During a kindy survey, a typical mumzilla would look out for the following:
1.Environment - Cleanliness, Safety and security, Facilities
2. Teacher- student ratio
3. Fees
4. System
There are actually 2 centres - one is a corner terrace house in Mutiara Damansara and the other is in shoplots nearby. I mistakenly went to the terrace house (it is the more visible of the 2 as it is visible from the main road, just outside the Curve) but found out that it is for smaller kids. The doors were locked, and I had to answer a few questions before being allowed into the kindy (good!). My visit was in the mid morning on a school day (When spying on kindies, it's better to drop by on a school day rather than an open day- although it may be irritating to the teachers, but at least you get to see the real proceedings in action).
I saw some classes in progress- as the classes for smaller kids (2-3 year olds) and noted there was a good ratio of teacher/ assistants to students. The principal also told me that different kids were grouped according to their abilities to understand instructions. As far as cleanliness - it was definitely clean, no issues there. There were safety gates at the stairs. Assistants were also local Malaysian, not foreign helpers. And not overly young (I have no prejudice against youth, but I do value experience that comes with age :) I also liked the fact that the kindy was in a house and had a playground in the garden.
The centre for 4 year olds and above were at the shoplot. I visited this centre on another occasion, ie on their open day on Saturday as I decided to bring MG along to have a look around. The classes occupy at least 2 shoplots on the first floor, and is pretty big. In terms of equipment, montessori apparatus, this kindy is definitely quite "high tech" as it has a science and computer lab, smart boards (they look like big Ipads!), kitchen and lots of montessori apparatus. It was clean, but then again it's Open Day, it has to be clean! I spoke to a teacher who seemed well spoken and quite passionate about kids. However, the downside for me is that their teacher to student ratio is quite large - max of 28 kids to 1 teacher and 1 assistant (in the first term) and eventually it would be down to 1 teacher iin the later terms when the kids are more settled.
Fees was also reasonable - the monthly fees is comparatively low, but is bumped up by the various charges for the labs etc (fair enough). Not as expensive as Peter and Jane, and Summer Academy.
As for other persons' experiences were concerned, I knew 1 other person whose daughter is there (for daycare too) and a colleague's cousin sent her kids there. Overall, the reviews from them were quite good.
I was on the verge of putting down the money for this kindy. However my main reservation was whether my very active MG who is unable to sit still for short periods of time would be able to focus in such a big class. Also I wasn't sure about Fungates. It is a great concept on paper, I like it but I have heard that it can be quite academic. (if you read my first post, I'm from the school of thought that kids must have fun!! although I know I may regret this later when primary school is upon us!) On the plus side, I have heard that the mandarin lessons are good and kids transition to chinese school easily.
Tadika Pintar Ria, No 1 Jalan PJU 7/11B, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya and Pusat Latihan Perkembangan Pintar Ria, No 21, Jalan PJU7/16A, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya.
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