Parent Testimonials

Notes from parents:

“It is an amazing privilege to have someone as insightful and communicative as you, Blanche, teaching and caring for our son. We feel that Raindrops is the perfect place for him right now and he is growing in ways he could not at home or in a traditional daycare situation. You have helped us to see him in new ways and modeled helpful ways to interact and play. We are truly learning from you, too. Thank you!!!”

-Rachel

“Davi was and still so happy! We spend more time in the forest before come back. He wants more, and more and I loved that he is asking to go back! We played school with Blanche (he always ask to play the day that he did. And I like because I can see what’s happening in his head), and he was imitating you telling: I was wandering, or she is saying hello with her eyes. I get emotional when a tell this because his first day in Raindrops was so beautiful even in his play.

I enjoy a lot! Was only one day and I could learn so many things just observing you and the kids. Thank you, Blanche!”

-Joyce

“Our family had the pleasure of being in Blanche's classroom for over two years. She instilled a love of nature in our daughter when she was only two years old. Many days, our daughter would return home, beaming with pride about her adventures with Blanche...with many stories about what sticks she had compiled, the dirt piles she had dug, or the bugs she had rescued. Blanche has a natural gift with young children. She exudes warmth that can instantly help a young child feel at home, and always has helpful, playful prompts to help guide children patiently through transitions and activities. As a parent, it was a privilege to be in Blanche's classroom -- she showed us how to stay present and mindful, encouraging us to learn alongside our children as a family. We appreciated having thoughtful discussions with Blanche not only on early childhood education, but also specifically about the importance of play in nature. A focus on play -- and especially play in the outdoors -- and fosters curiosity, observation of ones environment, and limitless imaginative exploration. In an ever evolving, fast-paced world, we look back fondly on those moments when we slowed time down, took a break from our scheduled lives, to play in nature with our children and their classmates. Today still, we carry with us our love of the outdoors as an important family value, and make it a priority to spend time together in nature. We will always treasure our time and memories with Blanche!”

—JoAnn and James To, Parents

"Blanche was my older daughter’s first preschool teacher and someone who will always hold a special place in our hearts! I’ll never forget when I dropped off my daughter for the first day of school, I was so upset after seeing my daughter cry out for me. I was feeling so anxious, but soon after, I received an email with a picture from Blanche reassuring me that she was doing great! I knew then that she was in good hands! Blanche is a nurturing and empathetic teacher and leader. I had the pleasure of spending time in the children’s classroom and saw first hand her expertise in redirecting, reflecting, and supporting the children in conflict resolution (by giving the children appropriate language to resolve their disagreements), Children always felt valued and heard in her presence and in her classroom. She also always encouraged outside play and took the children on long walks in the woods around their preschool. It was such a magical environment where my daughter thrived in her classroom.

A few years later, when my younger daughter was struggling with listening in her preschool class, I reached out to Blanche for strategies on how to support my daughter and encourage her to listen. The strategies that Blanche shared with me were practical and realistic and after working with her teachers, we saw improvements within a couple of weeks.

Blanche is truly one of a kind!"

—Jenny Bogard, Parent