Mason M.
5/5
My son has been going to Haven for Tots for a year and a half now. When we moved to Oak Lawn during the height of the Pandemic, it was hard to find somewhere with a spot available. Haven was the first place that could accommodate us, so we jumped on in. What a fantastic decision that was. Communication with teachers on eating schedules, the children's learning curriculum, and their daily activities was wide open. We get daily updates, photos, and progress reports monthly to track the progress of our little one and things we can help him work on at home. There's also a monthly news letter that goes out about birthdays, the focuses on each classroom for the month, Holidays, and upcoming events. They spend ample time outside when the weather permits, allowing the children to get fresh air and experience a form of nature. They also have them learning English and Spanish which helps with the growing Hispanic cultures of the Chicagoland area.
We've developed such a great bond with the Administrators and Teachers here, and while there is turn over like every daycare, I never felt like the new ones coming on board were less than qualified in their positions. Of course children will be children, sometimes there's bites, and scratches, but we've always been made aware of these instances, and it's been well documented with the DCFS recommendations. As COVID-19 guidelines were loosened up at our friends daycares, the Staff here continued Masking, cleaning schedules for all areas of the facility, and isolation for those with symptoms. Which really made me and my wife feel like they truly cared for the safety and wellbeing of my little one. While I understand this is a touchy subject to some, working in the Healthcare industry, this put me at ease. Their policies and procedures are structured and communicated quickly and efficiently, so you never are guessing on what's going on at the facility. It's also just happens to be one of the cheapest Daycares and Pre-Schools in the area, which is concerning for some, but I never felt like we were paying a "cheap care tax". It's a non-profit, and has been around for decades, and it always felt to me that we were getting way more from our money compared to others in the area. They also are very understanding and accepting of Child Care subsidy programs, Dina the Director puts up a lot with my Federal Employee Child Care Subsidy which requires a lot more information than others.
The reviews here that are bad are old, and not at all a representation of the experience we have had here. I send my child here every day during the week, and I trust them with the safety and wellbeing of my Child. He looks forward to going to school, getting excited every morning when we start getting his shoes on screaming "SHOES! SCHOOL!". I look forward to working with them over the next couple of years as my Child grows, and am more than satisfied with our decision to go here. It's worth noting that Haven For Tots is in a Lutheran Church, and is a Christian based Daycare. Which, if you're in the area than you know how common this is. While I did question this before going as our family does not practice but respects others rights to, the most of their religious activities are prayers before meals. Which in the grand scheme of things, is very minor, and there's nothing wrong with saying thanks for food provided. They've found a way to keep their Christian goals acceptable with those that don't follow, without leaving you feeling like something is being forced into your kid's brain.
Shout out to Luisa and Dina, who really put us at ease when we first became part of the Haven For Tots family.
