“My family has been beyond impressed with MELC. Our two children have flourished under their care. The program is high quality and the teachers care for my children as if they are their own. I always feel as if there is an open door and they are always willing to hear any suggestions. We highly recommend their program. ”

“The best part about MELC is the loving environment they create for our kids. Each and every teacher knows every child’s name and something special about them. My kids look forward to school every day and I truly believe it is because of the warmth they feel from the teachers and staff. MELC has fostered in my two kids a love of learning and helping others. ”

“God sent us the sweetest people to love our baby boy in our absence while we went to work. I can never repay the kindness and love that God put in Beverly Shaffer’s heart to love on us in that season as she accepted our baby boy into her daycare.”

“I did not grow up as a daycare kid. I actually grew up thinking less than positive thoughts about daycare and the kids that attended. However, if our family was going to continue with both parents working then I was going to embrace daycare. With the recommendations and accolades of close friends, we chose Montclair Early Learning Center. I still had my hang-ups that were not easily let go of when I was confronted with statements like, “I don’t want someone else to raise my kids.” But I have let go of all that and once we settled into Montclair I knew we had made the absolute right decision for our family. I need other people to help me raise my kids!!! I have the very children I have because they were raised by other people.....and me. They have been loved, socialized educated, fed, potty-trained, and scheduled. They have transitioned from swaddle to free sleeper, paci to paci free, diapers to pull-ups to panties, free play to structured play to reading. None of this is taken for granted and none of this could have even been accomplished if I had raised my kids myself. I am forever thankful for the village that I call Montclair Early Learning Center. We crossed every babe and toddler threshold with caretakers, teachers, and directors encouraging us and holding our hands. Always giving us the strength to be better parents and better providers for our children. Obviously, my thoughts on daycare have changed. All of this due to my experience at this particular center. Yes, I do want someone else to raise my kids.......with me. I needed these people and did not even know it. I know it now and would not change the choice we made. ”

“We have had a child at MELC for the past 10 years. I cannot say enough things about the fantastic staff and facilities managed by Beverly and Robert Shaffer! One of the key signs of a GREAT facility is the longevity of the staff. The same key teachers have been with MELC for most of the 10 years I have been involved and played a crucial role in my children’s learning and development. When my 10-year old entered Kindergarten at Crestline Elementary her teacher told me, “Oh we can always tell the children who come from MELC, not only because of their current education level, but because of their polite demeanor and positive attitude about learning.” Wow - what more could you ask? I’ve come to consider Beverly, Robert and much of the staff not just my children’s caregivers ut as dear friends! I’m going to miss them terribly when my 5 year old graduates this year and promised we’ll come back to visit every for my kids favorite party - MELC Fall Festival! Thank you MELC for the top-notch service you provide! ”

“We have been at MELC for almost 3 years now and I cannot say enough about the teachers and the curriculum. Sadly, due to my work schedule, the teachers at MELC spend more waking hours with my children than I do and I have to say that they have played a major role in her development both academically and socially. Choosing a school for a little one is such a tough decision, but the teachers and staff at MELC make it easy. I know they love my little one as much as she loves them!!!”

“Montclair Early Learning Center is our home away from home! We have three children at the center and could not be more thankful for the role it plays in each of their development. The teachers know each of my children’s distinct personalities and are able to connect and nurture them in just the way they need it. In fact, when I arrive to pick them up at the end of the day they typically don’t want to leave! I am beyond impressed with the academic program and the readiness my 5-year-old displays for kindergarten. Beverly is excellent, always available, and has created a loving daycare where my children thrive.”

“There’s a special bond that forms between a mother and the people that she trusts to care, love, and guide her children for more hours during the day than she gets to spend with them herself. It’s being able to hand over your child and fully trust that while they are in their teacher’s arms, they are learning. They are safe. They are encouraged. They are having fun and are engaged. But mostly, THEY ARE LOVED.

Many daycares and schools provide ample learning activities with a great curriculum. Many provide healthy food and a great atmosphere, plus a safe learning environment. What makes the difference in these great schools and the ones that we recently had to say goodbye to? The teachers.

The women who hold my baby when she’s scared and crying. The women who see an umpteenth lizard in my daughter’s hands and encourage her excitement while hiding some serious cringes. The ones who teach my littles new things and form little “inside jokes” between them. I’ve watched them guide my daughter away from making bad choices (like pitching a fit) in such a gentle manner that I’ve wondered if I’m even capable of doing the same.

For me, my girls have always had an adjustment period in the mornings. Drop off can be tough, especially in a new classroom. But when I see Addie running and shouting her teacher’s name because she is so excited to tell her something, or when I feel Lily kicking on my hip to see her teachers, I know my babies are more than just being watched over, they’re being loved. You can’t always be sure what happens when you walk out of the school doors, but I definitely am. You women have set very high standards. My girls love you, as do me and Chad. Thank you for the time you spent with my babies, we will be ever grateful and pray that the same love you gave us, is returned to you 10-fold.”