McDowell Mtn Ranch KinderCare

Let me start by saying: we love McDowell Mountain Ranch KinderCare. It shattered every preconceived notion we had heard about daycare.
Our daughter was just 3 months old when we enrolled at the school. As first-​time parents, we were anxious about leaving our newborn in a care center. But from day one, we were welcomed into the KC family and our fears were allayed.
Let’s start with the newborn classroom. If you can believe it, there really is a sense of peace and order. The teachers are pros at ensuring every child receives the attention they deserve, whether it be diapering, eating, burping, napping or learning. Yes, learning! Songs are sung, nursery rhymes are recited, stories are read and crafts are made. Everything is done with purpose. If my child was acting out of the ordinary, I’d get a call just to let me know. At the end of the day, we received a full ledger of what she ate, when she was diapered, nap times, daily activities and milestones. A big concern I had was about diapering — I didn’t want her sitting in her waste any longer than necessary. The classrooms are incredibly sanitary and diapering seems to be done on the hour (with any stinky or noticeably wet diapers changed immediately, regardless of time). We never had one bout of diaper rash, either. That says a lot!
When it was time to transition to the toddler room, they eased both her and us into the new routine. It started with visits to see the other children and eventually transitioned into half days before she was fully integrated. In the last year, we’ve seen her make incredible strides — her language and word development, fine motor skills and socialization are ahead of her peers who have different care arrangements. Much like in the infant room, we receive daily activity reports that are rooted in sound curriculum. The website doesn’t do justice to outlining everything they learn. Teachers encourage curiosity and the children run with it! Suffice it to say she squeals with delight when we pick up at home what she learned in the classroom that day — whether it’s reciting ABCs or singing Five Little Monkeys.
Physical activity is a big part of the day. Toddlers have a ton of energy which is expended on the playground daily. Teachers will apply sunscreen or bundle kids up before going outside if it’s chilly. Yes, there have been days when our daughter has been thwapped with a toy or run down by a friend who’s eager to get to the tricycle. Enh — it happens, that’s life. It’s unrealistic to think that kids won’t be kids. These trials and tribulations teach perseverance and build character. If a boo-​boo occurs, a good hug and some TLC from teachers follow, along with an immediate call to mom or dad to let us know what went down. There’s also a disciplinary procedure for repeat offenders who bite or are disruptive and includes touch-​bases with the teachers to help parents address not nice behavior with their children.
I’d be remiss without reviewing meal time. Children receive multiple meals per day. Usually cereal for breakfast, a mid-​morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack. The meals are nutritious and balanced. Lunch is usually a protein entrée with a vegetable and fruit, plus milk. A friend saw the weekly menu and commented on the diversity — bean burritos, turkey sandwiches, chicken teriyaki, hummus and crackers, etc. Not only is she exposed to a lot of different foods, but she’s getting the nutrients she needs. Beyond eating the meal, she’s also learning table manners. When she’s finished, she will excuse herself, pick up her plate, take it to the counter and go wash her hands. My mother was in awe when she did this at home, unprompted.
Truthfully, we have had some frustrations — favorite teachers leaving, my daughter being bitten by another child, minor breakdown in communication, etc. — but there is such an open door policy at the school. The director wants to hear from parents. Her goal is to make the place better than it was yesterday. Things happen and misunderstandings occur — the director and her teachers are always willing to talk through challenges.
Although this review sounds like a rah-​rah session, at the end of the day, I don’t know what we’d do without such amazing teachers and caregivers! I feel strongly that our daughter would be missing out on so much if she went to another school.
At this center, the care really starts with the people. The director is phenomenal as is the entire team. There have been some changes in staff since we first started attending two years ago, but despite that, there is an immeasurable amount of consistency. Although the faces may change, the belief in what they’re delivering to these children is steadfast.
If you want a place that positively impacts a child’s life and helps reinforce wholesome values, McDowell Mountain Ranch KinderCare is for your family.

We enrolled our daughter back in June and have been wowed ever since! You definitely feel the care they have for each of the children as well as their families. It was at least a month after I took my initial tour before we returned for my daughters first day and everyone still remembered me and my daughter by name. Knowing it was hard for me to leave my daughter to go back to work they offered to text me pictures anytime I wanted and could call and visit anytime. After a few days I was more then comfortable! Everything from the friendly staff to the curriculum, care and attention spent on each child to things as simple as rinsing the bottles after each feeding and providing bottle labels that make this place amazing!

During a short stay in Scottsdale, this KinderCare welcomed our little one with open arms. The staff was friendly and the facility was clean and nice. My kiddo had friends after the first day! We are so grateful for the caring administrator at this location and the quality experience we had.

First of all, I have no idea why this place doesn’t have any reviews yet. It is hands down a great daycare and school. Three big reasons — they have some excellent teachers actually teaching a well-​rounded curriculum, the management is top-​notch and they allow you to cloth diaper. Amazing.
When we first started here about two years ago, we were skeptical as there was a director who seemed as if he was bored with his job. He left shortly after to take another job due to his wife having a baby (so maybe he was just preoccupied? He still should have cared a bit more, in my opinion.) Since then, the management has been SUPERIOR. Not only are they on top of things, they know all of the parents by name and they are present in the day to day workings of the school. I always feel as if my two children are being well taken care of and being engaged.
I think what my husband and I have been the most impressed with is the scope of the curriculum that they use in the preschool rooms. You never know if a daycare that says it includes a curriculum are *really* teaching your kids, but there is no doubt here. They even have parent/​teacher conferences twice a year. Currently, my three year old is in Ms. Connie’s class and I kid you not, my daughter comes home with a new piece of information she has learned almost every single day. We initially wondered if we should send our three year old to a pre-​school, but it’s clear by now that she will be more than prepared to enter kindergarten when the time comes.
We also have a 7 month old in the infant classroom and I have feel very comfortable leaving him in the care of the infant teachers. They also have let our family and another family use cloth diapers, which is incredible since I know that finding a daycare that will allow you to cloth diaper isn’t always easy.
Glad this place is around. Makes life as a mom of two much easier.