Firstly, I apologize for the long hiatus. I appreciate all of you who made it to this blog in contacting me and thanks for your e-mails, text messages and comments on this blog.
I'm unable to update the post about J&J but I respond to every one of the comments and e-mails that I have received thus far. It's easier for me that way as updating a post requires some time.
I welcome your comments and e-mails!
This, part 2 of J&J, is about my personal observation and personal experience, some are from the other parents with children in J&J International thus far.
Please scroll down and go through the first part if you can and then come back to this post.
TEACHERS & FOLLOW-UP SYSTEM
- Most of their teachers, if not all, are caring towards the students and are loving.
- There are students who are 'slow', autistic and have down syndrome. I'm really not sure if this is the school to be with conditions as such because they're not specialized and trained in handling them.
Maybe the school has plans to set up a unit for special learners in the new future. I hope they do because I have faith that the management has the resources to do this.
- One of the daycare teachers who are currently with the school is not liked by all the toddlers, in fact, she's feared. My child had told me that the said teacher hits him. I have had a few other parents who have unpleasant experiences with her. She tends to be defensive, stand-off-ish and you could classify her as being rude.
The
principal says it's just possibly the way she speaks that the children fear her. Yes, It's true.
nobody likes to be talked to harshly. Not you, not me, not the children. I have brought up the matter about that teacher hitting my child. I was told by the principal later that she has confronted that said teacher.
- Not all of the teachers speak proper English. Some may have a better
command of English language than others buuuut... I don't get why they
have to talk- down to the kids or speak as if the children shouldn't
learn to use proper words and proper sentences. I have major problems
about this. I am spending a lotta time correcting my child which I think
I shouldn't have to. It's a pet-peeve.
"I cut that already"
"Shame shame..." (A possibility of picking this up from another kid but I have heard 2 teachers doing this. Shame on them.
"You want this or not?"
This is so common among schools in Malaysia and maybe it isn't so in private schools and true international schools.
- I would prefer them to speak in a language or dialect they're most proficient in with the children if that's what they're more comfortable with. I would think that people will express themselves better too if they spoke in a language that they're familiar with.
- The first parent-teacher meet for me went well. Not the one after
that. It was the end of the year and it was disorganized. I had to bear
with not having a proper session with the class teacher about my child's
progress, I wasn't shown the worksheets and workbooks, I wasn't told
what to expect when my child moves on to another class in the following
year.
- There's very little co-operation in terms of
the parent and teachers in working together. I would expect more
feedback about my child's progress but I do get that every half yearly. The frustrating thing about this is the class teachers and assistants aren't necessary the ones who would stay back for daycare. So, there's no follow-up from the earlier part of the day to the evenings ie, if I had wanted to know if my child passed motion, how is the progress of potty training, if there was anything I should know about from the morning or afternoon.
I would like for the teacher's to know the presence of the parent/ parents and vice-versa.
- There was a biter in my child's class and there were several incidences.
I wasn't informed right away. I usually don't get informed right away if something like a fall, a fight, or any incidences as such happens. I have brought this up to with the principal. I can understand that some parents are easier about these things than others. This is again, is a personal thing.
ACTIVITIES:
- The school takes the initiative to organize field trips like the
children's theaters and the parks, Kidzania, etc. Not often, possibly
twice a year but they do it.
- School holiday camps
(extra activities during the school holidays) that run for 3-4 days
depending on the choice of activity you sign up for and it's on average
RM150 per course.
If you wish not to sign up, then it's the usual daycare should your child be put for full day that is.
There might be a possibility of going for more than 1 type of course if the holidays are longer than a week.
- There's no sports day. Not an issue for me personally.
- More outdoor time would be perfect when the weather permits. (Also not an issue for me.)
- There used to be water-play once a week and it's been more than half a year since the last water-play. There's pros and cons in having water-play, I suppose. To me, hygiene is priority in this aspect.
- I haven't had a chance to see or find out what are the activities they do with the kids that encourage social skills and interaction. I have seen the children playing together, be it masak-masak, building blocks, (very rarely) sand-play, music and movement and the usual groups of kids running around together in the classrooms. I will find out more when I can.
- The school's first concert was awesome. The rehearsals months leading towards the concert were as frequent as twice then much later, thrice a week in the morning on the designated days.
Most of the teachers were a natural when it came to performing with the children. The costumes costed RM150 per set and a note was sent out to all the parents about payment for that, also what to prepare the children with for the day of the concert. The payment for the concert is not included in the fees that you pay in January/ June. It is a separate cost.
Speaking of which, gone are the days where concert costumes are tailor-made. In my days, they were made to fit.
The concert was very well organized. Kudos to the teachers, the principal and the children for the fantastic effort. The there guest speakers and presenters that made the school looked good.
MEALS:
- If you expect well-balanced meals for your child, it's not gonna happen in this school.
I was told prior to enrollment, that balanced meals are provided along with simple and basic fruits like apples and bananas. It didn't seem like it.
The Principal defended this issue that I brought up and I had further asked why are the children given stick biscuits and crackers in the morning....and said that it's mid-morning snacks.
I don't have ample time in the morning to prepare and wait for my child to finish his breakfast in the morning before we leave the house. So woe is me.
The best I can do is prepare breakfast to be had at school.
So, this depends on the individual, and if you're willing or able to prepare a lunchbox daily.
You are still expected to pay the fees for meals even if you do so diligently.
I hope to see changes about this in 2014. Diet plays an important role in children's well-being.
TIMING:
- If you think it will be tough to commit to picking up your child by 6:30pm to 6:45pm, please keep looking. I have experienced teachers calling me to rush me to get my child by a certain time.
I'm pointing this out because I was told by the Principal before I decided in this school that 7pm to 7:15 would be the last call to get my child.
With the traffic in Jalan Gasing alone, do plan ahead. On most days, the traffic in the neighborhood is bearable.
ENVIRONMENT/ SAFETY:
- One of the things that attracted me about this school was its very spacious classrooms.
The school is going through some changes currently. But, I will report back and explain why.
- There's often a security guard at the front between the driveway and hall. So, if your child gets there after 9am, the guard will take the child into his/ her classroom.
- Last year-end (Dec), when only the daycare was running, I noticed there was only 1 teacher every evening in the daycare room. Should someone needs to be brought to the restroom, who is there to watch the kids. Provided a parent so happens to be there to pick up his/ her child to watch the rest of the kids, then that's OK. Who bears the responsibility should any mishap happen if the solo teacher is away from the room? This isn't hypothetical, is all I'm saying.
DISCIPLINARY METHODS:
- I am till now, unsure what the school does in regards to disciplining the children.
I remember I was told earlier on that they don't practice time-out. Not for the kids 3 years old and below. I have seen and heard teachers warning the kids that they'll be sent to the principal's office if they weren't obedient. I have seen on a few occasions, kids being put in a corner.
I am not saying that I oppose time-out. I am trying to say that I have no clear indication about what methods the school use in terms of disciplining the children.
RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS:
- This is a church based school. Yes, it is and there's no denying about that.
That's another strong reason for my child to be in this school. On Friday mornings, there's a mini Sunday school in the hall where an a teacher will be assigned to chair the session.
That involves a short bible story, Christian songs, and prize giving to a student from every class for 'best behavior/ best helper'.
- I notice that there's no Friday morning assemblies in the month of December.
- The non-Christians or anyone who are not keen in having their children join in the assembly would usually get to school at about 9am or so, after that's done.
- The children are encouraged to pray, also give thanks before meal times. Of late, they stopped praying in the name of Jesus. Depending on how you look at it, everyone has different views.
In this case, it is my responsibility to educate my child about our faith and it's my role as a parent to remind my child to pray in the name of Jesus quietly.
TRANSPORTERS TO FERRY CHILDREN:
- The school has a list of transporters and there are 2 of them that I would advise against in using.
1) Uncle Lee 019 615 5058 - Puay Chai, Mont Kiara, J & J (Champagne Avanza, quite run down).
He wasn't decent towards me and yes, very dodgy. He charged a bomb and after a month or so, decided to discontinue the service out of the blue. That was actually a good thing. I have informed the principal about this and his name is still in the list so here it is, I am informing you guys.
2) Vasanthi 018 250 4570 - Sri Sentosa (also lives there), PJ Old town, Assunta, Taman Desa, B'sar
This lady turned out to be very rude and foul-mouthed. She was kind and very friendly in the first month and she had admittedly said she needed the money for her children's tuition fees yada yada.
And then she had too many commitments like ferrying her own kids, nephews, mother, mother-in-law, has last-minute baking orders, go to the market, this that... took her stress out on me when I chose to close one eye. She became unbearable when my son fell ill and I called to ask if she was OK to fetch my son home from school at an earlier dismissal time when she goes to the school to get the other boy. She lectured me for sending my son to school when he has a cough, that the school was irresponsible for not sending my child to the hospital, that I treated her as a personal driver. So she quit. Just like that. After all the apologies to her and trying to get her to calm down and be more objective. Her ego was unbearable. I haven't deleted her messages to me afterward.
I shall stop here. You get the idea. I won't waste any of my time and yours going on about Vasanthi.
- Please, anyone who knows anymore reliable transporters, do drop the info in the comment box.
This would be extremely helpful for working parents or anyone who needs help with transportation.
On this matter of transportation, I strongly think the school should hire their own busses and vans.
Like Kuen Cheng, like HELP International School, like some other International Schools do.
Factor that into the school fees.
The school pays the bus driver, the parents pay the school. End of story.
It's legit and it provides jobs to people who really need it.
On other matters.....
There are some things that I am able to 'close an eye' to, like, when something goes missing.
A container, a few food containers, a water bottle, a bottle of 50 ringgit worth of body lotion, etc.
I found it so time consuming to keep asking the people at the school over and over if they had found this and that. So, 'close an eye'.
I prefer to focus on the well being of my child.
As the school is in fact fairly new, (although they boast about the school being established for decades) the teachers, the principal, the management team and the board of director are newly on board.... there's much to be organized, much to improve on. What makes them forgivable and annoying at the same time is that the principal's PR skills are superb.
J&J International has expanded and has a homeschooling centre with IGCSE syllabus.
They are operating for primary students in January 2014.
The bungalow beside the current premise that is in Pantai Baptist Church that was suppose to house the primary students is now becoming the school for the toddlers/ kindy.
Basically, there's a swap.
The bungalow isn't ready at this point in time. I just hope that the new premise will be good if not better for the toddlers. Currently, the toddlers are being placed in temp classrooms until the bungalow is ready.
The only outdoor compound I see that the children will get is the park in Taman Jaya which is right opposite the bungalow, like a stone's throw away. The LRT track is partially right above the roof!
On this. the details are still fuzzy so I can't say anything more than what I have just said.
I suppose there will be a part 3 on J&J then, huh?
Some of you have asked anxiously which school did I end up enrolling my child to and if I regret the decision I made. I wish to make it clear that I have high hopes for J&J to do better because it seems like the new team is in place. Furthermore, I feel that I still have a little bit of time to test out this school.
2014 is the year for J&J to really push the envelope, the way I see it.
Showing posts with label Kindie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kindie. Show all posts
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Jack & Jill International (near Jalan Gasing)
Mrs. Callie Tan
+603-7954 5802
+6012-2667 288
Lot 8, Jalan Pantai 9/7,
Off Jalan Gasing
46000 Petaling Jaya
-- In Pantai Baptist Church, right next to the Thai temple.
I have not come across any other schools that is as organized as this one.
From the first phone call to a few other ones with questions like the fee structure, information about the school, transportation and so on.... I have not been let down.
What also amazes me is how well they do with following up on my queries and concerns.
I was never rushed through, instead was given information and walk-thru even without asking for them. Apart from Vital Years, the principal of this school, Mrs. Callie Tan at my first visit brought me around the school and showed me the classrooms up to 6 years old and also the other rooms.
There is a library where they call the Resource Room, a room for Music and Movement, a huge... very spacious room for the children who join the daycare program to sleep in.
At one end of the corridor is where the indoor play area is.
There is an outdoor play area (photos as attached). It's not particularly huge but it's sufficient. The children spend most of the time in the classrooms anyway so what's also important is the condition of the classrooms and the the quality of the teachers.
The bathrooms are basic. There's no kiddy sized toilets and sinks. Something I thought they could improve on but it's no biggie to me. The toiletries they use is by Pureen and the parents have the option of providing the toiletries that their children are use to.
The kids are brought to the toilet at every half an hour so it's a good thing for those who aren't potty trained yet.
The classrooms are split by age groups. And I'll find out about the minimum age accepted when I'm sure of it. There's a baby's room so they do accept babies... Just not sure how young in age.
Currently, there are 3-4 teachers to about 12 students in the 3 years old class.
The older classes have 25 students in one class with a ratio of 2:25. Too big a classroom if you asked me. Speaking about the classrooms, this is the only place that I've been to which has spacious classrooms and they're not cluttered as most that I've seen. Even the biggest school that I've been to was Kinderland in Taman Desa and their classrooms are very small by comparison.
About the menu, there was nothing specific told to me but knowing that they serve a balance diet meal is good enough for me to know. Better yet, no processed food like sausages, fries and so on.
The principal was never defensive for one bit when I asked about the qualification and background of herself and the teachers (or about anything else for that matter.). She did explain the reason behind the turnaround of her staff, which is for the sake of maintaining the quality of the teachers. I noticed that not all of the teachers speak good English. But from my observation of the teachers in the 3 years old class so far, they do love kids.
Back to talking about the principal, she's really easy to talk to. She's willing to hear your concerns and although she or the school may not have all the solutions and answers to my queries.... As we do have different circumstances, she listens and she gives feedback.
It's easy to see through someone with a passion in what they do and what they believe in. Mrs. Callie Tan the principal sure DOES have that fire going in her.
About timing, for parents who need to drop off their children early, they can do so as early as 7:30am. There's an option for picking up your child late... You know, in case of the horrendous peak hour traffic.... The cut-off time is at 6:45pm and every subsequent half an hour after, a fee of RM10 will be charged. That surely adds up but what other choices do working parents have?
What I wish about the hours is that they'll extend it to at least 7:15pm.
The traffic around the neighborhood itself is horrid on most evenings.
Timing for pre-school-kindy -
The half day program ends at 11:45am
And then the is a 3:30pm (if I'm not mistaken... There and abouts)
The full day program ends at 6:30pm.
After-school daycare and tuition classes are offered to the primary school students.
About safety, I was iffy at first as it's a huge place with 1 security guard seen at the drop-off compound. There are actually 2 security guards on duty. And then I thought, this place has been operating for what... over 40 years before the current management had taken over.... They must know what they're doing.
Even the guards report to their H.O.D. Talk about being organized!
You can see the class schedule below (3 years old class). As this is a Christian school, almost all the teachers are Christians and there are prayers with the children every morning and before meals. There are non-Christian families who send their children here too.
Friday mornings are fun.
All the children will congregate at the hall for assembly and they get to sing a few Christian songs accompanied by the piano and then a teacher will tell a Bible story.
Also, every morning as the kids are dropped off, the security guard and a teacher (or two) on duty will receive them to send the children to their respective classes..... but not before they (the chidren) have their temperature checked with a thermometer and a squirt of hand sanitizer to be rubbed on their hands. Good practice, huh? Sets a good example about hygiene too.
At the end of the day while waiting for the parents, the children will hang out in the Resource Room where two teachers will watch the children. It's free play and also storytelling time!
Makes me wanna be in that school.
So I guess that's how I gauge for the right school.
I have to wanna be in that school to enroll my child there.
(More after today.)
Extra curriculum during the school hols - (no classes during the first half of the day but daycare program will be carried out as usual during the school holidays)
This is new... Speech and drama classes from 3yo onwards on Saturdays.
On another note, below is the holiday camp during the school holidays. Daycare still runs as usual with the option of signing up your child for holiday activities. They cost about RM150 per week on average.
+603-7954 5802
+6012-2667 288
Lot 8, Jalan Pantai 9/7,
Off Jalan Gasing
46000 Petaling Jaya
-- In Pantai Baptist Church, right next to the Thai temple.
I have not come across any other schools that is as organized as this one.
From the first phone call to a few other ones with questions like the fee structure, information about the school, transportation and so on.... I have not been let down.
What also amazes me is how well they do with following up on my queries and concerns.
I was never rushed through, instead was given information and walk-thru even without asking for them. Apart from Vital Years, the principal of this school, Mrs. Callie Tan at my first visit brought me around the school and showed me the classrooms up to 6 years old and also the other rooms.
There is a library where they call the Resource Room, a room for Music and Movement, a huge... very spacious room for the children who join the daycare program to sleep in.
At one end of the corridor is where the indoor play area is.
There is an outdoor play area (photos as attached). It's not particularly huge but it's sufficient. The children spend most of the time in the classrooms anyway so what's also important is the condition of the classrooms and the the quality of the teachers.
The bathrooms are basic. There's no kiddy sized toilets and sinks. Something I thought they could improve on but it's no biggie to me. The toiletries they use is by Pureen and the parents have the option of providing the toiletries that their children are use to.
The kids are brought to the toilet at every half an hour so it's a good thing for those who aren't potty trained yet.
The classrooms are split by age groups. And I'll find out about the minimum age accepted when I'm sure of it. There's a baby's room so they do accept babies... Just not sure how young in age.
Currently, there are 3-4 teachers to about 12 students in the 3 years old class.
The older classes have 25 students in one class with a ratio of 2:25. Too big a classroom if you asked me. Speaking about the classrooms, this is the only place that I've been to which has spacious classrooms and they're not cluttered as most that I've seen. Even the biggest school that I've been to was Kinderland in Taman Desa and their classrooms are very small by comparison.
About the menu, there was nothing specific told to me but knowing that they serve a balance diet meal is good enough for me to know. Better yet, no processed food like sausages, fries and so on.
The principal was never defensive for one bit when I asked about the qualification and background of herself and the teachers (or about anything else for that matter.). She did explain the reason behind the turnaround of her staff, which is for the sake of maintaining the quality of the teachers. I noticed that not all of the teachers speak good English. But from my observation of the teachers in the 3 years old class so far, they do love kids.
Back to talking about the principal, she's really easy to talk to. She's willing to hear your concerns and although she or the school may not have all the solutions and answers to my queries.... As we do have different circumstances, she listens and she gives feedback.
It's easy to see through someone with a passion in what they do and what they believe in. Mrs. Callie Tan the principal sure DOES have that fire going in her.
About timing, for parents who need to drop off their children early, they can do so as early as 7:30am. There's an option for picking up your child late... You know, in case of the horrendous peak hour traffic.... The cut-off time is at 6:45pm and every subsequent half an hour after, a fee of RM10 will be charged. That surely adds up but what other choices do working parents have?
What I wish about the hours is that they'll extend it to at least 7:15pm.
The traffic around the neighborhood itself is horrid on most evenings.
Timing for pre-school-kindy -
The half day program ends at 11:45am
And then the is a 3:30pm (if I'm not mistaken... There and abouts)
The full day program ends at 6:30pm.
After-school daycare and tuition classes are offered to the primary school students.
About safety, I was iffy at first as it's a huge place with 1 security guard seen at the drop-off compound. There are actually 2 security guards on duty. And then I thought, this place has been operating for what... over 40 years before the current management had taken over.... They must know what they're doing.
Even the guards report to their H.O.D. Talk about being organized!
You can see the class schedule below (3 years old class). As this is a Christian school, almost all the teachers are Christians and there are prayers with the children every morning and before meals. There are non-Christian families who send their children here too.
Friday mornings are fun.
All the children will congregate at the hall for assembly and they get to sing a few Christian songs accompanied by the piano and then a teacher will tell a Bible story.
Also, every morning as the kids are dropped off, the security guard and a teacher (or two) on duty will receive them to send the children to their respective classes..... but not before they (the chidren) have their temperature checked with a thermometer and a squirt of hand sanitizer to be rubbed on their hands. Good practice, huh? Sets a good example about hygiene too.
At the end of the day while waiting for the parents, the children will hang out in the Resource Room where two teachers will watch the children. It's free play and also storytelling time!
Makes me wanna be in that school.
So I guess that's how I gauge for the right school.
I have to wanna be in that school to enroll my child there.
(More after today.)
Extra curriculum during the school hols - (no classes during the first half of the day but daycare program will be carried out as usual during the school holidays)
This is new... Speech and drama classes from 3yo onwards on Saturdays.
On another note, below is the holiday camp during the school holidays. Daycare still runs as usual with the option of signing up your child for holiday activities. They cost about RM150 per week on average.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Smart Reader Kids
Firstly, the minimum age for enrollment is at 3 and a half years old.
The place is small with 15 students altogether in 2012.
I like the small numbers, not the tiny space. But, it's well kept, clean and tidy.
It is a pre-school/ kindy without the outdoor compound.
It runs only for half-day from 8:45am to 12pm only so no daycare program.
I met one of the teachers who spoke really well and has a really pleasant personality. The principal is Puan Mila who isn't the best with PR but bearable.
This place feels more like an enrichment centre to me than a school. They do cover all the necessary subjects like English, math, BM, Mandarin, science with the addition of kindercooking and Moral.
The place is small with 15 students altogether in 2012.
I like the small numbers, not the tiny space. But, it's well kept, clean and tidy.
It is a pre-school/ kindy without the outdoor compound.
It runs only for half-day from 8:45am to 12pm only so no daycare program.
I met one of the teachers who spoke really well and has a really pleasant personality. The principal is Puan Mila who isn't the best with PR but bearable.
This place feels more like an enrichment centre to me than a school. They do cover all the necessary subjects like English, math, BM, Mandarin, science with the addition of kindercooking and Moral.
3Q MRC Junior
I spent a really short time in this pre-school/ kindy.
The principal was friendly. The place however, needs major refurbishing.
They have sports day sometime in May and field trips are twice a year. Parents of the 3 year old are required to go along with their child. The kids get to go outdoors once a week.
There is of course, uniforms.
It's heavy Mandarin, this place. Ideal for children who will be sent to Chinese schools.
The teachers remind me of the ones I met in ELC, Rasberry, Totalchild, Chrisdale, JC Kids (now 101), Bright Horizon and Q-Dees. That makes up to all the other places I've checked out, right? Except for Le Sands because there's no chance to meet the teachers and you can't gauge the quality of the teachers like one mom told me. Anyway, I meant to say that the teachers don't speak well... in English, I mean.
The classroom for the 3 year old is sad looking. The windows are sealed and covered apart from the tiny space. The biggest room houses the older kids which they have 25 of them 5 year olds this year (2012). That's also the room where the children stay on for the daycare program sleep in.
The flash cards and materials they use are similar to what I saw in JC Kids/ 101. DIY and small.
The words flash cards are as small as a business cards so don't expect super large ones like Glen Doman's. There's nothing wrong with DIY materials though.
There's a one week holiday program which ends the last week of November or first week of December. No enrichment classes are available unlike some others do.
The only reasons I thought of seeing this place was so to satisfy my curiosity as I heard from a few other mothers that the place looks like a dump. Thought I'd update this blog with some info for you too. So, hopefully this blog has been helpful in your search although opinions differ.
The principal was friendly. The place however, needs major refurbishing.
They have sports day sometime in May and field trips are twice a year. Parents of the 3 year old are required to go along with their child. The kids get to go outdoors once a week.
There is of course, uniforms.
It's heavy Mandarin, this place. Ideal for children who will be sent to Chinese schools.
The teachers remind me of the ones I met in ELC, Rasberry, Totalchild, Chrisdale, JC Kids (now 101), Bright Horizon and Q-Dees. That makes up to all the other places I've checked out, right? Except for Le Sands because there's no chance to meet the teachers and you can't gauge the quality of the teachers like one mom told me. Anyway, I meant to say that the teachers don't speak well... in English, I mean.
The classroom for the 3 year old is sad looking. The windows are sealed and covered apart from the tiny space. The biggest room houses the older kids which they have 25 of them 5 year olds this year (2012). That's also the room where the children stay on for the daycare program sleep in.
The flash cards and materials they use are similar to what I saw in JC Kids/ 101. DIY and small.
The words flash cards are as small as a business cards so don't expect super large ones like Glen Doman's. There's nothing wrong with DIY materials though.
There's a one week holiday program which ends the last week of November or first week of December. No enrichment classes are available unlike some others do.
The only reasons I thought of seeing this place was so to satisfy my curiosity as I heard from a few other mothers that the place looks like a dump. Thought I'd update this blog with some info for you too. So, hopefully this blog has been helpful in your search although opinions differ.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
101 Kids Kindergarten
This is in fact what used to be JC Kids. I thought to go see it anyway now that a new management had taken over. There's a slight reduction in the fees and apart from that, nothing else changed. The place is still as cluttered as I went to see it a year ago.
The principal is the same one and this time she really tried to be nicer to me. Sadly, she wasn't sure about the syllabus for next year. I think a lot of children had left too. They had the concert in that small space itself. The mediocre artwork and backdrop put up were unappealing.
The other things I asked about were the background of the teachers and who is the new management, what's different now and what brand of toiletries they use on the kids.
Not sure if the principal had lost steam or she just really knows jack about the school. Again, the principal didn't give clear answers because she boasts about the new management is an established tuition centre and has many outlets around. And she said they use, "mild one lah, mild one... suitable for the kids.. I dunno what brand because I don't go and buy the toiletries, you see... hehehe".
The other info I got was the fees get cheaper subsequently as the child is older. A difference of say, RM60 between babies-3yo and the 4yo class. There are enrichment classes offered like art (3rd party teacher) and arithmetic. They do have primary school children there attending daycare too.
Related post: JC Kids
The principal is the same one and this time she really tried to be nicer to me. Sadly, she wasn't sure about the syllabus for next year. I think a lot of children had left too. They had the concert in that small space itself. The mediocre artwork and backdrop put up were unappealing.
The other things I asked about were the background of the teachers and who is the new management, what's different now and what brand of toiletries they use on the kids.
Not sure if the principal had lost steam or she just really knows jack about the school. Again, the principal didn't give clear answers because she boasts about the new management is an established tuition centre and has many outlets around. And she said they use, "mild one lah, mild one... suitable for the kids.. I dunno what brand because I don't go and buy the toiletries, you see... hehehe".
The other info I got was the fees get cheaper subsequently as the child is older. A difference of say, RM60 between babies-3yo and the 4yo class. There are enrichment classes offered like art (3rd party teacher) and arithmetic. They do have primary school children there attending daycare too.
Related post: JC Kids
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Le Sands
Came across this at the end of October 2012 and the school's not yet in operation. They haven't decided on the date to have the open day.
My optimism is wearing thin.
Brighten Le Sands.
This post is gonna be a long one (when I'm able to compose this properly,) I promise.
However, to cut the long story short, I'm sold on a few things but I am not convinced that this is THE place.
Not yet.
Nice work on overloading the place with new toys and deco. Everything is everywhere. The ceilings, the walls, the shelves, every nook and corner. I have no idea why they fill up the space with stuff.
Maybe to make an impression?
I wonder how long can the novelty of the 'prettiness' last.
We are often so suckered into all things pretty and new, aren't we?
Hoping more parents will be more objective in picking a childcare centre and ask, do ask the essential questions. Check to see if the centre is well located and child-proofed.
Meet with the teachers and check them out.
Oh yeah... where are the teachers on the Open Day that's been going on for weeks in October, November and coming to December 2012?
Do you intend to have your child be in a place until it's time to move on to primary school?
Would you make do with a place because your child will be there for half day only?
If a school is more interested to have your child there for half day programs, what does that say?
Could it mean that they wanna make a quick buck out of the parents and couldn't care less about the children?
Not sure.
If the principal or whoever that is responsible to do the marketing doesn't return your calls and text messages and say they're busy or hand the phone to someone else to answer... what does this say?
Could the possibility of having the answer "I'm busy" when you're not informed should a child fall sick or any mishaps like that happen?
If they're not keen on showing you the books and explain about the syllabus to the parents, also keep things vague like saying "when the kids turn 6, we'll streamline them to see who's going to international schools, who's going to public schools....." I wonder.... Is that convincing enough to the parents?
If and when asked for the fee structure and was told they don't have the info at hand and was like guessing, "Erm.. I think it's 280 for half day and I think it's another 400 until 6:30pm..."
with no explanation of what the terms of payments like not even when asked about it, I dunno...
I wonder why bother putting up a bad act like something is up their sleeves.
No field trips for the 3 year olds. That is so sad.
The response about this was that they are too young to go out, too young to understand anything.
Too young to enjoy field trips. Too young to have fast food.
It's too hot out, they travel by buses.
If the 3 year olds are too much to handle on a once in a blue moon field trips, I wonder... how can they even handle a class on a usual school day.
If fast food is not good for the 3 year olds, are they good for the older ones?
If they think 3 year olds are too young to learn and absorb or learn out of the classroom, I wonder why they even have 'classes or programs' for them at all. They should set up tuition centres for older children who are in primary school and forget about having younger children at all.
I wonder too much about this place and I shall stop wondering.
Here's another one that boasts about Montessori and talk like a salesperson except this one behaved like they had something to hide and is so afraid that competitors walk in to steal their ideas.
I totally agree when people say this - If you're good, you're good. Let your work speak for itself.
And if there's nothing to hide, if you are earning an honest living, who the heck cares if you have competitors visiting?? I'm also saying this because I was in fact taking photos for my friend who couldn't view the place at that time. That guy, Ting and his mother insisted I was a competitor it was so, so awkward. What can I tell the old lady? Tell her off? I mean, seriously. And then I was rushed through it all and left waiting for a long time when another parent came after I got there. So I got interrupted. There he went, "Anything else? Anything?"..... "What else do you wanna know?"
And I tried my best to keep my cool and tried to remember to ask about the essential questions as I was being rushed ie transportation, holidays, extended hours, who are the teachers, etc.
So I said that he was really rushing me and Ting said without hesitance that he has a dinner to attend.
I said maybe he could call me when he can so that I can gather my thoughts and he can spare me more information.
And he was reluctant to show me the entire place. Sour faced all the way from the living room to the first floor and to the kitchen, library corner and back.
Hello?
Maybe not everyone cares about checking a place out on a whole but some people actually do.
I have already made time to go there for a visit.... on foot!
Ting actually said there's nothing for me to see upstairs. I kid you not.
I said, "Looks like the renovations are done nicely" and he said, "It's OK lah, nothing so special. To me it's just another kindy."
I asked at least 2 times about the routine and schedule for the 3 yo class.
Nothing specific was told to me except, upon arrival of the kids, the teachers bring them in and they have circle time, assembly. Then snacks are given at about 9:30am, so he said feed your child breakfast before leaving for school. He said, "If your child can tahan until 9:30 then OK lah."
The only time all the kids mingle together is during assembly time which is in the living room.
There was no clear answer when I asked how often do the kids get to be out to play.
Oh yeah... but of course they haven't gotten the full licenses and permits to run the school.
Stand proud, Le Sands. Stand proud.
Maybe I'll be more sold when you're ready to be professional and by that I also mean when Ting is able to humble himself and apologize. Then maybe, just maybe I'll change my mind and give this place a chance.
My optimism is wearing thin.
Brighten Le Sands.
This post is gonna be a long one (when I'm able to compose this properly,) I promise.
However, to cut the long story short, I'm sold on a few things but I am not convinced that this is THE place.
Not yet.
Nice work on overloading the place with new toys and deco. Everything is everywhere. The ceilings, the walls, the shelves, every nook and corner. I have no idea why they fill up the space with stuff.
Maybe to make an impression?
I wonder how long can the novelty of the 'prettiness' last.
We are often so suckered into all things pretty and new, aren't we?
Hoping more parents will be more objective in picking a childcare centre and ask, do ask the essential questions. Check to see if the centre is well located and child-proofed.
Meet with the teachers and check them out.
Oh yeah... where are the teachers on the Open Day that's been going on for weeks in October, November and coming to December 2012?
Do you intend to have your child be in a place until it's time to move on to primary school?
Would you make do with a place because your child will be there for half day only?
If a school is more interested to have your child there for half day programs, what does that say?
Could it mean that they wanna make a quick buck out of the parents and couldn't care less about the children?
Not sure.
If the principal or whoever that is responsible to do the marketing doesn't return your calls and text messages and say they're busy or hand the phone to someone else to answer... what does this say?
Could the possibility of having the answer "I'm busy" when you're not informed should a child fall sick or any mishaps like that happen?
If they're not keen on showing you the books and explain about the syllabus to the parents, also keep things vague like saying "when the kids turn 6, we'll streamline them to see who's going to international schools, who's going to public schools....." I wonder.... Is that convincing enough to the parents?
If and when asked for the fee structure and was told they don't have the info at hand and was like guessing, "Erm.. I think it's 280 for half day and I think it's another 400 until 6:30pm..."
with no explanation of what the terms of payments like not even when asked about it, I dunno...
I wonder why bother putting up a bad act like something is up their sleeves.
No field trips for the 3 year olds. That is so sad.
The response about this was that they are too young to go out, too young to understand anything.
Too young to enjoy field trips. Too young to have fast food.
It's too hot out, they travel by buses.
If the 3 year olds are too much to handle on a once in a blue moon field trips, I wonder... how can they even handle a class on a usual school day.
If fast food is not good for the 3 year olds, are they good for the older ones?
If they think 3 year olds are too young to learn and absorb or learn out of the classroom, I wonder why they even have 'classes or programs' for them at all. They should set up tuition centres for older children who are in primary school and forget about having younger children at all.
I wonder too much about this place and I shall stop wondering.
Here's another one that boasts about Montessori and talk like a salesperson except this one behaved like they had something to hide and is so afraid that competitors walk in to steal their ideas.
I totally agree when people say this - If you're good, you're good. Let your work speak for itself.
And if there's nothing to hide, if you are earning an honest living, who the heck cares if you have competitors visiting?? I'm also saying this because I was in fact taking photos for my friend who couldn't view the place at that time. That guy, Ting and his mother insisted I was a competitor it was so, so awkward. What can I tell the old lady? Tell her off? I mean, seriously. And then I was rushed through it all and left waiting for a long time when another parent came after I got there. So I got interrupted. There he went, "Anything else? Anything?"..... "What else do you wanna know?"
And I tried my best to keep my cool and tried to remember to ask about the essential questions as I was being rushed ie transportation, holidays, extended hours, who are the teachers, etc.
So I said that he was really rushing me and Ting said without hesitance that he has a dinner to attend.
I said maybe he could call me when he can so that I can gather my thoughts and he can spare me more information.
And he was reluctant to show me the entire place. Sour faced all the way from the living room to the first floor and to the kitchen, library corner and back.
Hello?
Maybe not everyone cares about checking a place out on a whole but some people actually do.
I have already made time to go there for a visit.... on foot!
Ting actually said there's nothing for me to see upstairs. I kid you not.
I said, "Looks like the renovations are done nicely" and he said, "It's OK lah, nothing so special. To me it's just another kindy."
I asked at least 2 times about the routine and schedule for the 3 yo class.
Nothing specific was told to me except, upon arrival of the kids, the teachers bring them in and they have circle time, assembly. Then snacks are given at about 9:30am, so he said feed your child breakfast before leaving for school. He said, "If your child can tahan until 9:30 then OK lah."
The only time all the kids mingle together is during assembly time which is in the living room.
There was no clear answer when I asked how often do the kids get to be out to play.
Oh yeah... but of course they haven't gotten the full licenses and permits to run the school.
Stand proud, Le Sands. Stand proud.
Maybe I'll be more sold when you're ready to be professional and by that I also mean when Ting is able to humble himself and apologize. Then maybe, just maybe I'll change my mind and give this place a chance.
Taska Chrysalis (Delicate Years)
Chrysalis had a change of name from Delicate Years. The principal, Roze has the best personality amongst all the principals I've spoken to or met. She deserves a medal for just that.
From giving me the directions to get to Taska Chrysalis to texting me with the website address to bringing me through all possible details that I needed about the place... the patience and effort she showed won my respect.
This place takes in infants as young as 2 months old till 6 years old. The baby nursery is well kept, well lid, clean and tidy. Nothing fancy or Crate and Barrel about this place but it's comfortable and clean. The owner's mother helped out with the babies and a nurse who is dedicated to looking after the babies.
They use the better brands of skin care.
The children were well behaved. There was not one who talked aloud. They cap the number of students to about 20 odd. 1 teacher to 8 students in a class.
The syllabus is according to US (Scholastic) and UK, so it's good for parents who haven't decided which school to send their children to after they're done with Kindy.
It's not a very huge place, but the classrooms are spacious enough.
Not enough books, if you asked me. Plenty of other options for stimulation like art & craft, music & movement, etc. Those things come under enrichment classes, so additional fee is to be taken into consideration. They said transport can be arranged with a fee starting from RM100 for 2 ways depending on the location. Field trips are held once a year only.
I love that they have waterplay and sandplay. Love that the children are introduced to music instruments at a young age. Love that they have children sized toilets and sinks. Love the uniform although I loathe the idea of having uniforms put on my son. Already it's a struggle to get his diaper changed in the morning, let alone putting on the uniform on him. I would definitely consider sending my child to this place if not for the distance.
Wonderful people!
Lovely place.
No 25, Jalan Sg 2,
Taman Seputeh,
58000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03-22741066 / 012-3779744
From giving me the directions to get to Taska Chrysalis to texting me with the website address to bringing me through all possible details that I needed about the place... the patience and effort she showed won my respect.
This place takes in infants as young as 2 months old till 6 years old. The baby nursery is well kept, well lid, clean and tidy. Nothing fancy or Crate and Barrel about this place but it's comfortable and clean. The owner's mother helped out with the babies and a nurse who is dedicated to looking after the babies.
They use the better brands of skin care.
The children were well behaved. There was not one who talked aloud. They cap the number of students to about 20 odd. 1 teacher to 8 students in a class.
The syllabus is according to US (Scholastic) and UK, so it's good for parents who haven't decided which school to send their children to after they're done with Kindy.
It's not a very huge place, but the classrooms are spacious enough.
Not enough books, if you asked me. Plenty of other options for stimulation like art & craft, music & movement, etc. Those things come under enrichment classes, so additional fee is to be taken into consideration. They said transport can be arranged with a fee starting from RM100 for 2 ways depending on the location. Field trips are held once a year only.
I love that they have waterplay and sandplay. Love that the children are introduced to music instruments at a young age. Love that they have children sized toilets and sinks. Love the uniform although I loathe the idea of having uniforms put on my son. Already it's a struggle to get his diaper changed in the morning, let alone putting on the uniform on him. I would definitely consider sending my child to this place if not for the distance.
Wonderful people!
Lovely place.
No 25, Jalan Sg 2,
Taman Seputeh,
58000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03-22741066 / 012-3779744
Totalchild (Also in a new premise 2015)
This school has moved into a new premise and is still in Taman Desa, diagonally opposite Public Bank.
I've seen it from the outside and pictures of the exterior to follow when I can update this post further.
Anyone has or had kid(s) attend this school?
I've seen it from the outside and pictures of the exterior to follow when I can update this post further.
Anyone has or had kid(s) attend this school?
Below is the post from my visit to Totalchild Taman Desa in 2015.
Made an another impromptu visit to another pre-school and decided I'd drop by Totalchild.
All in all, it was a pleasant visit. The principal, Suguna, although doesn't speak perfect English, spent a long time talking to me and showed me some work done by the 3 year olds and 4 year olds.
I got to observe the 3 year olds in class and the class teacher seems to be someone really patient with children. They had non-stop play and educational activities as I saw.
There is no time-out corner but they do practice time-out on the 4 year olds and older kids.
Their menu is simple enough, though the principal assured me they use less oil, salt and sugar.
Items in the menu includes oats, banana cake, noodles with fishball and bread with butter or jam.
There are enrichment classes offered and school holiday programmes.
Art class:
Thu, 1pm - 2:30pm
Weekly
With lunch included
RM95
Martial arts:
Mon
1 hour
RM70
No classes in Nov & Dec.
The classrooms are really quite small. As small as I've seen in some others like Rasberry, Happy Sunshine, Bright Horizon, JC Kids, ELC.... I suppose they're all quite similar. I like the activities that they have like Drama. They go according to themes every 2 months which is also quite fun. They say they use the Montessori method too but I'm quite tired of hearing this already. Because it seems that the schools use this Montessori as an excuse to charge a fortune.
There's no reading for the 3 year olds and I asked what do you do with the children who know their alphabets and who are able to read... She said they'll still be taught alphabets but in different activitiesie art & craft, story telling, drama, games and so on.
About sleeping arrangement, they provide stackable toddler beds.. those with a mesh at the base.
Parents are to bring pillows, blankets or bolsters and covers/ sheets if their children require so.
Frankly, the principal did a really good job. She was friendly, approachable, patient and all that but I don't see it in their place. It looks like a generic pre-school kindy. The school seems to have the system in place. There's a report book that the student brings home and back to school daily. Comments and notes by the parents and the teachers can be written in that book.
The students bring home the books or worksheets every Friday so the parents are aware of what the kids have done in school. There's a yearly PTA too. So, I was told that the last concert was held in the UM and there are 3 field trips in a year. That's pretty awesome.
Seems like a well organized school!
Just like most places, they're closed the last 2 weeks of December every year.
No classes during the school holidays but the daycare will be opened.
Fees are paid every 3 months.
RM350 for the tuition another RM350 for the daycare.
Daycare is RM280 in December.
One of the more important things for me is the time. It officially ends at 6pm and they make an allowance till 6:30pm. Any later than that, there will be additional charges incurred and I don't remember how much. Something like RM100 more or so. Say if it's 7pm, the charges are to be paid as a fixed rate monthly.
The next open house is on Nov 24/ Sat
10am - 12pm
It's also their Children's Day celebration.
Suguna said she's organizing stalls outdoor and in the classrooms. The older children will be participating as vendors. I fear to think how packed it will be on that day. Cute idea nonetheless.
2 Jalan Desa Mesra, Taman Desa,
58100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel/Fax: 03-7982 1492
Monday, October 8, 2012
Rasberry Preschool
Rasberry Preschool is the newest school in the neighborhood to date.
I've been talking to the Charan, one of the teachers also admin person. She's so pleasant to talk to and makes me feel welcomed. Too bad I can't say the same about the principal from their centre in Kajang. Best she stays in Kajang :)
The open day is on Oct 21, 2012.
More on this post after that.
I thought that by reserving the information to be revealed until the open day was a way to say "We'll get ready everything and lay them out by October 21st."
The presenter, Mrs. Singh introduced herself as the learning coordinator. She spoke with less vigor, proud like a peacock, condescending to the parents and down right rude. Very, very rude.
After explaining what Montessori is (which bore the audiences to tears), she introduced this man who is the rep or a supplier of this IT edusystem called the Little Scientist. They explained that someone else was suppose to be there to do a demo on the programme but he was unable to make it.
Anyway, they tried to get something to work on the computer and they couldn't.
Then Mrs. Singh opened up the session to Q & A.
One of the parents asked "Do you think 2 classes in a week for Mandarin is enough?"
Mrs: Singh: We didn't say err, err, we are preparing the children for Chinese schools. We didn't say we're preparing them for Sekolah Kebangsaan. This is what we have."
Did she answer the question?
Then another parent asked: "What about Moral?"
Mrs: Singh: What do you mean Moral?
Another parent, who tried to help to rephrase the question: What do you do about discipline? Do you practice time-out, what methods do you use? One day someone will kick my son, another day, my son might bite another child... so what do you do in situations like this?
Mrs. Singh: Discipline must start at home. Parents cannot expect us to teach the children everything in school. It's the parents' responsibility to discipline the children.
Parent: Yeah, sure. But we're talking about in school.
Mrs. Singh: How many children do you have? You have only one? If you have two or more you will know what children are like.
Was she addressing the questions?
Parent: What do you do when a child is sick. They can fall sick at anytime of the day.
Mrs. Singh: If the child is sick, we don't take them in. We call the parents.
Parent: OK. What do you do if someone falls sick during school hours? For instance, is there a room that they can rest in while they wait for the parents to come?
Mrs. Singh: We have a daycare room where the children sleep, the sick child will be placed there.
Parent: I saw that there's one room for the children to sleep in. It could be a fever, a flu but what if it's something more contagious like HFMD? I'm trying to understand here, how do you isolate the sick child away from the others. I wouldn't wish for my sick child to get others sick too.
Mrs. Singh: We have that room.
Parent: Are you guys licensed? Because from what I know, the Taman Desa Residents Association is against this school being set up. Do you have approvals from the Bomba, neighbors, Kebajikan and so on?
Mrs. Singh: We have submitted all the approvals and they're in process. What happens with the government people we have no control of but they know we have the intention to start a pre-school.
Like I said, we dunno what goes on with them.
Parent: Wait a minute.... What you are saying is you don't have the license, you are not legally allowed to have this set-up. So briefly, your answer to my question is NO? And you intend to operate in January 2013? That's 2 months away. Can you be sure that the approvals will be sorted out by then?
Mrs. Singh: No but like I said, we can't control what the Government does.
Parent: OK. Thank you.
Parent: Do you offer trial classes?
Mrs. Singh: Yes, we do... 2 weeks.
Parent: Free of charge?
Mrs. Singh: Yes.
Parent: Can we join the enrichment classes only?
Mrs. Singh: Yeah, of course.
Parent: If a child is not use to English, how to adjust?"
Mrs. Singh: It's not a problem. Parents should try to speak more English with them.
By this point, a few of the parents looked at each other and made eye contact.
We shook our heads and walked out. There was a demo on Aikido at the front porch.
Most of us were ready to leave with a big sigh and talked among ourselves.
One said, "Inexperience..." The others said, "They're very very new" and rolled her eyes. The others, "Cakap macam terra...sombong betul" "Such a small space inside"
I say... I'm not at all impressed and I'm turned off.
See, I gave them the benefit of the doubt and thought they'd be prepared on the open day.
Was only that day that they were bringing in snacks and drinks for the kids.
Even Mr. Clown who was suppose to be there much earlier to entertain the kids was late.
So kelam-kabut.
It's nice that they have a big compound, nice new toys and Montessori thingamajigs.
You don't gain the parents' confidence by telling a parent, "I'm so sorry I offended you. It's just how I talk. No hard feelings... I'm use to lecturing."
The parents are not your students, woman. We were there for out children and we want to know what value our children will get especially when we are your potential customers and will be paying good money for a service you render. You were there to play a role and you were assigned to do a good job. Can you at least smile and be more approachable?!
Needless to say, there was no follow up phone calls or call answering since that day.
I'm glad they feel all those questions shook them up.
There wasn't anything I got about their programme except the emphasis of Montessori. Which they had put it so generally. One can go on the web to look for information about Montessori if they want to. But it's an open day. Why have one or have a Q&A session if it's gonna be all fluff and if you can't provide the information parents need? Come on people of Rasberry. There are better ways to make money. Get serious and passionate about what you do!
Fix that broken staircase railing while you're at it. It's jutting out and it's not safe for anyone.
I've been talking to the Charan, one of the teachers also admin person. She's so pleasant to talk to and makes me feel welcomed. Too bad I can't say the same about the principal from their centre in Kajang. Best she stays in Kajang :)
The open day is on Oct 21, 2012.
More on this post after that.
I thought that by reserving the information to be revealed until the open day was a way to say "We'll get ready everything and lay them out by October 21st."
The presenter, Mrs. Singh introduced herself as the learning coordinator. She spoke with less vigor, proud like a peacock, condescending to the parents and down right rude. Very, very rude.
After explaining what Montessori is (which bore the audiences to tears), she introduced this man who is the rep or a supplier of this IT edusystem called the Little Scientist. They explained that someone else was suppose to be there to do a demo on the programme but he was unable to make it.
Anyway, they tried to get something to work on the computer and they couldn't.
Then Mrs. Singh opened up the session to Q & A.
One of the parents asked "Do you think 2 classes in a week for Mandarin is enough?"
Mrs: Singh: We didn't say err, err, we are preparing the children for Chinese schools. We didn't say we're preparing them for Sekolah Kebangsaan. This is what we have."
Did she answer the question?
Then another parent asked: "What about Moral?"
Mrs: Singh: What do you mean Moral?
Another parent, who tried to help to rephrase the question: What do you do about discipline? Do you practice time-out, what methods do you use? One day someone will kick my son, another day, my son might bite another child... so what do you do in situations like this?
Mrs. Singh: Discipline must start at home. Parents cannot expect us to teach the children everything in school. It's the parents' responsibility to discipline the children.
Parent: Yeah, sure. But we're talking about in school.
Mrs. Singh: How many children do you have? You have only one? If you have two or more you will know what children are like.
Was she addressing the questions?
Parent: What do you do when a child is sick. They can fall sick at anytime of the day.
Mrs. Singh: If the child is sick, we don't take them in. We call the parents.
Parent: OK. What do you do if someone falls sick during school hours? For instance, is there a room that they can rest in while they wait for the parents to come?
Mrs. Singh: We have a daycare room where the children sleep, the sick child will be placed there.
Parent: I saw that there's one room for the children to sleep in. It could be a fever, a flu but what if it's something more contagious like HFMD? I'm trying to understand here, how do you isolate the sick child away from the others. I wouldn't wish for my sick child to get others sick too.
Mrs. Singh: We have that room.
Parent: Are you guys licensed? Because from what I know, the Taman Desa Residents Association is against this school being set up. Do you have approvals from the Bomba, neighbors, Kebajikan and so on?
Mrs. Singh: We have submitted all the approvals and they're in process. What happens with the government people we have no control of but they know we have the intention to start a pre-school.
Like I said, we dunno what goes on with them.
Parent: Wait a minute.... What you are saying is you don't have the license, you are not legally allowed to have this set-up. So briefly, your answer to my question is NO? And you intend to operate in January 2013? That's 2 months away. Can you be sure that the approvals will be sorted out by then?
Mrs. Singh: No but like I said, we can't control what the Government does.
Parent: OK. Thank you.
Parent: Do you offer trial classes?
Mrs. Singh: Yes, we do... 2 weeks.
Parent: Free of charge?
Mrs. Singh: Yes.
Parent: Can we join the enrichment classes only?
Mrs. Singh: Yeah, of course.
Parent: If a child is not use to English, how to adjust?"
Mrs. Singh: It's not a problem. Parents should try to speak more English with them.
By this point, a few of the parents looked at each other and made eye contact.
We shook our heads and walked out. There was a demo on Aikido at the front porch.
Most of us were ready to leave with a big sigh and talked among ourselves.
One said, "Inexperience..." The others said, "They're very very new" and rolled her eyes. The others, "Cakap macam terra...sombong betul" "Such a small space inside"
I say... I'm not at all impressed and I'm turned off.
See, I gave them the benefit of the doubt and thought they'd be prepared on the open day.
Was only that day that they were bringing in snacks and drinks for the kids.
Even Mr. Clown who was suppose to be there much earlier to entertain the kids was late.
So kelam-kabut.
It's nice that they have a big compound, nice new toys and Montessori thingamajigs.
You don't gain the parents' confidence by telling a parent, "I'm so sorry I offended you. It's just how I talk. No hard feelings... I'm use to lecturing."
The parents are not your students, woman. We were there for out children and we want to know what value our children will get especially when we are your potential customers and will be paying good money for a service you render. You were there to play a role and you were assigned to do a good job. Can you at least smile and be more approachable?!
Needless to say, there was no follow up phone calls or call answering since that day.
I'm glad they feel all those questions shook them up.
There wasn't anything I got about their programme except the emphasis of Montessori. Which they had put it so generally. One can go on the web to look for information about Montessori if they want to. But it's an open day. Why have one or have a Q&A session if it's gonna be all fluff and if you can't provide the information parents need? Come on people of Rasberry. There are better ways to make money. Get serious and passionate about what you do!
Fix that broken staircase railing while you're at it. It's jutting out and it's not safe for anyone.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Q-dees (2012 & 2015)
There was so much hype about the new premise. Supposedly bigger, newer, better, wow this, wow that.
A good thing I didn't think much about this place and went to see it anyway.
Went to the old school first and it looked like a dump. Gaffer tape on the stair rails, dirty, dusty, badly lit, cluttered. Ugh!
The teachers don't speak properly and I didn't see how they connect well with the children.
Went to see the newly built place. It's not all that huge, c'mon.
Huge is like Kinderland.
The compound in Q-dees is pathethic. The children don't get to be out often enough and I think they're pretty stingy in investing in play materials. Maybe most of the money went to buying cheap doors, cheap kitchen cabinets, cheap tiles, toys from Ikea. The CCTV is for their staff, not parents to monitor the children.
Why even bother bringing up that they have a CCTV? Big deal.
The children don't get to mingle with those from other classes of different ages.
Not nice.
That guy Irwin who is the founder is lousy in selling (he was in sales before), couldn't give me answers like "What do you or the teachers do when you realize a child is sick?"
"What do you do to discipline the children?"
Generic answers given straight out from the template.
Hey, I don't care what your new place is like if I see how badly maintained the current place is.
Not convinced.
Really not convinced at all.
http://q-deestamandesa.blogspot.com/2012/06/superhero-camp-at-q-dees-taman-desa-day_05.html
Update, January 2015
I gave the school a call to inquire about the hours and was told that if I am late to pick up my child, he/ she will be brought home to the principal's home in Taman Desa say after 7:30pm onwards.
I don't know if there's additional charges for this option but there is this option which is great for working parents. Transportation is available within Taman Desa. Sounds good.
I'm not sure what is the school like now or if it has a good size outdoor compound since my last visit.
If anyone has an updated info on this school, please please e-mail me or leave a comment below :)
Thanks!
A good thing I didn't think much about this place and went to see it anyway.
Went to the old school first and it looked like a dump. Gaffer tape on the stair rails, dirty, dusty, badly lit, cluttered. Ugh!
The teachers don't speak properly and I didn't see how they connect well with the children.
Went to see the newly built place. It's not all that huge, c'mon.
Huge is like Kinderland.
The compound in Q-dees is pathethic. The children don't get to be out often enough and I think they're pretty stingy in investing in play materials. Maybe most of the money went to buying cheap doors, cheap kitchen cabinets, cheap tiles, toys from Ikea. The CCTV is for their staff, not parents to monitor the children.
Why even bother bringing up that they have a CCTV? Big deal.
The children don't get to mingle with those from other classes of different ages.
Not nice.
That guy Irwin who is the founder is lousy in selling (he was in sales before), couldn't give me answers like "What do you or the teachers do when you realize a child is sick?"
"What do you do to discipline the children?"
Generic answers given straight out from the template.
Hey, I don't care what your new place is like if I see how badly maintained the current place is.
Not convinced.
Really not convinced at all.
http://q-deestamandesa.blogspot.com/2012/06/superhero-camp-at-q-dees-taman-desa-day_05.html
Update, January 2015
I gave the school a call to inquire about the hours and was told that if I am late to pick up my child, he/ she will be brought home to the principal's home in Taman Desa say after 7:30pm onwards.
I don't know if there's additional charges for this option but there is this option which is great for working parents. Transportation is available within Taman Desa. Sounds good.
I'm not sure what is the school like now or if it has a good size outdoor compound since my last visit.
If anyone has an updated info on this school, please please e-mail me or leave a comment below :)
Thanks!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Tadika Happy Sunshine, Taman Desa (Part 3)
From my long phone conversation with her (the conversations with Reanne are never brief),
they are updating their syllabus to Scholastic in 2013 for the 4yo-6yo classes.
Mandarin classes are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
It seems like they use flash card method but they flash the cards in a group of children and not individually.
Finally, I got the chance to take a look at this place since it moved to a new premise.
I must say, I'm disappointed that the previous place was neater and cleaner.
If you are more into an academically heavy pre-school then this might be the place to send your child to.
They do take into account that parents will most likely send their children to Chinese schools.
There aren't many reading or story books at their 'reading corner' which is on the first floor by the staircase.
The classrooms aren't all that spacious but it's OK with 5 to 6 children. That's just my opinion. I prefer a larger space for my child explore in.
There are 3 teachers and 1 helper, a part-time maid who's there till 6pm.30 students for the 2012.
The highlight of this school to me is that they use the syllabus by Scholastic.
Mandarin classes are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Suppose they place importance in Mandarin lessons. There is simple art and craft daily with the kids and the parents can also opt to pay an extra fee of RM40 or RM45 a month as an enrichment class which usually is at 12:30pm for an hour and a half, once a week.
The garden is quite bare, such a waste. Didn't seem like they do much outdoors when I took a walk around the compound. Sadly, the place is dusty and it's right by the busy road with heavy traffic.
The things I like about Rhyann is that she encourages the parents to communicate more often with her about their children, ie: what they're like at home or if there are any behavioral issues out of school that they want the teachers to take notice.
A very book heavy place. Good academic books, though.
Moral,
Science,
English,
Phonics,
Bahasa Malaysia,
Math
Mandarin writing, etc
About the cut-off time to pick up the children, this is probably the only school that ends officially at 7:30pm and Rhyann is totally fine with parents getting there at 8pm or later. To her, she understands the rush that parents go through after work just to pick up their children.
They're also not particular if the children aren't fully potty trained by the time they're enrolled to Happy Sunshine, or if the children take longer to be fully potty trained. About the toilets and bathroom, they're small and there aren't children sized toilets.
The children in daycare (12:30pm-7:30pm) sleep for an hour or so in the living room, which is to me, better than having them all cramped up in a tiny room like I've seen in ELC, Bright Horizon, Judith, Danau Permai Condo (DeBest Kids), Kinderland and JC Kids.
I still wouldn't rule out this place just yet.
Much improvement needed in terms of having more story books, play through learn.... or they probably should really spruce up the place pronto.
Transportation (by Rhyann)
RM80, 2 ways within Taman Desa
**Will update this post with their fee structure and timetable soon.
Rhyann prefers to be contacted on this number and here is their current address.
016 555 9180
513, Jalan Desa Utama
Related post:
Tadika Happy Sunshine (Part 1)
they are updating their syllabus to Scholastic in 2013 for the 4yo-6yo classes.
Mandarin classes are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
It seems like they use flash card method but they flash the cards in a group of children and not individually.
Finally, I got the chance to take a look at this place since it moved to a new premise.
I must say, I'm disappointed that the previous place was neater and cleaner.
If you are more into an academically heavy pre-school then this might be the place to send your child to.
They do take into account that parents will most likely send their children to Chinese schools.
There aren't many reading or story books at their 'reading corner' which is on the first floor by the staircase.
The classrooms aren't all that spacious but it's OK with 5 to 6 children. That's just my opinion. I prefer a larger space for my child explore in.
There are 3 teachers and 1 helper, a part-time maid who's there till 6pm.30 students for the 2012.
The highlight of this school to me is that they use the syllabus by Scholastic.
Mandarin classes are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Suppose they place importance in Mandarin lessons. There is simple art and craft daily with the kids and the parents can also opt to pay an extra fee of RM40 or RM45 a month as an enrichment class which usually is at 12:30pm for an hour and a half, once a week.
The garden is quite bare, such a waste. Didn't seem like they do much outdoors when I took a walk around the compound. Sadly, the place is dusty and it's right by the busy road with heavy traffic.
The things I like about Rhyann is that she encourages the parents to communicate more often with her about their children, ie: what they're like at home or if there are any behavioral issues out of school that they want the teachers to take notice.
A very book heavy place. Good academic books, though.
Moral,
Science,
English,
Phonics,
Bahasa Malaysia,
Math
Mandarin writing, etc
About the cut-off time to pick up the children, this is probably the only school that ends officially at 7:30pm and Rhyann is totally fine with parents getting there at 8pm or later. To her, she understands the rush that parents go through after work just to pick up their children.
They're also not particular if the children aren't fully potty trained by the time they're enrolled to Happy Sunshine, or if the children take longer to be fully potty trained. About the toilets and bathroom, they're small and there aren't children sized toilets.
The children in daycare (12:30pm-7:30pm) sleep for an hour or so in the living room, which is to me, better than having them all cramped up in a tiny room like I've seen in ELC, Bright Horizon, Judith, Danau Permai Condo (DeBest Kids), Kinderland and JC Kids.
I still wouldn't rule out this place just yet.
Much improvement needed in terms of having more story books, play through learn.... or they probably should really spruce up the place pronto.
Transportation (by Rhyann)
RM80, 2 ways within Taman Desa
**Will update this post with their fee structure and timetable soon.
Rhyann prefers to be contacted on this number and here is their current address.
016 555 9180
513, Jalan Desa Utama
Related post:
Tadika Happy Sunshine (Part 1)
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Kinderland Brickfields
Kinderland Brickfields is in fact in Taman Seputeh right next to the furniture mall.
They used to be in Brickfields which is also the reason for the majority of the students, about 95%, being Indians. All the teachers are Indians too. The classrooms are tiny and rather cluttered.
Was told that the children get outdoor and indoor playtime. They go by thematic play and learn method but too bad that there's no reading exercises at all for the 3 year old class, only 4 years old onwards.
There's a list of transporters.
I'm not keen on this place for several reasons.
The menu is one.
I asked the principal if they could omit certain kinds of food or drinks off my child's meals and she said they can do that. But I don't get why they serve Ribena, Chrysanthemum tea, Milo and sweet drinks to children.
Really.
The principal said that's what they do. That's what they've been doing all these past 5 years and they will not consider changing the menu.
The bathrooms are quite small. I didn't get to tour the 1st floor... was told they're in the midst of furbishing the rooms. There's suppose to be a music room and a reading room on the floor above.
I like the concept of thematic play and learn but no reading at all?
Sad.
The numbers to call:
03-79846282
Shamla, the principal:
0162834858
They used to be in Brickfields which is also the reason for the majority of the students, about 95%, being Indians. All the teachers are Indians too. The classrooms are tiny and rather cluttered.
Was told that the children get outdoor and indoor playtime. They go by thematic play and learn method but too bad that there's no reading exercises at all for the 3 year old class, only 4 years old onwards.
There's a list of transporters.
I'm not keen on this place for several reasons.
The menu is one.
I asked the principal if they could omit certain kinds of food or drinks off my child's meals and she said they can do that. But I don't get why they serve Ribena, Chrysanthemum tea, Milo and sweet drinks to children.
Really.
The principal said that's what they do. That's what they've been doing all these past 5 years and they will not consider changing the menu.
The bathrooms are quite small. I didn't get to tour the 1st floor... was told they're in the midst of furbishing the rooms. There's suppose to be a music room and a reading room on the floor above.
I like the concept of thematic play and learn but no reading at all?
Sad.
The numbers to call:
03-79846282
Shamla, the principal:
0162834858
 |
| Please try to rotate the image on your own. |
 |
| Indoor play area. Good space. |
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Bright Horizon, Taman Desa
I have had 3 visits to Bright Horizon over a spand of 2 months. I had a good feeling about this place the first time I was there. It's ...
- Clean
- Tidy
- Tina, the supervisor was wonderful to deal with.
- The supervisor didn't have a problem with me taking photos of their premise.
- The monthly fee is reasonable with RM650 a month for the 15mos-3yo class.
- The food they serve the children seemed simple enough with apples and bananas too.
But not ideal for muslims as they use pork based broth in the porridge.
- The children are required to drink a lot of water in school.
- There were boxes of montessori toys (kept neatly) on the shelf.
- One teacher + 1 helper in each class.
- SebaMed body wash, J & J shampoo.
- Weekly change of clothes are to be put into a box provided. Dirty laundry will be handed to the parents daily in a reusable bag (brought by the parents).
So why don't I place my child in this school then, right?
On my 3rd visit, which I decided to go sort of uninformed, a lady who later I was told by Tina is the founder and the principal reluctantly opened the front gate for me. I had my tot with me. Ms. Wong, had to be one of the more harsh people I have met.
Wong: Yes?
Me: Hi, I'm here to see Tina. I called her earlier.
Wong: Who are you?
Me: I'm here to enroll my child to the school and I had earlier talked to her about transportation arrangement. I'd like to see her to talk to her about it.
Wong: Yah, you talked to her, so why are you here?
Me: Can you please at least let me in to the porch? It's really hot and my son's been out here with me for so long already.
Wong let me in reluctantly and ....
Wong: So you come for what? You came before what?
Me: Excuse me? ........ The other times I came, it was too late to check out the class and the other time, Tina was busy so we didn't get to discuss things properly. You really seem to have a problem with us being here. Do you wanna tell me what is it and if you are so upset with us being here now, I can leave. Just tell Tina to call me.
Wong: The class teacher is not here. She's on....
Me: Maternity leave, yes and will be back next week. Yes, Tina told me about it.
Wong called for Tina and then I proceeded to put my kid to the classroom and tried to focus on my objectives on being there. I had also wanted to see how the other kids are with my boy and vice versa.
I asked Tina who was that woman and why was she being so rude. I dunno what that Wong wanted to project herself or the school to be by behaving like a total bitch. To make me feel welcomed or to intimidate me? Tina said she's not sure what happened between the both of us but she vouched that Wong is usually OK. Then in the classroom, while the kids were working on coloring and tracing numbers, Wong got in again and said to me "This is why I don't want you to be here..."
Me: Sorry, I'm not getting you.
Wong: This is my daughter (pointed at a 3yo Isabel) and she will look for me and want me if she see me.
Me: So how is this my problem?
Wong walked out of the room and then Tina tended to me. She apologized to me and I said, it's OK. I looked around and asked Tina where are the books for the children and when do they actually get a chance to utilize the montessori toys. She took a couple of very well kept board books off the shelf and showed them to me. And then I thought, if the books are well used, won't they also look umm well used? And then I observed my boy in the class and realized also that one of the things that I didn't like about this place was the small classroom. Some may not have an issue with this. The thing is, my kid roams a lot and he's at the age where he's exploring the surroundings a lot more.
I told Tina later that if the principal can be so difficult with me, I wonder what she's like with the children. Although it's a corner lot with a compound, they don't have a yard. They have a big slide-monkey bar combo and a few Step 2 and 3 rocker and trikes out in the porch.
I asked again if they speak mostly in Chinese language with the children and Tina said they usually speak to the children in English. Again, not that I have a problem with that bit unless I see that the teachers speak lousy English. Which, they do.
My other concern was the sleeping arrangement. All the children, all 25 or 30 of them sleep on a Dwinguler sorta mat in one room. It's not mean until you see how small that room is for that many children. Apparently, there will be 1 teacher and a helper during sleep time with the kids. Please, someone tell me if I'm overreacting about this matter coz I'm so close to report about this to the Kebajikan. On my last visit, Tina had very quickly told me that they plan to have 2 rooms for the kids to sleep in and the room will be swept and mopped everyday before sleep time.
I will upload the photos here as soon as I can.
- Clean
- Tidy
- Tina, the supervisor was wonderful to deal with.
- The supervisor didn't have a problem with me taking photos of their premise.
- The monthly fee is reasonable with RM650 a month for the 15mos-3yo class.
- The food they serve the children seemed simple enough with apples and bananas too.
But not ideal for muslims as they use pork based broth in the porridge.
- The children are required to drink a lot of water in school.
- There were boxes of montessori toys (kept neatly) on the shelf.
- One teacher + 1 helper in each class.
- SebaMed body wash, J & J shampoo.
- Weekly change of clothes are to be put into a box provided. Dirty laundry will be handed to the parents daily in a reusable bag (brought by the parents).
So why don't I place my child in this school then, right?
On my 3rd visit, which I decided to go sort of uninformed, a lady who later I was told by Tina is the founder and the principal reluctantly opened the front gate for me. I had my tot with me. Ms. Wong, had to be one of the more harsh people I have met.
Wong: Yes?
Me: Hi, I'm here to see Tina. I called her earlier.
Wong: Who are you?
Me: I'm here to enroll my child to the school and I had earlier talked to her about transportation arrangement. I'd like to see her to talk to her about it.
Wong: Yah, you talked to her, so why are you here?
Me: Can you please at least let me in to the porch? It's really hot and my son's been out here with me for so long already.
Wong let me in reluctantly and ....
Wong: So you come for what? You came before what?
Me: Excuse me? ........ The other times I came, it was too late to check out the class and the other time, Tina was busy so we didn't get to discuss things properly. You really seem to have a problem with us being here. Do you wanna tell me what is it and if you are so upset with us being here now, I can leave. Just tell Tina to call me.
Wong: The class teacher is not here. She's on....
Me: Maternity leave, yes and will be back next week. Yes, Tina told me about it.
Wong called for Tina and then I proceeded to put my kid to the classroom and tried to focus on my objectives on being there. I had also wanted to see how the other kids are with my boy and vice versa.
I asked Tina who was that woman and why was she being so rude. I dunno what that Wong wanted to project herself or the school to be by behaving like a total bitch. To make me feel welcomed or to intimidate me? Tina said she's not sure what happened between the both of us but she vouched that Wong is usually OK. Then in the classroom, while the kids were working on coloring and tracing numbers, Wong got in again and said to me "This is why I don't want you to be here..."
Me: Sorry, I'm not getting you.
Wong: This is my daughter (pointed at a 3yo Isabel) and she will look for me and want me if she see me.
Me: So how is this my problem?
Wong walked out of the room and then Tina tended to me. She apologized to me and I said, it's OK. I looked around and asked Tina where are the books for the children and when do they actually get a chance to utilize the montessori toys. She took a couple of very well kept board books off the shelf and showed them to me. And then I thought, if the books are well used, won't they also look umm well used? And then I observed my boy in the class and realized also that one of the things that I didn't like about this place was the small classroom. Some may not have an issue with this. The thing is, my kid roams a lot and he's at the age where he's exploring the surroundings a lot more.
I told Tina later that if the principal can be so difficult with me, I wonder what she's like with the children. Although it's a corner lot with a compound, they don't have a yard. They have a big slide-monkey bar combo and a few Step 2 and 3 rocker and trikes out in the porch.
I asked again if they speak mostly in Chinese language with the children and Tina said they usually speak to the children in English. Again, not that I have a problem with that bit unless I see that the teachers speak lousy English. Which, they do.
My other concern was the sleeping arrangement. All the children, all 25 or 30 of them sleep on a Dwinguler sorta mat in one room. It's not mean until you see how small that room is for that many children. Apparently, there will be 1 teacher and a helper during sleep time with the kids. Please, someone tell me if I'm overreacting about this matter coz I'm so close to report about this to the Kebajikan. On my last visit, Tina had very quickly told me that they plan to have 2 rooms for the kids to sleep in and the room will be swept and mopped everyday before sleep time.
I will upload the photos here as soon as I can.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Taska ELC, Taman Desa
It was the first week of January, when school had just re-opened.
An impromptu visit was made at about 3:30pm. I thought it'll be a good time to go mid-day so I can observe the classes, children and teachers. I stood outside the gate and the teachers were cautious about letting me in. So I explained that I had an appointment with Jonathan. I was let in and tried my luck about going in to the school. A parent who had just sent her daughter there for a few months told me she's happy with the school. I looked around the compound and it was somewhat cluttered. They do have a lot of equipment; bicycles, a make-shift pool under a large tent, shoe cubbies at the porch, yada-yada.
One of my friends who has been there was right. The indoors were dim and cluttered. Not very spacious but let's look around the rest of the place. Jonathan led me to the office on the first floor. They really oughta spruce up the place. The office was messy with piles and piles of papers, books, files and whatnothaveyou. The guy even had trouble looking for the folders with information about the school such as fee structure, menu, etc.
He seemed easy to talk to and at times the arrogance and whinging do surface. He's really good with marketing, I must say. But is there substance to what's told, is another thing.
The classrooms and kitchen are not at all spacious. And if you have a thing for giving your child caffeine, this is the place for you. I asked the guy if he knew chinese teas have caffeine and he said he didn't know. Really? And the kids get chinese tea as one of their drinks in the menu aside juices.
They emphasize on Fastrac and have projectors for interactive activities. Much like what they have in the The Junior Academy in Bangsar Village except TJA is new and a lot more fancy with teachers who speak better English. The teacher student ratio is 2:6 so I was told. They'll be grouped together, 1 teacher will attend to 2 students and the assistant will watch or play with the others that makes up a total of 12 a class. So each pair takes turn. Jonathan insisted that the students go to school in uniforms. I asked why can't they be in everyday clothes. He said, "Because the school has to be respected."
Whoa!
This school has the tiniest kitchen that I've seen. And then I was later shown the cookie tins that he told me earlier about when I went through the menu with him. He tried to explain to me that the cookies/ biscuits the children get are cream biscuit and he had such difficulty explaining what is it to me. I asked, "Dichu mean the biscuits you get from pasar malam? Sandwiched biscuits? With cream in the center?" Anyway, he went on about the Fastrac program and Montessori method that they use. The toys and Montessori equipment need a good wash! And he told me they sanitize the toys and everything once a week. Ummm And like, where were they gonna put the towels up anyway, right?
I like that they have a huge outdoor compound. But I don't see the value in this place after talking to the principal and seeing the place for myself. Not convince, sorry. And for the price... no.
Jonathan said his dad is retired and he's giving something for him to do. The dad ferries the students within Taman Desa and for 1 way, the charges are RM80. And it's only for the mornings coz the dad's busy in the evenings. Thanks for the option but you might as well don't do it if you can't be committed to being a full time transport provider. I told him right off the bat that it's crazy pricey. And he asked me what was a reasonable price. I told him that the standard rate is RM100 to-and-fro within Taman Desa. As I was leaving, Jonathan said that the students are also required to bring their own towels everyday and the clothes have to be labeled. Why can't they change out the towels as and when needed? He said it's for hygiene purpose. To that I said, "Hygiene purpose, huh? I will hold you to that. I'd like to see that this place is properly sanitized and spruced up."
The other crucial questions I asked were:
What they do when a child is sick or falls sick while in school?
They don't allow a sick child to be in school and they will inform the parents if so, the standard answers. I wanted to make sure that the school will send my child to a clinic or the hospital if needed. He said they'll do that.
What do they do to discipline the children?
They talk at length to them and practice timeout.
What happens if a child is a biter or is aggressive towards the others?
Talk to them. Also, he said there was a troubled kid who was moved from one school to another and finally behaved a whole lot better since he went to ELC.
What about potty training?
They prefer the child to be somewhat potty trained when they join the school.
Minimum age to join?
18 months
But, even if my child is younger than that, they'll consider.
Any plans to move to another location?
No, but there are plans to expand in TTDI.
What's the capacity?
30 pax as of Jan 2012
48 pax maximum (as good as saying 50 with 10 a class for each age group. But he said 12 max in a class. Which is which?)
How many teachers are there in the school?
5
About time to pick-up your child in the evening, I was told that 6:30pm is it. No later than that and he wasn't flexible about it either. So, there you go. Good luck all you working parents... keep your fingers crossed that you won't be caught in a traffic. Because any later than 6:30pm, you'll be charged RM10 per hour subsequently.
This is another place where I didn't feel the teachers were very involved or connected with the children. I was also told by a birdie that the parents are promised all the fluff but they don't deliver what's promised. Let's just say that the little birdie is a reliable source.
http://www.earlylearning.com.my
*fee structure and other info will be uploaded at a later time.
An impromptu visit was made at about 3:30pm. I thought it'll be a good time to go mid-day so I can observe the classes, children and teachers. I stood outside the gate and the teachers were cautious about letting me in. So I explained that I had an appointment with Jonathan. I was let in and tried my luck about going in to the school. A parent who had just sent her daughter there for a few months told me she's happy with the school. I looked around the compound and it was somewhat cluttered. They do have a lot of equipment; bicycles, a make-shift pool under a large tent, shoe cubbies at the porch, yada-yada.
One of my friends who has been there was right. The indoors were dim and cluttered. Not very spacious but let's look around the rest of the place. Jonathan led me to the office on the first floor. They really oughta spruce up the place. The office was messy with piles and piles of papers, books, files and whatnothaveyou. The guy even had trouble looking for the folders with information about the school such as fee structure, menu, etc.
He seemed easy to talk to and at times the arrogance and whinging do surface. He's really good with marketing, I must say. But is there substance to what's told, is another thing.
The classrooms and kitchen are not at all spacious. And if you have a thing for giving your child caffeine, this is the place for you. I asked the guy if he knew chinese teas have caffeine and he said he didn't know. Really? And the kids get chinese tea as one of their drinks in the menu aside juices.
They emphasize on Fastrac and have projectors for interactive activities. Much like what they have in the The Junior Academy in Bangsar Village except TJA is new and a lot more fancy with teachers who speak better English. The teacher student ratio is 2:6 so I was told. They'll be grouped together, 1 teacher will attend to 2 students and the assistant will watch or play with the others that makes up a total of 12 a class. So each pair takes turn. Jonathan insisted that the students go to school in uniforms. I asked why can't they be in everyday clothes. He said, "Because the school has to be respected."
Whoa!
This school has the tiniest kitchen that I've seen. And then I was later shown the cookie tins that he told me earlier about when I went through the menu with him. He tried to explain to me that the cookies/ biscuits the children get are cream biscuit and he had such difficulty explaining what is it to me. I asked, "Dichu mean the biscuits you get from pasar malam? Sandwiched biscuits? With cream in the center?" Anyway, he went on about the Fastrac program and Montessori method that they use. The toys and Montessori equipment need a good wash! And he told me they sanitize the toys and everything once a week. Ummm And like, where were they gonna put the towels up anyway, right?
I like that they have a huge outdoor compound. But I don't see the value in this place after talking to the principal and seeing the place for myself. Not convince, sorry. And for the price... no.
Jonathan said his dad is retired and he's giving something for him to do. The dad ferries the students within Taman Desa and for 1 way, the charges are RM80. And it's only for the mornings coz the dad's busy in the evenings. Thanks for the option but you might as well don't do it if you can't be committed to being a full time transport provider. I told him right off the bat that it's crazy pricey. And he asked me what was a reasonable price. I told him that the standard rate is RM100 to-and-fro within Taman Desa. As I was leaving, Jonathan said that the students are also required to bring their own towels everyday and the clothes have to be labeled. Why can't they change out the towels as and when needed? He said it's for hygiene purpose. To that I said, "Hygiene purpose, huh? I will hold you to that. I'd like to see that this place is properly sanitized and spruced up."
The other crucial questions I asked were:
What they do when a child is sick or falls sick while in school?
They don't allow a sick child to be in school and they will inform the parents if so, the standard answers. I wanted to make sure that the school will send my child to a clinic or the hospital if needed. He said they'll do that.
What do they do to discipline the children?
They talk at length to them and practice timeout.
What happens if a child is a biter or is aggressive towards the others?
Talk to them. Also, he said there was a troubled kid who was moved from one school to another and finally behaved a whole lot better since he went to ELC.
What about potty training?
They prefer the child to be somewhat potty trained when they join the school.
Minimum age to join?
18 months
But, even if my child is younger than that, they'll consider.
Any plans to move to another location?
No, but there are plans to expand in TTDI.
What's the capacity?
30 pax as of Jan 2012
48 pax maximum (as good as saying 50 with 10 a class for each age group. But he said 12 max in a class. Which is which?)
How many teachers are there in the school?
5
About time to pick-up your child in the evening, I was told that 6:30pm is it. No later than that and he wasn't flexible about it either. So, there you go. Good luck all you working parents... keep your fingers crossed that you won't be caught in a traffic. Because any later than 6:30pm, you'll be charged RM10 per hour subsequently.
This is another place where I didn't feel the teachers were very involved or connected with the children. I was also told by a birdie that the parents are promised all the fluff but they don't deliver what's promised. Let's just say that the little birdie is a reliable source.
http://www.earlylearning.com.my
*fee structure and other info will be uploaded at a later time.
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