Testimonials

When my daughter turned four, we knew we wanted a more structured preschool environment than she was getting in her in-home daycare. However, we also didn’t want to give up the care and personal attention that she was receiving there. We have been so pleased with the academic and social progress she has made. She loves the teachers and so do we! They have prepared her with the skills she needs for kindergarten and have been caring and positive role models to her as well. When our youngest turned two, we got her into Formative Years as soon as we could. We have seen the same positive things in her classroom. They are both happy, safe, involved, and cared for all day every day.

Wendy
Mother of Hannah, age 4, and Emma, age 2

The teachers have been excellent. They care for the children in a wonderful, nurturing manner, with many hugs and kind words. Our children are greeted warmly each day and are make to feel very welcome. They have always looked forward to going to Formative Years, especially once they got past their initial separation anxiety. The teachers have been so helpful with all of their adjustments, from being separated from us for the first time, potty training, behavioral issues, etc. The teachers are very willing to work with the parents, listening and following through with instructions and also offering sound advice.

The educational program is superb. My children have learned so much with their pre-school program and have been more than ready for Kindergarten. The teachers take time to do parent-teacher evaluations twice yearly so you can keep track of your child’s progress. They are very professional and make learning exciting. My daughter has continued to excel in school, due partly, I believe to this excellent start she has received.

Formative Years has taught my children good social skills. They have learned how to play well with others, share, control their behavior, and be responsible for their actions. My children have made many friends at Formative Years. My nine year-old daughter still has some of the same friends who she met while in the 2 year-old room.

Formative Years offers the children many extra activities, besides the normal day-to-day things. The children have been on many fun and educational field trips. They also have a family picnic every summer and a great autumn party we have never missed!

Formative Years is a nice facility, always clean and well organized. The playground is great and they are always providing new toys and games to stimulate the children and keep them busy.

I would highly recommend Formative Years. We have been very happy with them and wouldn’t go anywhere else!

Kathy S.
Mother of 5 & 9 year-old

My son is 9 years old and has attended Formative Years for the past 5 years. I was initially impressed with their awards of National Accreditation and continue to be pleased with the responsible, well-educated teachers who show respect for the children and appreciate each child for their individuality.

The teachers and administrative staff are always available and willing to visit with me at any time. They strive to keep the center and playground areas clean and safe, and emphasize the small details to make it very welcoming and enjoyable for the children.

I especially appreciate the school bus service that is available to my son throughout the school year. I take him to Formative Years in the morning and the school bus picks him up at Formative Years and transports him to his elementary school. After school dismisses, the same school bus brings him back to Formative Years where he enjoys the rest of the day with his friends until I pick him up.

If school is delayed in the morning, dismissed early, or closed for the day due to bad weather, Formative Years is open to accommodate my son and my work schedule. Formative Years serves healthy meals and snacks and my son looks forward to the summer and winter break activities and field trips such as bowling, movies, trips to area swimming pools, visits to the Ames Public Library, and swimming lessons offered through Red Cross to name a few. Formative Years provides transportation for all of the activities away from the center.

We are having a wonderful experience at Formative Years and I highly recommend the center to parents who are looking for a reliable, professional facility to care for their children.

Shawn R.
Mother of a 9 year-old

Jane M.
Mother of a 5 year-old

Even when we were still considering sending our son to daycare, we were worried about the upcoming transition. There were enough reasons – we heard stories about how hard it would be when a child started a new kind of life - daycare. It turned out that we were over-worried. Soon after our son started his daycare life, our worries gave way to confidence thanks to the loving teachers and friendly environment at Formative Years. The transition was not painless. However, the teachers made it much easier for our son to adapt himself to the new environment in a short time.

The programs at Formative Years are well-designed. We are very happy about their daily activities and field trips. Soon our son would show great improvement in his language and social skills, and other skills as well. When we hear that our son sings the songs taught by the daycare teachers, we know that he enjoys Formative Years very much.

Qingbai
Mother of a 2 year-old