Wild Poppy Atelier

"Wild Poppy is one of three amazing institutions dedicated to early childhood enrichment (Bambini and Vasaio Atelier being the other two). We began our journey at Bambini in February 2023. My son was almost 10 months and we were very unhappy with his care prior to that. My partner and I spent a lot of time touring and talking with childcare providers in the greater St. Charles region. When we stepped into Bambini, we just knew it was different. All schools, including Wild Poppy, implement a Reggio style philosophy that allows child-led learning through play and exploration. There is a heavy emphasis on nature and that can be seen throughout the buildings. I remember the first time that we stepped into one of the buildings, I felt an immediate calm presence. There are not brightly colored walls, toys, or letters plastered all over the walls which often evoke overstimulation. You are greeting with beautiful pictures of former children at play, neutral colors, nature replicated inside, science, and occasional shiny things that catch your eye. It is clearly a place of learning and exploration. We met Kathy (owner), after hours, so that she could completely focus on us. It was, by far, the best experience I've had with touring a facility. After expressing interest from that introduction, we were invited back to see the children and instructors at work. It was great to have all of our questions answered ahead of time and just be able to observe the environment. Fast forward to today, we are currently at the Wild Poppy facility. I have an almost 2 year old who has grown and developed through many sensory experiences that encourage him to explore and play. The activities are very well planned and open-ended so that he can learn in the ways that he is interested in learning. Initially, there was a lot of introduction to different textures, shapes, colors, light, etc. That still exists today but now he is building towers on a light table, cooking with mud, and using imaginary play throughout the day. We could not be any happier with the care and instruction he has been given. Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. My little man has a BIG personality. We've been through the biting phase and we are currently learning how to use hands gently and recognize how some actions hurt others. This is all typical 1-2yr old behaviors as they learn to navigate life. Kathy and her team of instructors have partnered with us and strategized to help my son learn through these moments. I could not ask for a better outcome or partners. Finally, I want to recognize this business as one who is honest and transparent with their families. This quality is one that proves the that they care. They care about my child. There isn't a better feeling of dropping your child off each weekday knowing that they are in the hands of people that care."

"My daughter has been at Wild Poppy for about 6 months now. We kept her home with family until she was about 18 mos old. Transitioning her to daycare was one of the scariest and most difficult things to do as a parent. We had searched high and low for the right fit for her. We visited Wild Poppy and immediately knew she needed to be enrolled. The owners treated her like she was their own child. They got down on the floor and played with her and were not phased by her toddler meltdowns. They assured me that I would be in constant communication via the brightwheel app. Every promise has been kept. I now love dropping my daughter off everyday and seeing her smiling face in the pictures they send me. She is so happy. We drive over 45 min to keep her at Wild Poppy. You cannot put a price on knowing that your child is happy and safe every single day. The teachers are fantastic and patient. I cannot say enough. I tell everyone I can about this program. They are always just as impressed as I am. Seriously could not ask for more!"

"My child started at Wild Poppy 13 months ago and I’ve never second guessed a day of it! Throughout the three classrooms he’s aged up in, each staff member has created their own personal bond and relationship with my son. Getting to know exactly who he is, his likes and dislikes, & sitting back to let him figure those things out for himself. The daily homemade meals, the pictures throughout the day, the environment he gets to be in.. it all makes Wild Poppy an amazing school. My son is creative and independent, he’s making friends and learning in a nature-based environment, all the while being supported in his own discovery of what life is and figuring out what he enjoys."

"Our son has been at Wild Poppy for about 6 months now. We have nothing but great things to say about the teachers, activities, food and care provided. The kids are frequently outside playing. The best part is that we can tell how much the staff loves and cares for our son."

"My son was disenrolled after 2 days by decision of the staff at Wild Poppy. The first day (Thursday) was understandably hard for him and there were some issues but the second day (Friday) we were not made aware that there was any issues and made to believe it was quite the opposite. Kathleen messaged us on Saturday advising us that they decided to disenroll him as he wasnt adapting. While I am appreciative that Kathleen made the abrupt decision that she did (rather than continue to take my money and possibly mistreat or neglect my son), I want to warn other parents that this daycare is really just a business at the end of the day. My child did not fit their "expectations", and was disenrolled without a meeting which is stated in their policy that they will do before decision of disenrollment. My biggest issue was that my son was not a danger to anyone or himself but he was an inconvenience to the staff and that is why they made the decision after one day which according to their own policy, they violated. One day is not enough for anyone, much less a toddler to adapt to a new environment, but this is their expectation. They dont want to work with a new child who might be struggling in a social setting or new to childcare, they simply dont have the resources but they also dont have the patience or know how. I wish i could say this was a one off scenario but there are other reviews here that you can read that state the exact same thing and ive talked to other parents who took their children out of this facility that have had same issues or similar. I will also add, she blatantly lied (or rather the instructors lied) about my son's prior in home situation in order to justify disenrolling him. My son is now working with teachers now that actually WANT to take the time to help children and is already starting to show improvement after only a few weeks. So much for being the "most intense" child they have ever worked with."