Business Details
About
Day Care CenterPreschoolPrivate SchoolChild Development Center
At The Goddard School located in Decatur, we're more than just a daycare. The Goddard School is a private preschool, offering childcare to infants and toddlers to pre-k. Our programs are designed to nurture each child's curiosity in a safe and caring environment.
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.4
129 reviews
5 stars
102
4 stars
9
3 stars
3
2 stars
3
1 star
12
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Staff Quality
Many reviews highlight the warmth, attentiveness, and dedication of the teachers and staff, with specific mentions of individual teachers who have made a positive impact on children's development.
Communication
Parents appreciate the regular updates, pictures, and daily reports provided by the school, which help them stay informed about their child's activities and progress.
Safety Concerns
Several reviews express concerns about safety and care, including incidents of children being hurt and inadequate responses from administration regarding these issues.
Cleanliness and Environment
The school is frequently described as clean and well-maintained, contributing to a positive learning environment for children.
Teacher Turnover
There are mentions of high teacher turnover rates, which have raised concerns among parents about consistency in care and education.
- MMMary Grace MilamSep 15, 20255.0We have been very impressed from our time at Goddard so far! The teachers and staff really care about our child's well-being and safety.
- NWNicole WillinghamAug 8, 20255.0We couldn’t be happier with our experience at The Goddard School Decatur! The teachers are so warm, attentive, and truly invested in each child’s growth. One of the teachers in our child’s classroom, Ms. C, has been phenomenal—so patient and nurturing, and really helped with the transition into daycare. Our little one has flourished here and even hit some major milestones thanks to the supportive environment. The leadership team, including the director and front office staff, are equally amazing. They’re organized, communicative, and always greet us with a smile. You can tell they genuinely care about the kids and create a loving, safe, and fun atmosphere. We feel incredibly lucky to have found this school!
- SXSunny XunJun 20, 20255.0great school！
- CBCHRISTOPHER MATTH BrimberryAug 11, 20225.0Our son has been attending the Goddard School in Decatur since he was 4 months old. He is now 19 months old and it brings us joy to see his excitement when he arrives each morning (shout out to Ms. Alaina). His vocabulary and every day life skills have grown exponentially in ways we never could have imagined and he has made so many friends along the way. We couldn’t be happier with Goddard and would recommend it to anyone with a little one!
- JJJack Johnson-OutlookNov 10, 20215.0Our son is in the pre-toddler class (1-2yrs) and loves it. He goes three days a week and he's always excited to go see his friends (or maybe the toys) when we get there. I feel like they've done a good job trying to balance the challenges of the pandemic, especially being flexible when we were first enrolling him in the middle of 2020. I know it's a challenging environment trying to hire teachers and staff, but I feel like they're doing a good job and my son is well cared for while he is there.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Goddard School of Decatur
Are you Licensed?
We take extra care to ensure that each of our Goddard School locations is licensed in their specific state before opening. States also conduct annual and semi-annual licensing visits to ensure our Schools remain in compliance. If you have any further questions regarding licensing, please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
What are your rates?
Our tuition rates are comparable to others in your local premium childcare market. Because each School is an individually owned and operated franchise, rates vary. Please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
Do you have a waiting list?
Availability is based on each individual School. Please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
Do you offer discounts?
Because each Goddard School is an individually owned and operated franchise, special offers vary by location. Please contact your local Goddard School to learn more.
Do you provide education or only childcare?
Yes, The Goddard School® is an early learning institution that focuses on the social, emotional, physical and academic development of children from infancy to pre-k. Our highly trained and motivated faculty develop experiential lesson plans for all age groups that reflect the skills, abilities and interests of the children in each classroom.
Against the backdrop of a warm, safe and caring environment, The Goddard School supports children on their journey to becoming confident and joyful learners who are ready for school, careers and life.
What is a typical day at The Goddard School like?
In each classroom, we provide hands-on, playful, child-centered learning experiences that vary based on the children’s levels of development. Teachers help children grow into happy, healthy, intelligent little humans who are ready to take on the world around them.
For infants, we follow the care schedule set by your family and utilize personal care moments to connect with and expand your little one’s individual development. Our teachers also incorporate songs, finger play, books and sensory and physical exploration each day.
Our busy toddlers flex their independence as they learn to walk, talk and safely explore the world around them. Their curiosity and interests drive the classroom structure.
In our preschool and pre-k classrooms, we add more school preparation and readiness by focusing on academic skills as well as interpersonal and collaboration skills. Teachers support children as they investigate the world around them. Children learn how to ask and answer questions, work with others, navigate social situations and understand and communicate their own thoughts and feelings.
Our teachers expertly create supportive classrooms for all children to safely learn and test new social, academic and physical skills throughout a typical routine that includes morning and afternoon snack time, lunch, naptime, exploration time, small and large group experiences and outdoor play.
What types of qualifications do Goddard School teachers and caregivers have?
Our experienced Goddard School teachers meet all state and/or local regulations and have access to continuous training provided by their state and our own Goddard University. We train teachers on a regular basis in health and safety regulations, education standards and more.
Can any of the families in the School opt out of vaccinating their children?
In many states, children who are not vaccinated because of exemptions based on medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs attend The Goddard Schools. If your child is not vaccinated, please contact the owner of The Goddard School to inquire as to whether exemptions may apply as not all exemptions are recognized in every state. To ensure the health and safety of everyone, if an outbreak occurs and a child has not been vaccinated, they will be asked to stay at home.
What supplies do I need to provide for my child?
Please provide any necessary personal care supplies for your little one, such as diapers, wipes, a change of clothing and naptime bedding. For infants, please supply a crib sheet. For toddlers and older children please bring a blanket and/or sleeping bag. Many of our locations also ask that you pack lunch for your child each day. Please contact your local School for additional details.
What age groups does The Goddard School of Decatur cater to?
The Goddard School provides childcare and education for infants and toddlers up to pre-k children.
What is the typical daily schedule like at The Goddard School?
Daily schedules include hands-on, playful learning varying by age, with routines featuring snacks, lunch, naptime, exploration, group activities, and outdoor play.
What qualifications do your teachers and caregivers have?
Teachers meet all state or local regulations and receive continuous training through Goddard University, including health, safety, and education standards.
Is The Goddard School of Decatur licensed?
Yes, each Goddard School location is licensed per state requirements, with regular inspections to ensure compliance.
What payment options are accepted at The Goddard School of Decatur?
Payments can be made with cash, check, Mastercard, or Visa.
What are the hours of operation for The Goddard School of Decatur?
The school is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM and closed on weekends.
Are tours available for prospective families?
Yes, you can schedule a tour of the school through the provided booking link on their website.
What nearby services can families access around The Goddard School of Decatur?
Nearby, families can find wellness centers like Nourishing Hands Massage and Wellness and Emerald Touch, and health clinics such as Clairmont Pediatrics, useful for family health and self-care.
Are there community resources close to The Goddard School of Decatur?
Yes, St. Michael's Center offers various community services and non-profits, and The Giving Tree Inc. provides adoption and community support services nearby.
What dining options are near The Goddard School of Decatur?
Families can visit local restaurants like Golden Buddha Restaurant and The Golden Buddha for Chinese and Asian cuisine near the school.