Country School House Daycare Center, INC.

I am the owner of the Country School House and was the person that confronted Heather Ostenso while walking through our property, talking to the children, to retrieve her own children from the Linwood School. Every week, Linwood School sends emails to all parents in regard to NOT crossing the street between the school and the daycare. *Parents are not to cross the street with children*. That is the school's rule. Heather and her husband proceed to skip that pick-up line at the end of the school day due to having a boat along with them which very much so, would have fit through the area, and think that they can walk through our private property acknowledging the children and not for warning us beforehand that they would be doing this action. I am the person responsible for all these children and staff working in this yard. We as caregivers are always taught to be cautious. In this world today, this could have been a perfect set up. I don't care what color of shirt she wore, this woman did not listen to anything that I was saying or understanding what I was trying to tell her and on top of it, not following the Linwood School rules, and continuing on, to walk across the street to pick her children up. She then proceeded to return with her children through my property, teaching her children that is OK to not follow rules and to teach children to speak to strangers. There are two sides to every story. Just because you had a confrontation with me Heather, NOT ALL of my staff are rude. They are so kind and caring to these children. I am the rude one that has to take care of people like you to keep these children safe, because apparently you don't get my job.

As any parent who has put a child into daycare knows, it isn't always easy to leave your child and fully trust others to care for your child in your absence. Luckily for me, I never worry about that because I absolutely love Country School House and its staff. We have two daughters and are grateful for the level of care and education they receive while at daycare. Sharon, the Director, and all the instructors put a lot of thought and care into the weekly lesson themes and programs. They are constantly thinking of new and exciting activities for the kids. My oldest is never bored and often comes home happy from having a fun day. I also love seeing how much the kids have bonded with the staff members, it is very evident that the staff truly care about and enjoy the kids. Many of my friends and coworkers also have children that are daycare aged and in hearing stories about their daycare situations, my husband and I feel very blessed to have found Country School House. I appreciate that Sharon gravitates towards minimal screen time (and ensures that the staff aren't on their phones around the kids), and prioritizes the importance outside time and imaginative play. I also feel that the preschool program is stellar and prepares the children for Kindergarten. Even while in the toddler class, I was blown away by how much my daughter was learning. Because Country School House is a smaller, independent center you get the benefits of center - access to more supplies, special events and presentations, better education, and limited closures, while also getting that local, home daycare feel. An added bonus is that the daycare is located right next to Linwood Elementary. So, if you plan to enroll your kids at the elementary school, morning drop offs will be a breeze when your youngest is still in daycare. Overall, I would recommend Country School House to anyone looking for a great daycare that will give their kid a well-rounded experience. When this chapter of our life ends and our girls are both in elementary school, it will be a little bittersweet because I will miss my daily visits to the Country School House.

My three daughters attended Country School House up until kindergarten with the exception of my youngest due to us moving. They LOVED attending. Each day they would look forward to something different. The teachers do such a nice job coming up with different activities to keep the kids engaged and challenged. I regret not making the drive for my youngest daughter to continue attending the preschool program her last year before kindergarten because the program that we put her in did not compare to what Country School House offered. My girls looked forward to the teachers, friends, activities, and meals. I recommend CSH all my friends and family.

Both of our children have and currently attend the Country School House Daycare. Our children have always had outstanding care! The staff is like family to us, and my daughters always love attending. We did put our kids into a in home daycare for a short time and it was not a good experience. (My 1 year old at the time came home chewing\gumming a plastic wrapper.). We NEVER had any issues with this center and recommend it to everyone.

The education programs they use are top-notch. They get lots of outdoor play time in a large yard with lots of different outdoor toys to play with and ride on. They also have lots of themed weeks, activities, and celebrate birthdays and holidays. Some examples are bringing in the Sustainable Zoo, Reptiles, Princesses, Easter Bunny, Santa, and the fire department. The teachers and staff are absolutely wonderful. My daughter calls me, “Amber,” at least once a week by accident because she loves her teacher so much. Both of my kids’ teachers, Amber and Kirsten, as well as Sharon, the director, are great at communicating with me about my children. I know when I leave them they are in good, loving hands. They also use the Brightwheel app which makes communication easy. I get updates on their day as well as photos. Their hours are better than in-homes and most centers. If you are looking for a safe, loving, educational place for your infant- prek, I would highly recommend bringing them to the Country Schoolhouse.