What Parents Are Saying about Lady Bug Daycare in Toronto
At Lady Bug Daycare in Etobicoke, we are always happy to hear from parents. We hope you take a moment or two to browse some of the feedback we have received. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to leave your own comments.
A Great Home Away from Home
I have known Ladybug Daycare for over five years, sending my son (now 8) part-time, full-time and with the before-and-after school program for four years, and my daughter (almost 6) sending her full-time for two years. And it is with my deepest sincerity to inform you that Ladybug has been more than a daycare to my children - it was home for a long time and continues to be so. They still ask to visit their wonderful teachers, the amazing Ms. Laura and any fun activities like the Christmas event.
I inquired about their curriculum and educational resources -- I was informed about their extremely active and hands-on learning activities and strategies. But the results were beyond--What I saw was my children opening up, learning more, asking more questions while learning verbal skills, social skills and life etiquette. As a parent with a Master’s in Education and English and a PhD in English, I understood that no matter how great a curriculum is, if children don’t feel love, they struggle to learn. I was proud my children were in an environment where they feel safe, secure, content, loved and liked--Because only then, could they shine to be who they are. As parents, my husband and I deeply foster our children’s moral compass, their educational future and their role as kind and decent human beings in this world. So to know that when they go to Ladybug, the teachers embody our philosophy was a dream come true.
When I inquired about their physical activities, their walking routines and social/calendar events--I was informed of all Ladybug policies, commitments and traditions. What I saw was beyond--I saw how much my children reveled in participating and attending the calendar events, and my son and daughter would spend all afternoon talking about their daily outings and activities.
When I inquired about their policies in dealing with children, especially if hurt, or when there is an incident or henceforth--I was informed of their follow-through, and the rules and protocols set in place to deal with all matters. What I saw was personal care when the children fell down, got hurt or had a tough hour or so. As a parent, I was called, informed if my children were hurt or anything else. But it was rare. I don’t remember nagging the teachers to be consistent in dressing my kids for the cold weather. It was done. In fact, the daycare would keep surplus of weather care items for children if gloves, hats or scarves got lost or forgotten. I always laughed when Ms. Laura would make sure to tell you if an item was missing.
Now, when my children were in Ladybug, I was working full-time, studying part-time but eventually ended up studying full-time. In all my schedules, Ladybug staff were accommodating. I excelled in my life because I felt my children were in a safe environment - that is a great springboard to success. My children felt happy to attend this daycare and so did their parents. The Ladybug staff were cautious, careful and considerate when I needed my sister, my mom or mom-in-law to pick the kids. Specific guidelines were set in place and Ms. Laura is the most diligent person I know to adhere to a safe transfer. Knowing that my son was always picked up on time from school, never late was a great feeling. Seeing my daughter content to be in Ladybug and make awesome friends was personally gratifying. Hearing compliments, especially beautiful goodbyes between the teachers and children made me chuckle always. Remembering when my son graduated from SK and sang a solo at the Christmas party will always be a cherished memory.
We left Ladybug because we moved out of town. When my daughter started JK, she was confident, smart and well-balanced because of the thoughtful and compassionate teachers in Ladybug. In fact, she excelled because of Ladybug and continues to do so. My son was happy at school because of Ladybug. When teachers ask me, I inform them of Ladybug. It is my success. I chose a good daycare based on my research, asking other parents, visiting the site, talking to the staff and Ms. Laura. I was certain of this place as a parent. But I recommend Ladybug because my children believe it is a great environment. They cherish Ladybug. When I meet other parents of Ladybug kids, we connect immediately. Ladybug is a community. Ladybug Daycare is more than a daycare, it is a great home away from home.
—Smith N.
Our Favourite Daycare By Far
Before we found Lady Bug, we had our two boys enrolled in Woodbine daycare next to Woodbine College when we lived there, and also the Etobicoke Montessori on La Rose. We liked them both, but our favourite by far was the Lady Bug daycare where we enrolled our 2nd son. First the classrooms have nice large bright windows and plenty of space for the children to play and learn. Outside they have a small park and enclosed playground in the back of the church where the children can play all year round.
The teachers and Ms. Laura treat your child as if the children are their own. The teachers always greeted and hugged the arriving children each morning and the kids loved going there. When we first started taking our son, he would cry and the teachers would hold him until he calmed down and was comfortable. Soon after starting there, the kids loved to go to school and there was no more crying.
We were notified immediately if there ever was an incident involving our child. On one occasion they had to inform me that our 2nd son had bitten one of the teachers, twice, so I told them unfortunately that means he likes you, and I had to speak to our son about that as he was a biter. Taking care of our son felt like it a partnership between us and the school. On another occasion our son started spitting and was teaching/learning it from the other children (Lady bug let us know about it) so we had to speak to him about that as well and nip that in the bud.
For the activities and crafts that he did, we received regular reports on how Logan was doing. Every day he did arts and crafts, and they were put in his folder for us to keep. He learned the alphabet, numbers, and new songs every day. His vocabulary expanded daily. They would also read stories and take regular naps. We were surprised that he would nap there, as on weekends we had a hard time getting him to take a nap at home.
Ms. Laura organized a special Christmas pageant for the children to perform in front of all of the parents, and even gave each child a Christmas present, and also a present to their siblings who weren't even enrolled in the daycare. She really gets to know you and your family and cares about each child.
In the end, Ladybug exceeded our expectations on all accounts and so we have reserved a spot and enrolled our daughter there when she turns 18 months. I have no reservations in recommending Lady Bug daycare for your child's care.
—K. F.
They Really Know How to Spike the Kids’ Interest and Tickle Their Imagination
We are former Ladybug parents and we can't say enough how much Ms. Laura and her entire team have been the joy of our little boy every single day he attend the daycare. First and foremost, the love and care he received everyday made him feel so special, and from my own observation I can attest that each child at the daycare has a very special place in the teachers' hearts.
Regarding the facility and the programs, we chose Ladybug because of the large space they have. The kids can roam around very freely, and the brightness of the place is very energizing for the little ones. Besides the regular circle times and learning the alphabet, numbers, etc, playing and singing to the piano, doing yoga and going on regular explorations in the daycare vicinity were all the things our son fully enjoyed while at Ladybug.
Also, what an amazing food program! A wide variety of organic meals, and everyday I was looking forward to hearing how our son was excited about his lunch and snacks. Couscous, butternut squash soup and Italian wedding soup!! All so simple meals but to the kids' eyes, ears and taste buds, it's not just pasta or soup. Ms. Laura and her team really know how to spike the kids' interest and tickle their imagination.
Thank you Ladybug!
In our son's own words: My favourite things about Ladybug
I met my best friend there. They served our food in little bowls, and butternut squash soup. I liked playing outside in the grass and inside. My favourite activities were making crafts, singing songs and playing with my two best friends. My teachers were nice to me and taught me lots of things. I liked making music inside school. I liked my school and I also liked making lego and in the dusty yard outside.
I liked my class and I liked my friends and playing with toys. I liked sliding down the slides in the dusty yard and playing pirates outside. I liked wearing Halloween costumes inside school, and giving Ms. Laura hugs. I liked playing what time is it Mr. Wolf with all my friends and the teachers. I liked sliding backwards on the slides and play in the snow and make snow angels and snowman. We each got a turn to go on the bicycles and went around and around.
—A. R.
