Providence Preschool in Jacksonville, Florida

Prov Preschool has exceeded my expectations for what I thought preschool was "all about." First of all, it's truly a school where my sons are learning. There are lesson plans that are clear for parents each week where we can partner with the teachers knowing what goes on in the classrooms each and every day! And I see it at work! Each day my sons bring home school work, crafts and daily reports of behavior and other things. Teachers are very aware of each student's learning and social needs as well. I know my children are not neglected or lost in the crowd. My boys have plenty of time to play indoors and out--and specifically--in various places inside. (I love the idea of different centers/rooms to go to so that the children aren't in the same room all day!) The whole staff is great at making each family feel special and loved. It is also rooted in Christian values which is evident in the way the staff treats the families. There are events to attend and various fun things coming to the school on different days/weeks to mix things up and promote learning in various ways. The truest testament is to hear the joy my sons have for school! They love their teachers, friends, and after-care teachers. They get excited for the school week on Sunday nights... and for this stay-at-home-mom turned working mom, that's the best piece of mind!

I think there are nice people at this school, nice facility, l but it was not a match for us. My son became very angry and frustrated because he could not keep up with the work. This was hard to write because everyone is so nice there, but some training/improvements could benefit them and the children. The teachers were very nice, but did not seem to have much training/tools to help identify suspected learning disabilities. My son's Providence PK4 teacher told us they have extra high educational expectations since they are a feeder school to their college prep school my son's teacher explained, which is great if your child is above average/exceptional. Also son's personality began to change becoming angry/lashing out at everyone and down on himself/Self esteem lowered drastically. We knew he had some fine motor skills challenges and possibly other learning/developmental challenges and now with the negative behaviors we initiated the IEP process. A special ed teacher began working with our son in the Providence classroom and shared with us that the work they are asking the kids to do is NOT developmentally appropriate for a normal/average child and far too difficult for and average/normal child When we began my son already had tioleting issues but they became MUCH worse. He began refusing to go near the bathroom unless bath time and yelling "No please no"! We later found out from my son telling us and then the PK3 teacher confirming it at a conference that TIMEOUTS WERE BEING DONE IN THE BATHROOM! No wonder he thought the potty was a bad place. The Director seemed surprised when I told her about the timeouts in the bathroom in the 3 year old class so hopefully that has changed. He loves his new school, he is happy, self-confident again, and no potty accidents at all! It is our fault we did not detect the mid-match sooner but I think the school has room for improvement.