Huskie,
I stay in the east but used to work in Creative. DD1 was initially in a childcare near home but because I spent too much time travelling to and fro work, I didn't have much time with her. Morning rush to work while DH sends her to cc, then at night DH fetch. By the time I reach home, it's almost time for her to sleep. I only have 30 mins (or less) with her each day, and that seem too pathetic.
After some discussions with DH, I decided to put her in C-O so that I can at least have some quality time with her on the road. And yes, we did have a great time then.
Alright, to ans your questions.
- when and why did you pull dd1 out?
I quit my job so it doesn't make sense to send her there anymore. That was in 2007.
- how do you find the environment and teachers? as in, was your dd happy there?
I like the compound as they are relatively big in size, unlike those neighbourhood cc, so small and clustered. I'm claustrophobic so C-O attracted me with their open concept.
I've also observed that in many ccs, they sing along with the CD playing in the background but in C-O, the teachers sing without any "assistance" and this is what I admire them for. Every song seems self-created, be it a "copycat" from other sources or they composed it themselves, I'm not sure, but I'm truly impressed.
During that time, I've not seen a teacher shout at the children. To me, I think they are more in talking sense and explaining to the kids. It is not a one way traffic. From these, I feel that the kids are respected and not treated merely as a child.
If I rem correctly, they have several days of outdoor activities, and again, this is what I like too. Climbing stairs, walking down the stairs @ amphitheatre for motor skills development, water play (kids love this!), ball games, skipping, racing, etc... Their advantage is, they have ample space outdoor. There is a small playground but I don't see them use it much, which is also what I like
I'll rather the kids learn through outdoor activities then just play at the playground. Also, the teachers are very involved when they are outdoor and not simply dump them at the playground to play by themselves while the teachers "laze" around doing nothing (I've seen this in so many other centres).
And most importantly, DD is happy to attend school everyday.
- heard they do project-based work and not very academic... does that affect the kids' learning in any way?
I don't know about you but I prefer this way of learning. They learn through play and everyday when I fetch DD1 from school, she's forever so eager to share with me what she did in school. They don't learn ABCs as it is but they learn in other means. They don't have homework like writing Aa, Bb, Cc, etc... The teaching is very different from my time.
In my observation, the children there are more vocal and independant.
- read in their website they have camps... wonder if they still have that now?
I believe this is still ongoing as the principal believes very much in this. Camping helps the child to grow and be independant. And that helps when they enter P1. DD1 didn't attend as she has already left the centre.
I hope I've answered all your queries and if you need more feedback, just let me know ;-)
