Ann'S Preschool And Kindergarten

Let me start out by saying how much we LOVE Ann's! We have had both of our children attend Ann's and it's been the most rewarding experience we have ever had. Prior to finding Ann's with our son several years ago, we were in a different childcare facility and it was not a great situation. When we knew it was time to change facilities Ann's was there to pick us up and assist us with a smooth transition and help our little boy right into a new school. Now years later our daughter attends there too. In my opinion, this is the most nurturing environment my children have ever had in a school setting. They truly have a different way of learning at Ann's and it's the best to hear our daughter actually asking me if I will let her stay a little longer at school the next day before I pick her up. The staff is wonderful and are very attentive to the children's needs and they truly do their very best with our kiddos. Also, the director/owner has been there for many many years and is so personable and understanding and we just love her! You can talk to her about anything and she will listen with an open mind and will help you any way she can. All in all, Ann's IS THE BEST and I thank them for all that they have done and will continue to do for our family throughout our time with them!

Ann's preschool is a second family for us. I can't say enough good things about how amazing the staff has been accross several years. My now 7 year old often often asks to go back and visit. I was lucky enough to be home with my kiddo until she was two years old. We moved to Tallahassee and had no barings on childcare. Luckily, another mom on the Tallahassee breastfeeding page gave me a glowing review after several of her kids flourished at Ann's. We met with Alex for a tour and I knew immediately this would be our home. Alex was so reassuring and informative. She answered every question with evidence based research and held my hand through the whole enrollment process. I had never used childcare and I was so nervous to drop off that first day. Alex constantly kept me in the loop and sent cute little pictures and notes throughout the day. She really respects the line between loving kids through the adjustment of starting daycare, and knowing when to involve parents. I think the kids adjust much quicker than the adults, lol. Ann's Preschool lovingly walked us through everything from napping, potty training, and later learning how to read. With the exception of a movie day about once a term, the school is screen free and involves a lot of imagination play and outside exploration. There is a theme unit every quarter that ends in an open house performance for families so that kids can show off their work. We met several amazing staff members through the years and still keep up with many of them. We met Alex when she was the operating manager and watched her grow into the owner accross the years. (Sidenote: I'm training a 20 something at my job that went to Ann's when she was a baby and remembers Alex being amazing then as well. Small towns are fun! ) If you're looking for a childcare facility that will recognize your childs unique gifts and love them through the obstacles of each new growth stage, Ann's is your new home.( If they have space! There is often a wait list for enrollment)

Ann’s would be a good fit for neurotypical children who do not have problems accepting adult authority & following directions. My experience echoes that of Keasi & Krysta. Both my children were accepted into Ann’s on the Unique Abilities Scholarship, as they have diagnoses they are receiving services for. Alex reassured us that they are equipped to accommodate children with different abilities due to her individual credentials & that they have had children attend on the scholarship before. The communication was constant. I was inundated with text messages throughout the day about my kid's mischievous behaviors & I was repeatedly asked for suggestions on how to manage their behaviors. I emailed Alex resources we found helpful, & spent hours sending her recommendations. I was asked to pick up my son early on more than one occasion--not for violent or aggressive behaviors, just that he was testing boundaries & not following directions. It became obvious that there are children regularly being sent home instead of the staff correcting the behaviors. To a toddler, this is not a consequence. In the afternoons, the aides are left alone with the children. One time at pick up, we couldn't find my daughter, as she was left unsupervised in the kitchen for a time out, & she was hiding. Alex asked me if the kids’ therapists could provide observations & give the staff direction, as they “can't control” our kids. I said the therapists are not there to provide professional development for their staff, but I conceded. The morning of the therapist’s observations, I was asked to pick both children up before lunch because "it's not productive for them to be at school & in time out all morning,” despite the two hours of therapy they received that day. We called to say that we can't leave work to pick the kids up before noon, and would pick them up after nap. Alex said that she’s “sorry it’s inconvenient for us, but if we don't pick them up immediately, then today is their last day.” She then hung up on us. The kids were sent home with all of their things & instructed not to come back. We received a letter saying the kids were dismissed due to us "not helping manage their behaviors at school." After all of the hours spent texting and trying to support the school, I'm not sure how I could help the staff discipline my children while I'm at work, other than coming in to enforce time out. After looking on SunBiz, it came to light that Alex became the owner within the last 2 years, so all of the older reviews about how wonderful the school is and their ability to accommodate neurodiverse children predates Alex's Ann's.

We have loved our time at Ann's for the past two years. The staff are all very welcoming and attentive. The intimate open classroom setting has allowed exposure to majority/all of the staff and has helped with transitions into the next class. The ability for all of the children to interact during center and outside time has been wonderful for our child. The teachers schedule periodic meetings to discuss your child's progress towards testing milestones and show work they did with the "test". I have always felt welcomed when discussing my child's learning, behavior, eating, potty training, etc and know I could set up a time to discuss. The director, Alex, (and the teachers/assistant teachers) is always willing to chat and let me know how my child's day was. The APPLE accreditation is the cherry on top for this facility and shows how hard they work to provide a wonderful, fulfilling environment for children to grow and learn. I am so grateful we found this little school. We can't wait for our next child to attend and will be sad when our Ann's Preschool days are behind us!

For the past 8 years I have trusted Ann’s preschool to be part of my village and raise my babies. The staff at Ann’s have helped shape my children into the well-rounded persons they have become and will continue to be. With a very healthy mix of free play and guided instruction, the kids are given opportunities for creative and critical thinking, problem solving, taking turns and being patient, learning classroom etiquette, and movement of their bodies to get their wiggles out and keep their mind engaged. A few times a year they put on the CUTEST performances, complete with song, dance, memorized lines, and costumes & hand painted mural backdrops to boot. They sure make for some sweet memories, and really help the kids develop comfort with public speaking. Lunch heat up service is offered (a rare find) and I love that two daily snacks are provided. It’s a very small, intimate setting, which, for my kids, was the perfect segue between 1:1 in-home care and grade school with large classes. My kids have left/will be leaving starting above grade level, with afforded confidence to take on Kindergarten. My older child still loves going back to say hi, and when my youngest leaves for Kindergarten in August, I will be sad for the end of such a meaningful era in our lives. I have developed rapport, camaraderie, and close friendships with the director and some of the staff, and feel ever grateful for the time we have been able to spend at Ann’s. So much love for this place ❤️