At the Early Childhood Research Center, parents consistently share how our programs have positively shaped their children’s growth and learning. These testimonials reflect the confidence and trust families have in our staff as they watch their children thrive in our care.
My husband and I have been ECRC parents since 2019 when our oldest was 2 years old. She and our second child have since aged out of the program, but our third is in the Pre-K class and our youngest will start in the Toddler room in summer 2025.
I cannot say enough good things about ECRC. The staff is phenomenal, from the directors and lead teachers to the interns that are often at the center for only one semester as part of their undergraduate education. From the way the children are greeted at drop-off to the end-of-the day pick-up routine, every part of the day is well thought out and helps maintain consistency and an optimal learning environment for the kids.
The class sizes are small and there are so many teachers in the rooms that each child receives a lot of individual attention. There is a strong focus on curiosity, and I have seen classroom teachers add lessons to dive deeper into an interest that is shared by several students in the class. The kids are outside every day and are moving their bodies all day long, both outside and inside. I have watched for years as the teachers at the center apply current best practices to their teaching with the students, focusing on a play-based approach which is backed by much of the early education research. Additionally, the staff maintains constant communication between the teachers and the families, and makes themselves available at any time to discuss concerns or weigh in on issues such as whether to have a child tested through Early Intervention or when to send a child with a late birthday to kindergarten.
We watched our oldest two children make seamless transitions from ECRC to kindergarten, although they both wished that ECRC could have continued into elementary school. We truly believe that much of their success in that transition was because of how ECRC prepared them for elementary school. The play-based approach and consistent routine alone make ECRC a great place for young children, but what I believe makes ECRC such an amazing preschool is the staff.
“From the way the children are greeted at drop-off to the end-of-the day pick-up routine, every part of the day is well thought out and helps maintain consistency and an optimal learning environment for the kids.”
I have no doubt that starting my children at the ECRC sets them up for success in elementary school and beyond because its teachers and staff are patient, kind, well-informed, and flexible. It is not an exaggeration to say that sending my children to ECRC has been one of the best parenting decisions I have ever made.
A few years ago, while looking for a daycare for our 2-year-old daughter, a couple of colleagues mentioned that their kids had attended a research program on UB’s campus. They both spoke highly of the program, so we arranged a visit. During that visit, we saw kids joyfully playing and reading with their teachers, and we both noticed how engaged everyone was. At that time, we were very concerned as Melina had stayed home till that point and had not been exposed to a class environment, was attached to mom and dad, and only spoke Portuguese and Greek, our native languages. After a 15-minute discussion with Keely, the associate director of ECRC, we were convinced this was the right program for our daughter. Two years later, we are very thankful to all the teachers who welcomed Melina with a lot of patience and love for what they do day in and day out, taught her English, and gave her confidence and curiosity to explore the world.
Every morning, when we drop her off at the hug of a teacher, we know she is in good hands and that she will have a day filled with meaningful activities carefully planned by the ECRC team.
When we pick her up we get a brief summary of her day from the teachers, and on the way back home Melina tells us what games she played with her classmates and teachers, what books she read, what she learned about worms, robots, what role she played when they all simulated a dentist's office etc.
“Two years later, we are very thankful to all the teachers who welcomed Melina with a lot of patience and love for what they do day in and day out, taught her English, and gave her confidence and curiosity to explore the world.”
All in all, we are grateful to the ECRC teachers and volunteers for how they have helped Melina grow the last two years, and how they have helped us handle our anxieties as first-time parents.
ECRC holds a very special place in my heart. I had the privilege of working there as a teacher for several years, and it was truly one of the most pivotal experiences of my professional journey.
The center’s commitment to child-centered, developmentally appropriate practice and its supportive, reflective teaching culture helped me grow tremendously as an educator. Now, as a parent, it’s incredibly meaningful to see my own child thrive in the same nurturing and inspiring environment. The teachers are warm, thoughtful, and deeply dedicated, and the strong partnership with families makes ECRC feel like a true community.
“Now, as a parent, it’s incredibly meaningful to see my own child thrive in the same nurturing and inspiring environment.”
I’m so grateful to be connected to a place that values both children and the adults who care for them so deeply.