Goddard Preschool in Shiloh, Illinois: Pros and Cons

Will Sending Your Child to the Goddard School Provide Enough Bang for the Buck?

The Goddard School. It even SOUNDS exclusive, and expensive. But is it really worth the high tuition you would have to fork out monthly to send you kids there? I'm not sure of the exact current rate (the prices have went up at least twice in the first 18 months it has been open), but I can tell you that the infant room is priced at over $1000 per month and the prices descend based on age group. I believe that 3 and 4 year old preschool tuition is somewhere in the range of $700-750 per month. So, let's discuss what you get for this price.

Let's answer the most important question first. Do the teachers take good care of the kids and are they in a nurturing environment? The answer to both of those question would be yes. I believe the teachers really do care for the kids there. Also, being brand new, the building looks clean and well kept. Overall, these are great pros to the Goddard School.

Next question. Do they have nutritious meals for the children? This one is complicated. I think that they are strict about following state guidelines as to what they can and cannot serve, and the serving sizes. If that is the case, then sometimes I think the state is whack! Sometimes the children get great tasting meals and plenty of it. Sometimes the meals leave something to be desired-like MORE. Typical meals would be ravioli, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, spaghetti-o's, ham sandwiches, chicken noodle or tomato soup, or meatballs (a kid favorite!). Side dishes would be fruit and vegetables of course. However, with soup the kids get crackers and a fruit. Keep in mind that the soup is served in the standard sectioned plate-a little inconvenient for a 3-year-old trying to eat that way. But think of the poor 18-month old that receives the same meal! I'm not sure how they manage that. Sometimes there is plenty for the kids to eat more, sometimes they complain that they are still hungry. Overall, the Goddard School doesn't quite live up to their reputation in this area. The meals could have more of a variety and could have a little more flavor. I know that some meals (such as lasagna) were cut out due to expense.