Testimonials from Country Peas Parents:

Why I Chose Country Peas Group Daycare

We recently moved back to the area after several years of living in a state in which good day care is hard to find. I flew in ahead of time and did over 12 daycare interviews in 48 hours. I looked at centers, family daycare, and family group daycare, in a range of prices from $600/month-$1200/month for full-time older infant care.

I checked out every single daycare with the state database for violations, and asked directors questions about the more serious ones, I completed an interview sheet for each daycare, and knew the type of place my daughter would be happiest at.

What first attracted me to Country Peas was Angela's warmth, but also her frankness, She was the only provider who was able to clearly state her philosophy of care, and also communicated her passion for what small children need, I spent almost 2 hours talking with Angela after a long day of taking care of children (not so for the other daycare providers), and then came back the next day just to sit and watch the action.

All the children, from the very smallest to the very oldest are exposed to a variety of activities and all are included, as is age-appropriate. This may mean an 11 week old sitting on one of the daycare providers' laps watching the action, or a 2 year old doing an art project. All children are appreciated for their unique gifts, and activities are tailored to their individual developmental needs.
I was amazed with the range of activities and things to play with/experience, I was also impressed with the low staff turnover and high staff to infant ratio (1:3). Country Peas is voluntary member of the University of Michigan Family Homes network, which allows them access to ongoing training.

Impressively, they are one of the very few family daycares in the state of Michigan to recently achieve voluntary accreditation from the National Association for Family Daycare. This takes many hours, expense, and dedication. It is my understanding that accreditation is a very good indicator of daycare quality, but I discovered it is difficult to find.

Most importantly, as a full-time working mother, I knew I needed to find a place where my daughter could bond with her day care providers, would receive both structure and fun, and would be appreciated for her 'spiritedness,' as I had witnessed some daycare providers calling babies who prefer to sit quietly and play independently 'good babies/ while more active babies are perceived to be burdensome. All babies and children at Country Peas are regarded as unique, but equally valuable.

After all my searching, phone calls, Internet research for violations, etc. I knew the minute I met Angela and saw her center that it was right for Ella. This was such a relief that I became a bit tearful as I drove away.

Our experience at Country Peas Group Daycare

Our experience so far at Country Peas has far exceeded my expectations, and brought a great deal of peace to this first time Mom. The environment is always clean and welcoming. We are always greeted at the vestibule by one of the workers to help transition to 'daycare time.' In our house, we always joke that Ella gets bored at home because she thinks daycare is a 'non-stop baby party.' Yet still, fun is balanced by structure. Ella has learned many skills in just a few months of being there, and as new parents with no experience with babies, so have we. For example, we learned that Ella knows perfectly well how to place her sippy cup on the table instead of throwing it on the floor, because she learned this at daycare. We still think of her as our baby, so sometimes we forget how fast she learns in the right environment.

The final piece of the 'daycare puzzle' for our family was that I very much wanted a daycare that had staff who were not offended if I did not understand why something was done, or had a concern. Angela and her staff view taking care of children as a partnership, with, of course, the parent having the ultimate say. I never feel afraid to ask questions, and any suggestions are delivered in a direct, but non-threatening and gentle manner. We are always called if there is a concern, but are not called constantly for minor issues,
The best way I can describe Country Peas is deep relief that comes from being able to get my work done during work hours and know that Ella is happy, appropriately stimulated, safe, well-cared-for, and loved. This is a great gift that Country Peas gives to both children and parents.

Please feel free to call if you have further questions or concerns. I am happy to provide information. My home phone number is (Phone number hidden for privacy. Please call us for release of this number.)

Sincerely,
Emily Woltmann, M.S.W., Ph.D.

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Dear Angela,

I suppose this day would have to come sooner or later, but I have never been able to imagine it and still cannot. You are the BEST!! I cannot even begin to describe how much you have done for our family. There is no one else I would want to take care of and nurture my children and no one could do it the way you do. I still remember meeting you for the first time and my sweet baby felt safe enough to leave my arms and play with your toys and then come over to hug you. Rob and I smiled at each other and we knew you were the one we felt safe with too.
Thank you Angela for everything and most of all for the love you've given our sons and us.

We love you,
Mitch, Milo, Traci and Rob

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Dear Parents,

If our 2-year old were writing this letter he would say "Aiya's! MMEEEEEE" And they pretty much say it all.

If you are interested in more detail though, please read on. Country Peas is a place where our son can play, learn, draw pictures, garden, explore, sing, dance, jump in leaves and most importantly just be himself. When we were looking for a daycare it was necessary that we find a place that:

- provided stability with consistent caregivers instead of a continuous change in providers or classrooms.
- reflected diversity in the children and caregivers.
- served healthy foods and would support our own dietary preferences.
- would use our cloth diapers.
- incorporated loving structure and consistency.
- allowed for part- or full-time schedules.
- simply felt right.

We found all that and more with Angela at Country Peas. In tact, during our first visit our "watch for a while and take it all in” son actually left our side to interact with Angela and explore. We were stunned. As we looked at each other we knew we had found the right place.

What we had not counted on though was the most important thing -- the love, respect and joy Angela, Zina and Svetlana continuously show the children. They nurture their individual wants and needs, rather than herding them around all day. When there is a problem or someone is misbehaving. Angela sits on the couch with the kids and talks to them. We love this, as it is yet another example of the love and respect exhibited at Country Peas.

Furthermore, having over 30 years experience raising children. Angela has suggestions for any situation. She is willing to discuss whatever might arise, and respects your final decisions.

We truly feel our son could not he in a better or more supportive environment, and cannot speak more highly of Country Peas. Please don't hesitate to call if you would like more information.

Sincerely,
Staci and Rob Russell
(Phone number hidden for privacy. Please call us for release of this number.)

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Dear Parents,

I am writing this letter of recommendation for the Country Peas Day Care. We have our 2 year old daughter and our infant son enrolled in this center. We couldn't be more pleased with the wonderful care they have received from Angela Keselman and the rest of the staff.

When our daughter Miriya turned a year old, we decided to move her into a daycare that was closer to my husband's new job. We researched the area daycares thoroughly and performed many site visits. Our primary objective was to find a daycare setting that was sale and loving and would be a nurturing environment for our child.

I am very aware of the importance of child development in these early years and am extremely picky about daycare. I wanted to find for my daughter and son a place that would support them developmentally and in a manner that is consistent with my own philosophy on child rearing. Many of the daycares I visited had an impersonal institutionalized feeling that prompted me to look into home day care settings.

When we came across Country Peas it was immediately apparent that this was the type of place our children would thrive in. We felt very comfortable with the staff and confident in the safety of our children. The days are full of activities that provided enough structure to keep our active two year old busy and infant son entertained.

What struck me most about Country Peas was that they had abundant hugs, kisses and patience with the children among the staff. Miriya and Tomas clearly love going to daycare every morning and to me that is a key indicator that this was the right choice. I recommend Country Peas to any parent that is searching for a place that will give them peace of mind that their child is well cared for and stimulated to learn and grow. This is a safe environment that recognizes the needs of the different developmental stages of children. And most importantly it is a loving nurturing environment.

I would be happy to answer any questions to parents considering Country Peas for their child.

Sincerely,
Shelagh Saenz
(Phone number hidden for privacy. Please call us for release of this number.)

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Dear Parents,

It is with unbounded enthusiasm that I recommend the Country Peas Day Care facility. This is a home-based daycare that is run under the loving care of Angela Keselman. A friend whose child had never been enrolled in the facility recommended this day care to me. They relocated to the state of Washington before their term began but nevertheless, they were so impressed with the facility that they were comfortable in praising the center. To support this, after my first visit to meet with Angela, my search was over. Angela is someone whose love of children has no constraints and this quality is an integral part of who she is. She has an ingrained ability to sense what a child needs and is very patient in allowing the child to become comfortable with new surroundings. My son was two years old when he started and had previously been at home with his grandmother. Therefore, it was important to me that the daycare be an extension of a home environment and not like an institution. Country Peas is in Angela's home and it feels so much like home that my son did not want to leave after his first visit; this has continued each day we pick him up — he smiles at me when I come to the center and then promptly runs off to play with another tog. I frequently linger for 20 minutes chatting easily with Angela and her colleagues while my son continues to play.

Each day is highly organized, providing the necessary structure small children need but cleverly disguised within an envelope of loving support and run. The group is small allowing a large amount of attention to be lavished upon each child. Angela's colleagues Svetlana, Zina and more recently, Gloria, are all very attentive and caring. The management of the center is seamless, as any of them will know how my son is doing when I call during the day.

Arts, crafts, counting and reading are among the activities each day. When the weather is agreeable, they play outside in the back yard. Additionally, the children are encouraged to and work very well together. This is evident, as my son at home, will frequently asks for the other children by name. Driving to the daycare each morning is a pleasure as he is so excited to see his friends again. Smiling faces abound; other parents are cheerful and friendly, their children are very playful with me when I come and they rush to the door welcoming my son when he arrives in the morning. It is without exaggeration when I say that I can get my work done during the day as my mind is at rest knowing my son is in the capable hands of Angela Keselman and her colleagues.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Dzakpasu