Students can’t wait to go to MudPies Downtown East each morning. In fact, parents are amazed at their children’s eagerness to learn at the child development center, a testament to the staff and innovative technology
Convenience for working parents and technology set the center apart. Tony Burton III, PhD, chief executive officer of MudPies, recognized growing development in the east side of town, including the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter where many of the parents work. It was the perfect location for a child care center.
Using technology to make sure students are “kindergarten ready” is a major focus at the wired center. Starting at age 2, students have access to computers, mobile tablets and interactive whiteboards. All classrooms have multimedia capabilities for teachers to receive information instantly.
The center uses Hatch iSmart technology products designed to increase school readiness skills. “The iSmart computers, iSmart tablets and the WePlaySmart Tables teach social skills and how to solve problems,” Burton said. “We are working with children for the first 2,000 days of their lives – which is basically up to 5 years of age – and preparing them for kindergarten.”
Parents are able to engage with their child during the day with access to an electronic camera system that allows them to see their child in the classroom. An electronic sign-in system with photo identification ensures that only registered parents and adults can pick up children. Security cameras offer 24-hour surveillance.
If there were not enough to boast about, MudPies has a five-star rating, the highest ranking that a child development center can achieve. Burton credits a quality staff, low ratio of student to teacher, and technology for the achievement. All lead teachers have a four-year degree. Future plans include before-and after-school programs for ages 5 through 12.
MudPies Downtown East is located on 251 East Seventh St. in Winston-Salem. For more information, call the center at +1.336.448.0342 or email MudPiesDTE@nwdc.org.
Photo courtesy of MudPies Downtown East
