers. my children have built such a strong foundation here that it will be with them for the rest of their lives. my children have developed so much here that when they moved on to first grade i was disappointed in the new school for not keeping up with what "my baby and me" started.

Posted 11/28/08 | Report Abuse

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My boys love attending this colorful preschool. The staff are warm and friendly and the children learn a lot. The curriculum covers concepts that help preschoolers get an appropriate start. The field trips and many parties make learning fun!! It is great to see the excitement in my boys about attending school!!

Kristin Gladd

Posted 11/23/08 | Report Abuse

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I was first exposed to the Dearborn Early Learning Center when my nephew was enrolled 2 years ago. For the entire school year all I heard about was how much he LOVED Ms. Monique's class! He talked about singing and counting, marching and art, not to mention all the "new friends" he was making! I thought to myself, I only wish I had a program like this in the town I lived in! Well, this year it was time for me to find a program for my now 2 year old son. Having been a preschool teacher myself, I'm pretty picky when it comes to my child's education. I spent the better part of 7 months researching programs in our area and never found anything EVEN CLOSE to this program! My husband and I decided that the 35 minute drive was worth it, and we couldn't be HAPPIER!! Joshua is thriving! He absolutely LOVES going to school, and is learning so much! It is so nice to be able to send him to a school who's top priority is a positive learning experience. Now he and my nephew compare classes and activities, singing the songs and talking about their friends. If you want your child to be a part of a program who's teachers love teaching and the students love learning, then this is the school for you! Just be prepared for the non-stop happiness and excitement that will be walking through your door when your child gets home! :)

Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse

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The students that attend this preschool & kindergarden are VERY LUCKY children! Not only is the environment very loving & clean, the students truly get a headstart in reading and math. What an advantage to go into 1st grade already knowing how to read. Typically, 1st through 3rd grades teach a child to read. Then 4th grade on the children read to learn. So Sandra's students get to just become even better readers during early elementary which will benefit them for life. We used other private schools when our two older children were in preschool/kindergarden, but nothing even comes close to this program.. especially for the price. It's a great deal! And the staff is wonderful, they make learning fun. It is very easy to stay in touch with the teachers and they truly love the children as if they were their own. I highly recommend this program to everyone.

Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse

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Well, I am a parent of four young children and I've tried different programs...and this program by far is one of the best I've seen. Sandra and Monique are wonderful with the children--including the parent staff they have working for them. The environment is very clean and organized-never seen any other place like it. She does have big class sizes...but Sandra is so experienced and loves working with children, that doesn't appear to be a problem. The children work at their own pace and they are rewarded every step of the way. Take it from my experience--you won't be disappointed. Worth every dollar.

Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse

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As a parent of 3 children, ranging from 4 -9 years old, I have made it a top priority to grow the all around best little people possible. The Dearborn Early Learning Center is the best partner a family could want to help achieve this mission.

The program is designed to provide the tools parents need to help their children grow academically, socially and emotionally. Your child will be encouraged every step of the way to do their very best and to be their very best. Your child will be loved and rewarded as if they were Miss Sandra or Miss Monique's very own baby. They love their students "a bushel and a peck...and a hug around their neck."

The academic program at The Dearborn Early Learning Center is top notch. Every child moves through the academic program at his or her own pace. Every child is encouraged to advance as quickly as they are able (small baby steps) and rewarded for the accomplishments that they achieve. They recieve individual attention....one on one....every day in this program. Most preschool programs enforce the state requirement of 1 adult to 10 students. It is nearly impossible for children to get any individual attention under those circumstances. The Dearborn Early Learning Center has many more professional, educated, teacher aides on staff/on site during each class. This improved ratio is what makes it possible for every child to get that one on one attention, for every child to be stimulated through a variety of simultaneous classroom activites or centers and for every child to be in a classroom that you can be sure is cleaner than your own home!

In addition to the academic excellence this school provides, the social and emotional development are just as important. Every child is able to enjoy free time and interact with their friends. They learn social graces in the classroom and they bring them home for us parents to marvel at. The school organizes frequent field trips for the kids to have many experiences outside the classroom as well.

A teacher has the ability, at every age, to make a child love school or not, to make a child excited about learning or not, to make a child feel loved or not. Your child will not find another teacher like Miss Sandra or Miss Monique in all their years. I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to know that my children have the wonderful priveledge of spending their young, formative years in this little school house.

I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants the best for their child!

Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse

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I've had my son in the program since he was one. He is now four and I can't say enough about how good the program is. There is a strong focus on getting children to read by four or five years old and there are many activities that expose children to art, reading and writing and music from a very early age. There is feedback given to parents everyday and there is an open-door policy to discuss your child's performance or any concerns you may have -- socially, emotionally and academically

I do wish there were an outdoor area for the kids to play, and that the curriculum could be expanded to include music lessons and foreign language. Having said that, it is worth every penny and meets the needs of my child. It's the best program in the area, short of Detroit Country Day, which is ten times more expensive.

I am appauled by the other two reviewers who gave Dearborn Early Learning Center such poor scores. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it slams the school based on issues that are irrelevant and petty. The parent who complained about the tuition policy should look into other options that are more in-line with his/her financial situation. A child's education should be more important to the parent than haggling for a two-month discount. And the parent who complained about not talking with the owner directly should get his/her ego in check. I've never had a hard time getting in touch with Sandra and she's more than accessible.

I have nothing but praise for the program and the people who work there.

Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse

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I am astounded at how wonderful of a job all the staff do at the My Baby & Me/Dearborn Early Learning Center. My children are in their second year of preschool. I have always been a supporter of early education and exposure to structured learning programs. My experience with this team has proven how positive of an affect these elements can have on toddlers. My children have grown exceptionally as students. They are achieving well above their age level and cooperating well with other children. I find My Baby & Me to be an exceptional learning center. I will continue to recommend it to others.

Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse

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This is the first year that my daughter is in Mrs. Sandra's preschool program. My daughter is doing great in this preschool. She is already reading small books putting sounds together to make a word. The staff that works there are loving and they take their time with the children. My mother in law and I went to so many different preschool's and I never got that feeling that I got from Dearborn Early Learning Center. They are VERY VERY clean, let the children learn at their own pace. You can just tell that the children are very loved. The have a good curriculum there. It is more of a learning school than a play-based day care. My daughter loves it when she goes there. I can tell when I pick her up she has the biggest smile on her little face.

Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse

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All three of my children have gone through Sandra's program starting with the My Baby and Me classes right through the 4 year old Preschool classes. I can't say enough about how far ahead the kids come out. My oldest son is excelling in first grade and I know it is due to the solid foundation that was laid in the early years. My youngest is in the 4 year old program currently and is doing very well. I don't think you will find another preschool where the teacher's are committed to providing academic excellence. The school is very clean and very well maintained. The kids love going and I will be very sad in May when my last child graduates! I recommend this school to anyone who is looking to start their child off on a promising academic future!

Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse

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After looking around at various programs and also evaluating elementary schools, I would not send my children anywhere but to Ms. Sandra. I have a child in her Kindergarten program who is reading at a second or third grade level and already doing math and reading comprehension exercises. He has been with Ms. Sandra since her three-year preschool program. I also have a three year old in the program currently, and he is doing great. The educational aspects of the program will more than prepare your child for their future scholastic endeavors. Socially, both of our boys have enjoyed the activities and have made new friends that have become wonderful friends outside of school. I can't recommend Dearborn Early Learning Center enough.

Posted 11/19/08 | Report Abuse

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Dearborn Early Learning Center/My Baby & Me is a great place for your child to start their education. My son who is now 10 started when he was 2 in the parent participated classes and went all the way up to the drop off 4 yr. old pre-school classes. My daughter is 4 and is currently finishing the drop off 3 yr. old pre-school classs and will also attend next year. I have been with Ms. Sandra since the beginning when she first opened the doors and have watched the school continue to grow every year. Ms. Sandra and her staff truly care about each and every child who attends. Ms. Sandra is dedicated to improving the environment which we choose to send our children to learn. The kids leave this school with the knowledge they need to make them great students as they get older. There is no better early learning center better than this. Thank You Ms. Sandra and staff, I know our children will continue to knock your socks off!!!

Posted 05/06/08 | Report Abuse

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Happy with my daughter's progress. she knows more than most kids in "k" or 1st grade. i wish she could learn more computer skills. like the systems in place for taking/bringing her stuff to/from school. teachers are what makes it great. we can never make it to teacher/parent conference(both working) so we can 3-way call her teacher and she doesn't rush us. it's as if we were right there with her in person. teacher also helps with suggestions at home such as homework and parenting questions(ie. sleep,eat,siblings). greatly appreciate all the school has done for her and us!
thank you :)

Posted 04/19/08 | Report Abuse

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We enrolled our 3 yr old son this year in the preschool program and are so happy we selected Dearborn Early Learning Center for him. The staff is friendly, warm, caring and motivated to help your child learn at their pace. The staff goes out of their way to reach each child individually and give them attention they need to learn. As a parent I have attended a few classes and had fun myself. If you are looking for a great preschool, select My baby and me!!! Best of all you can continue with them through Kindergarten!!!

Posted 04/13/08 | Report Abuse

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I enrolled my two kids in the parent participated program at My Baby & Me. My son is now in the 4 year old pre-school and my daughter in the 3 year old pre-school. I cannot say enough about all of the wonderful experiences my children have had at the school. The program really makes them work, but is fun at the same time.

The school allows the children to work at their own pace. This was very helpful because my son has a slight speech delay. The staff is very supportive and helpful. My son is now doing word families, reading books, counting by 1's, 5's, and 10's to 100, writing his name, saying the vowels, the list could go on and on.

The school offers amazing field trips and fantastic in school projects. It is worth every penny to have our children at The Dearborn Early Learning Center. My son and daughter will both be attending the school next year.

The smile that I see on their faces when I pick them up says everything. They are excited about learning and look forward to going to school each and every day. They even fight over whose day it is to go to school because they both want to go!

Amy M.

Posted 04/10/08 | Report Abuse

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My son is enrolled in the 3 year old preschool class and we are extremely happy with this program. The staff is friendly, compassionate, and attentive to the kids, not to mention focused. The program is individually tailored to the child so he/she can excel to their maximal potential. It's fun for the kids yet challenging. Exciting field trips, little recitals, holiday parties, and the appropriate amount of homework. There is wonderful communication between the staff and the parents on the child's progress and any other issues that may arise. We will definitely keep him here and have our other son attend when it's time for preschool.

Posted 04/09/08 | Report Abuse

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My 3 children have attended My Baby & Me/Dearborn Early Learning Center for the past 7 years. We began when my oldest was 2 in the parent participated classes then moved into the 3 yr/4yr old pre-school. Both of my other children have also attended with much success. My youngest will be finishing out his final year with Ms. Sandra this June. I will miss the family that we have become over the years. They have seen our family through many good times and hard times. I recommend this school to everyone who is looking for a well-rounded and complete beginner education to the formal education. The friends all my children have made are wonderful children.The amount of challenges that children face today, Dearborn Early Learning in a great start to producing successful students of tomorrow. Ms. Sandra and the entire staff of Dearborn Early Learning keep up the GREAT work and you will always have the support of the entire Kowalski Family.

Posted 04/09/08 | Report Abuse

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I wrote a review almost one year ago, and gave this school 5 stars at that time. If there were more stars available, I'd give more. Ms. Monique and the other teachers at DELC are phenomenal! Having been a preschool teacher myself, I find myself more critical than most of schools, teachers, aids, etc. The lessons my son has taken away from this school are priceless. He LOVES going, and is NEVER bored. In another review, someone mentioned that the parents deserve the credit for their kids' success. This is something that Sandra herself says and promotes. You can't take your kids to school and expect them to learn if you're not willing to help them at home, and this school gives you the tools needed to do just that! It's a group effort, and as long as you utilize the tools given, you will reap the benefits. I really can not say enough good things about this school.

Posted 01/28/08 | Report Abuse

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I can't say enough wonderful things about this program! I am so impressed with the individual and caring treatment given to my children. My children have learned to read at a very early age. This is the cleanest, most organized program that I have encountered. I would highly recommend Dearborn Early Learning Center, it has been a wonderful start to my children's education. I

Posted 01/17/08 | Report Abuse

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I was interested in beginning a class with My baby and Me in the 2 year old parent participated class. I had called end of October after the school year started and there was one spot left.

Throughout the following ordeal, I never spoke with the owner directly instead they have parent/helper relay info to potential customers.

The parent/helper informed me I could come and participate in a class to see if my child would enjoy it. We did go and that day was given some pricing that was not correctly prorated. I then contacted her again and waited all weekend for her to get back with me. The owner was unwilling to correctly pro rate the tuition, and in addition added the "free viewing class" in with the tuition.

On top of not correctly prorating the classes, the registration/supply fee of $60 was also not pro rated. If my child doesn't start until two months after the start of the year and we didn't use supplies for two months, it makes sense that this fee should also be prorated.

After my questioning of the correct prorating, coincidentally, the next hour after speaking with the parent/helper only spot available had just been filled and now no spots were available for me to attend.

Lastly, the class is offered at 11:45-1:00 which is a terrible time for two year olds, with lunch, nap, etc.

In addition to the above issues, I feel that this school is overpriced for the activities done in this class (marching band, singing, counting, colors, and the majority of time being play).

In summary, I feel that the owner is not very understanding and compromising in correctly prorating the tuition, isn't very personal by not discussing issues with potential customers (instead a parent/helper relays all information) and not very understanding by offering a class for 2 year olds at this time.

When I did finally get in touch with the owner, she said she would leave a message for the parent/helper to call me back but then did discuss their enrollment practices a bit and then said she didn't have any more time to discuss the issue with me. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL!!

I would definitely NOT recommend this program.

PROS: None
CONS: See above

Posted 10/23/06 | Report Abuse

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I started at My Baby and Me when my daughter was just over 1 year old. We decided after going to observe the 3 year preschool in the same building (Dearborn Early Learning Center, also owned by Sandra O'Leary) that our daughter would be attending the school thru Kindergarten.

I had the pleasure of also working in the classroom with Sandra and she is just a fantastic teacher who realizes that children can learn SO much at this young age.

My DD is now in 1st grade at Divine Child and I must say....she sits bored at all that is being taught, she knows it all. She took a reading test at the beginning of the year and is reading at a 3rd grade level. She was always a bright child but ALL of Sandra's kids come out of her kindergarten reading at a high level for their age.

Hopefully she'll be able to expand to allow more people to experience her great teaching.

Thumbs up to Dearborn Early Learning Center/My Baby & Me!

PROS: Great readiness for elementary school
CONS: limited openings

Posted 11/04/05 | Report Abuse

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