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Open Arms Preschool Up in Arms?

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by Bear, Dec 7, 2006.

  1. gator

    gator New Member

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    I can say from pretty good knowledge that the latest teacher to leave followed the director to that school. While I was disappointed, the teacher who arrived to take her place is someone I know. She has an degree in education, I believe a masters. On another note, a previous teacher who is coming back. So I think next year will be much calmer. At least I can hope so.
     
  2. hberg

    hberg give me some of your tots

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    I stand corrected on my post about any "additional" fees to be on their waitlist. Open Arms use to not charge a fee, whereas almost all other centers did charge a non-refundable waitlist fee. Open Arms has decided to also charge a waitlist fee - one time only. Some of my friends misunderstood. Sorry.
     
  3. Keebrat

    Keebrat New Member

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    I do believe that many people have been blindsighted by most of the events that has happened this year at Open Arms. Many things have happened as we all know, but I believe that the source of the problem still exists in the facility. Things have calmed down but we will only know for sure in due time
     
  4. jlmpdx

    jlmpdx New Member

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    Hi, any updates on this? There have been recent changes at Open Arms, how are things/looking for any insights
     
  5. Nova Native

    Nova Native New Member

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    We have a child in there. After the shake up of last year things have settled down. Unlike others, I believe that the most important thing in preschool is a loving environment with a structure that acclimates children to the structure they will have in elementary school. That having been said, I still have some desire to have agood academic environment as well. Our son's teachers seem very nice and caring, but the seem a little inexperienced. I wish they had a little more of a formal background in early child education. I am not sure I can still recommend this place, nor that our child will be back n the future.
     
  6. luftinarr

    luftinarr Member

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    What I didn't like about it was when I got there to tour, they were a little upset that I didn't have an appt. (although they when I called earlier in the day they said to come in at anytime), walked me very quickly from room to room to room, and when I asked about the waiting period she couldn't tell me how long it would be. She also said that the waiting list was so long because anybody could get on the list. I asked if she meant that any person could put themselves on the list even though they didn't have a child and she said yes. So, a couple without children could put their name on the list now and in two or three years they could decide to have a child and they'd be at the top of the list. Not really customer friendly I think.

    I'm not a religious person, but I had heard great things about this school so I thought I could put my own beliefs aside and consider it. No way in he!! would I put my children there. Not after that experience.
     
  7. suburbanmama

    suburbanmama New Member

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    Despite the changes occurring at Open Arms, it is still a very happy, loving and caring environment for young children. My children have done really well since starting there a year ago. We love the small, family like feel at Open Arms and are happy with the different activities offered at the center (Chapel, Music, Recreation, etc). As far as preschool academics go, we are happy with the curiculum and especially love the Christian focus.

    Regarding the previous poster's experience...just to set the record straight...there is a big transition at Open Arms currently as the previous director recently resigned after 10 years. Open Arms conducted a national search for a highly qualified director and this person starts at the end of May. So, yes, things have been a little chaotic with the transition. Staff are being asked to step up and take on more responsibility until the new director starts. So, your rushed visit was probably because staff were BUSY during this period of transition. I'm sorry that you didn't have a better experience, but honestly,I don't think you could find a more loving and caring child care facility in Ashburn.

    Best of luck with your child care search!!

    Suburbanmama
     
  8. Chrysanthemum

    Chrysanthemum New Member

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    I thought I saw a woman named Betsy Stegbauer there one afternoon. Is she by chance the new director? If so, I can only imagine great things coming! She is a very experienced, loving teacher!
     
  9. suburbanmama

    suburbanmama New Member

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    Betsy is the interim director and yes, she has a ton of experience and is very qualified. We've been fortunate to have Betsy holding things together since the previous director's departure. The new director is starting in late May. Betsy was very involved in interviewing for a new highly qualified director for Open Arms.
     
  10. Chrysanthemum

    Chrysanthemum New Member

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    That is good news. I believe Betsy was previously involved in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and they have very high standards for accredidation for preschools. One important philosophy is that young children learn best through hands on experiences and "play" so it will be different than what some consider traditional paper/pencil worksheet learning that Open Arms has done in the past. So, "work" may not come home each day, but they are learning in an environment that surrounds them with rich experiences involving math and literacy! That is definately what I saw in my son's preschool class with Betsy Stegbauer as teacher! He finally began to LOVE learning and school and was very well prepared for a successful kindergarten year! I am sure Betsy has helped to hire a wonderful director.
    Good luck to all during the transition!
     
  11. sportzfish

    sportzfish New Member

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    Two of my kids go to Open Arms and I was wondering what the reason was for the director leaving exactly? Just needed a change or spend more time with her family/retire?
     
  12. suburbanmama

    suburbanmama New Member

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    My understanding was she left for personal reasons...her husband has cancer and is currently in hospice. She was there for 10 years as one of the founders of the Open Arms preschool program. While we've felt the change since her departure, I'm really optimistic and hopeful that things will settle down once the new director starts. The management and pastors at Open Arms conducted a comprehensive, nationwide search to find a new director...they didn't hire just anyone. I think that says a lot myself. :)
     

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