We love Discovery Gardens! All the staff have been so welcoming and very responsive to any questions we may have. They make it a point to greet us by name and cater to each child’s individual needs. Our son is constantly engaged in activities, crafts and walks to the park just across from the center. Discovery Gardens fosters growth by supporting each child’s developmental needs and aids them in the skills they need for independence. They have always treated my son as their own and we couldn’t ask for a safer more perfect place for our son!
-K.B.
Our son went to Discovery Gardens from when he was 3 months old until he “graduated” and went on to Kindergarten. Our daughter is now following suit. The teachers there have been wonderful and caring as they help our children grow and learn. As infants, they cared for them well, got them to nap and eat at the right times, sang with them, and cheered along with us as they reached each little milestone. As they grew and became toddlers, the teachers wiped many snotty noses, nursed boo-boos, and taught them lots about the world around them. They get to play in Kenton Park almost every day, and visit the library and surrounding neighborhood on a regular basis. I love having them come home and tell me a story or sing me a song that I’ve never heard of, and this reassures me that my kids are in a happy and enriching environment.
-S.L.
Hi! I wanted to write you guys now that the dust has settled with moving and let you know how much we enjoyed coming to Discovery Gardens!
I really liked how great Netra, Sanita and Destiny were. They really helped make Lucas and me feel at home with his first childcare experience, and you could tell that each of them really cared about him. I appreciated the clear communication and daily reports so I knew how he was doing. I liked the variety of activities that the kids did too (park, walks, etc). The only thing I felt like with Lucas was that it was pretty busy so it was a little overwhelming at times… but I think that is what happens when you get lots of kids together!
When we move back to Portland I will definitely be calling you guys! You really helped make going back to work much easier for a new mom! Thank you and stay in touch! We miss you!!!
Rachel
When I moved to Portland I knew that finding childcare for my son was going to be a task. Not knowing the area and not having any friends to ask for referrals, it became overwhelming. When I came across Discover Gardens, I knew this is where my son would go. I met with Sheila and her staff and felt very comfortable with the center and their passion for the kids. I wanted to make sure that my son was around people who loved, cared and had an interest for his development as much as I do. I definitely found it here at Discovery Gardens. We have been here since 2008 and I made it a point to make sure they knew that if I had more kids they would too attend. And now she does!!! My daughter is six months and loves seeing the staff’s face every morning. There was no doubt she would be attending. Everyday I wake up and get them ready knowing that when I drop them off they’ll be in great hands at Discovery Gardens. We love them like family because they are!!!
-Keisha
We have trusted our two children’s care to Sheila Watson and her staff at Discovery Gardens since we moved to Portland in 2005. At the time, our daughter was 5 years old and our son was 2. The pre-school aspect of the daycare was very beneficial to get our son ready for pre-Kindergarten, and the pick-up service after school has been incredibly helpful. Sheila and her staff have given us the peace of mind we need to work demanding jobs while knowing that our kids are safe. The summer programs are especially impressive: from Pittock Mansion to Multnomah Falls, from Oaks Park to the Oregon Food Bank, the field trips and activities have been entertaining and educational, and our kids have benefited greatly from them. The kids have also met some of their best friends at the daycare. I can honestly say that Discovery Gardens has made my life as a working mother possible, and I’m most grateful to Sheila Watson and her staff.
To Whom This May Concern,
I, Ladonna Ledesma, am writing this from my own personal experience. I had one child, Mark, and 3 grandchildren who received the very best childcare through Discovery Gardens Family Childcare. Ms. Sheila and her staff are very caring, loving, and family oriented. I felt very comfortable from day one leaving my child and grandchildren in their care. Ms. Sheila will go the extra steps to assure she can offer you what you will need and how you want care for your child, children. I Ladonna was very pleased with all Discovery Gardens Daycare provided.
Thanks again Discovery Gardens!
To Whom It May Concern:
I have known Sheila Watson on a professional level for three years. We work together for the Neighborhood House, Child Care Improvement Project. I am the Network Coordinator for The North/North East network of in-home child care providers and Sheila is a member of this network. As the Network Coordinator I work as a support person for the in-home child care facilities and offer technical assistance in and around curriculum, environments, health and safety, professional growth and development, and other areas that these providers may need. In working with Sheila I have found her to be a very dynamic and dedicated person, always advocating for children and their families. Sheila not only has a huge commitment to early childhood education, but also to her after school program. After school care has been a passion and strong area of Sheila’s business since I have known her. Sheila has created a program that caters to all children, with a focus on children that might have learning, and/or physical disabilities. Her curriculum is strong and covers a wide variety of activities and experiences with an emphasis on literacy, math and science.
Sheila not only does this through Homework Club and one-on-one tutoring, she also enjoys getting the children out into the community to experience literacy, math and science hands on at local parks, nature walks, libraries, Zoo, Children’s Museum, plays, puppet shows and any event that she feels would be a learning experience for her students. I am very impressed with Sheila’s integrity, dedication and commitment to serve children and families and know that she would be a great asset to your program. Sheila is a team player, self-starter and very organized. Sheila is also a great family advocate and knows many resources in the community and is able to refer her clients when needed. Sheila has been a mentor to many of the in-home child care providers and is always willing to share her knowledge and expertise with our group.
Sheila is a wonderful person and her drive and commitment to educate and mentor children and youth, show in her ECE program and after school program. I would highly recommend her for this amazing opportunity and know that she would be instrumental creating a strong program.
Sincerely, Carrie E. Green
Please feel free to call with any questions. 503-863-4658
To Discovery Gardens Childcare,
I am writing to inform you that our family will be withdrawing Ashton and Skyler from enrollment at Discovery Gardens Childcare at the end of this month. Thursday, May 31st 2012 will be our family’s last full day of enrollment. This was not an easy decision for our family to have to make, but sadly, we are no longer in a financial position to be able continue with full time enrollment for the duration of time that I will be attending school.
My two children quickly grew to love all the teachers, staff and all of the other children in the Discovery Gardens community, and, as a result, they have both flourished immensely over the course of the past year. I am assured that because Ashton and Skyler had such a rewarding experience within the Discovery Gardens “family,” that they will take with them a deep- rooted sense of belonging and security from which they received from the program. I know that changes and transitions are never easy for little children, however, I know that because their experience at Discovery Gardens was so positive, that my boys will be more confident and will be able to adapt smoothly to the next childcare program that awaits them. And for that, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will greatly miss everyone at Discovery Gardens and thank you for having our family be a part of your family for the past year.
I would like acknowledge and give special thanks to Ms. Megan and Ms. Carrie, for providing such a fun, safe, enriching, and educational learning environment, and for the endless amounts of nurturing they have given to both Ashton and Skyler. And lastly, a big thank you to Ms. Sheila for her amazing, continuous effort, help, guidance with making our experience within your wonderful family daycare the most positive and inclusive experience possible. You have always been available and open to us in every possible way. Thank you!
Thanks again Discovery Gardens!
Sincerely,
The Chabot Family
Sara, Skyler, and Ashton Chabot
During our short time at Discovery Gardens, I was able to get to know the teachers there pretty well. They all are warm and caring and cared for my son just as I would have. The environment was very kid friendly and was very welcoming. I am sad to leave such a great place.
Jeni Benson
My husband and I first met Sheila while searching for a new Childcare facility for our 2 year old son. We had toured several places in the area and Sheila stood out among the rest. Her professionalism and clear passion for the work she does sold us almost immediately. We left our initial meeting feeling confident that we had found a place our son could play, learn and thrive in a loving and educational environment. Now, almost 2 years later, with a second child in her infant program, we couldn’t be happier with our choice. Our children are learning and having new experiences every day – a direct result of the importance Sheila places on on-going training and education for her staff. I have already recommended Sheila & Discovery Gardens to friends and strangers and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
Renee Larsen
Sheila’s oversight and attention to the operations of childcare, as well as to the children and families, makes her a true professional. She is current on the needs of all families and keeps everyone well informed. The teachers are top notch, and her creativity helps to foster a sense of community. My daughter has really benefited from her time at Discovery Gardens!
Robin Glaeser
To Whom it May Concern:
I recommend Discovery Gardens Family Childcare. My child received care from January 2012-September 2012. We only took him out because we moved out of the immediate area.
The staff were always welcoming to both me and my child. I felt they were respectful of everyone’s needs. I always felt they made it look easy juggling so many children at once. Often more than one parent would drop off a child at the same time. Each parent had comments about their child’s morning. Netra and the other ladies always handled that very busy time very professionally.
The facility was always clean and tidy. I enjoyed seeing the projects and photos on the walls and hearing about how the children played outside or with water during warm days. When I arrived in the morning often several children would already be eating breakfast in as tidy and orderly a fashion as small children are able. I felt that my child was in good hands.
Sincerely,
Sandra Carson-FitzGerald
