Dear readers,
If you have just stumbled upon this blog or if you have been a follower for a while, I'd like to say, HELLO to you guys.
I haven't been able to update this blog as I'm a working parent with too much on my plate, just like the most of you. I encourage all of us to share information here so that we can keep everyone updated with the latest information about the childcare centres or schools for the sake of our young ones and each other. It'll be awesome to see this blog grow as a platform for us parents to share honest views as what a community would.
In due time, I will be updating a few posts, as much as I can afford the time to do so.
Please bear with me, yeah?
I have been approached by a few childcare centres and pre-schools/ kindies to blog about their centres. I'd like for us to note that, it is something that I can do provided we speak or meet up before both parties come to an agreement to do so.
I can be contacted at:
ling67@hotmail.com
with a subject line:
TAMAN DESA SCHOOL BLOG
This is so I take notice of your emails before thinking it's a spam mail.
Cheers and let's have a better year ahead.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Little Human Scholars @ Section 11, PJ
UPDATE: (Dec 2016) I love this place and the people working here.
Do call them up for a revised rate. My post below is with info from some time back.
The name caught my attention.
It's situated in a bungalow around Section 11, near Crystal Crown PJ and Ehsan Ria Condo.
I haven't found out much about this place except, the classes are from 8am-1pm.
Daycare after, till 7pm. The latest is 8pm for late pick-up.
For hourly drop-off it's till 8pm from Mondays-Thursdays with a fee of RM25 an hour ;
till 10pm on Friday-Sundays for RM30 an hour.
I say it's a good option for those who absolutely need this service, although very steep.
so, it isn't catered for just anyone but to those who can afford it.
I was told that enrichment programs are incorporated during the "babysitting" sessions. Possibly art and craft, singing, etc. They started operating in January 2014 and have 5 students thus far.
They are a branch of A+ in Mont Kiara. Sounds marketable if you ride-on Mont Kiara as a USP.
I will find out more about Little Human Scholars in February when I get a chance to visit the place.
http://www.littlehumanscholars.com.my
I had my child gone for 1 trial session and I had to pay for after-hours. I picked him up at about 9:30pm and let me tell you, it's a small place. Seems like a nice and happy set up with lovely caretakers and teachers. You will like the place if you like it small. There's supposedly a sick bed in the sick room if someone is down with a fever and so on. An in-house nurse on standby, so that's pretty cool. A part-time in-house child psychology comes coupla times a week. I am not sure who the psychologist is and how credible and legit she is. I'm saying that because I haven't had the time to do any research on her, that's all.
It would be a great place for me to send my child for after-hours.
That's because I prefer my child to attend pre-school, like a school like environment pre-school at his age now. However, I cannot afford to send my child here.
For adhoc after-hours babysitting for RM30 an hour, I cannot afford it unless I am extremely desperate.
RM30 an hour adds up!!
Do call them up for a revised rate. My post below is with info from some time back.
The name caught my attention.
It's situated in a bungalow around Section 11, near Crystal Crown PJ and Ehsan Ria Condo.
I haven't found out much about this place except, the classes are from 8am-1pm.
Daycare after, till 7pm. The latest is 8pm for late pick-up.
For hourly drop-off it's till 8pm from Mondays-Thursdays with a fee of RM25 an hour ;
till 10pm on Friday-Sundays for RM30 an hour.
I say it's a good option for those who absolutely need this service, although very steep.
so, it isn't catered for just anyone but to those who can afford it.
I was told that enrichment programs are incorporated during the "babysitting" sessions. Possibly art and craft, singing, etc. They started operating in January 2014 and have 5 students thus far.
They are a branch of A+ in Mont Kiara. Sounds marketable if you ride-on Mont Kiara as a USP.
I will find out more about Little Human Scholars in February when I get a chance to visit the place.
http://www.littlehumanscholars.com.my
I had my child gone for 1 trial session and I had to pay for after-hours. I picked him up at about 9:30pm and let me tell you, it's a small place. Seems like a nice and happy set up with lovely caretakers and teachers. You will like the place if you like it small. There's supposedly a sick bed in the sick room if someone is down with a fever and so on. An in-house nurse on standby, so that's pretty cool. A part-time in-house child psychology comes coupla times a week. I am not sure who the psychologist is and how credible and legit she is. I'm saying that because I haven't had the time to do any research on her, that's all.
It would be a great place for me to send my child for after-hours.
That's because I prefer my child to attend pre-school, like a school like environment pre-school at his age now. However, I cannot afford to send my child here.
For adhoc after-hours babysitting for RM30 an hour, I cannot afford it unless I am extremely desperate.
RM30 an hour adds up!!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Jack & Jill (J&J) International, Pt 2
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.
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.
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.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Shim Homeschooling
There is a homeschooling teacher who resides in Faber Ria and teaches children from 2 onwards in her condo. I haven't been to her place but have spoken to her over the phone.
She conducts the lessons in groups and teaches one-to-one from morning till noon.
The calendar goes according to the public school system so whenever there is school holidays, the classes will be on a break.
Shim can be contacted at +60 14 3673 822
She conducts the lessons in groups and teaches one-to-one from morning till noon.
The calendar goes according to the public school system so whenever there is school holidays, the classes will be on a break.
Shim can be contacted at +60 14 3673 822
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.
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