Move Better, Move Stronger
At Big Oak Child Care, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, child-centered early childhood education in a safe and nurturing environment. Our mission is to foster a sense of community and promote a love of learning in each child. We believe that every child deserves a strong foundation for lifelong learning and that play is the foundation of this foundation.
Our Philosophy
At Big Oak, we recognize the importance of play in the learning process. Play is the basis for learning in our programs. We empower children to explore, discover, and learn through play-based experiences that promote individuality and self-directed learning. We believe that every child brings their own unique experiences and cultural heritage to our center, and we strive to create and promote strong partnerships with families to support each child's growth and development.
Our Values
At Big Oak, we hold the following values in high regard:
- Child-centeredness: We believe in facilitating each child's development based on their interests and individuality, helping them learn about themselves and the world.
- Community: We provide high-quality childcare in a neighborhood setting and foster a sense of community amongst families.
- Health and Well-being: We promote healthy lifestyles through nutritious meals and active programs, and strive to teach and embody environmental stewardship.
- Openness and Acceptance: We are open and accepting of all children and families, promoting respect and inclusivity in our center.
- Play: We believe that play offers rich experiences and opportunities for staff to nurture each child's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.
Our Services
At Big Oak Child Care, we offer a range of programs designed to meet the unique needs of children aged 1-5 years old. Our programs include:
- Younger Toddler Program: For children aged 1-2 years old, we help our YTs explore materials, activities, and physical spaces through creative play.
- Older Toddler Program: For children aged 2-3 years old, we continue to discover materials, activities, and physical spaces through creative play, expanding upon and developing language skills and problem-solving skills.
- Preschool Program: For children aged 3-4 years old, we nurture and support our preschoolers to develop a love of learning and strengthen their self-confidence.
- 4K Program: For children aged 4 years old or older by September 1 of the school year, we offer a 4K program in partnership with the Madison Metro School District (MMSD).
- Orton Park Summer Camp: For children aged kindergarten to 5th grade, we offer a summer day camp sponsored by Big Oak Child Care. The camp runs from June to August and is held at Orton Park.
Enrichment Activities
At Big Oak Child Care, we believe that every child deserves a rich and varied experience. We offer a range of enrichment activities to support learning and development, including:
- Field trips to local parks, museums, firehouses, and other adventures that Madison offers.
- Encouragement of individual interests and creative expression.
Eligibility and Admission
Admission to our programs is open to all children. We accept children from diverse backgrounds and abilities and strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment. We welcome children with special needs and work closely with families to provide individualized support.
Overall Experience
The reviewers have shared their exceptional experiences with Big Oak, a daycare center that has provided top-notch care and education for young children. The center's staff is consistently praised for their professionalism, friendliness, and commitment to creating a fun, healthy, and educational environment.
Staff and Teachers
The reviews highlight the exceptional staff and teachers who work at Big Oak. They are described as fantastic, friendly, and dedicated to providing quality care for the children. The teachers are praised for their ability to create a sense of family and for having the best interest of the children at heart.
Atmosphere and Activities
The center is described as having a welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of activities and learning opportunities for the children. The reviews note that the center is a great place for children to grow and develop, with a strong focus on education and fun.
Community and Neighborhood
The center is commended for being a small non-profit organization in the community, which is seen as a real plus. The reviews suggest that the center feels like part of the family, and that the staff are dedicated to building strong relationships with the children and their families.
