River's Edge Learning Tree Child Development Ctr.

River’s Edge daycare and GSRP programs have been exceptional for our family. My daughter has been there for almost 4 years, starting when she was 1 and continuing through their preschool program. She was born premature and has worked through speech delays, walking and crawling delays, behavioral challenges, motor skill delays, and a vision disorder that required surgery at UofM. We’ve had outside support too, but River’s Edge has been an incredible part of her growth and development during some very challenging years. Their staff has shown so much patience, empathy, and consistency while still preparing her for the real world. Once she entered preschool, they helped lead the process of developing an IEP/504 plan so she’ll have the support she needs in kindergarten for things like her vision disability. They didn’t just participate, they actively helped make sure she would have the strongest possible start at her new school. Every child there is treated like an individual. They take time to help each child grow in their own way and make them feel important and valued. They also put so much effort into creating meaningful experiences for the kids. Today was preschool graduation, and they threw a carnival complete with a petting zoo. The kids also received class t-shirts printed with each child’s name in their own handwriting, along with handmade keepsakes that parents will treasure for years. And that level of care isn’t just for special occasions, it’s part of the culture there. I know River’s Edge costs a little more than some other daycare options nearby, and I think that sometimes affects people’s perception. But before River’s Edge, we tried another daycare and the difference was night and day. We spent our time looking and thought we vetted them well, but there was constant staff turnover, communication was poor, we worried about safety because it was a mixed age program, questioned how much engagement she received from providers, and she had a persistent diaper rash. At River’s Edge, everything is documented, communication is clear, and the staff is genuinely engaged with the children. What you’re paying for isn’t just avoiding a bad daycare, you’re paying for an amazing one. Their food program exposed my daughter to all kinds of different foods, and now she’ll try almost anything once. They helped us navigate potty training so successfully that it honestly felt effortless. Even though we supported it at home, I truly think they deserve most of the credit. Most importantly, they helped nurture her emotionally, socially, and academically while making her feel safe and loved every day. We’re going to miss this program so much as she moves on to kindergarten, and I can’t thank everyone there enough for the role they’ve played in raising her. If you’re considering daycare or GSRP programs and River’s Edge has an opening, choose this one. The investment is absolutely worth it. They were the best village we could have asked for during this season if her life!