We have two special needs children that are both diagnosed with Autism. While our kids are a bit more challenging they are good kids overall. Sadly we had bounced around as other preschools just didn't want to put in the effort and/or didn't have a staff that was willing to learn to work with them. As a parent it is hard to have your kids rejected...especially when you know they are good kids.
When we moved to Scottsdale last year the only daycare in our area that was willing to give the twins a shot was Goddard. We met with the owner (Natalia) and loved her approach. Her philosophy is to have the kids reading, writing and having a solid Kindergarten curriculum base even before they arrive in Kindergarten. And, when we brought up that our kids were Autistic, we didn't hear excuses. Natalia just said we'd figure out a way to work with them and didn't seem concerned. It was a huge relief.
Over the year that our kids attended Goddard they grew in so many ways, and Goddard is undoubtedly responsible for a large part of their progress. Goddard's director (Becky) took an active role in making sure the twins were in classes that were appropriate for their age level. As time went on, they challenged our kids by progressing them up in classes and involving them with their typically developing peers. They worked with their therapists and learned from them how to better work with kids with special needs. They were dedicated to our kids, and for that we are forever grateful.
Whether you have kids with special needs or typically developing children and live in the Scottsdale area, you will find no better preschool than Goddard. We have older typically developing kids and only wish we knew of Goddard when they were younger. You honestly couldn't ask for a better preschool.
