Kinder U?

My son joined several activities in different centres before.

When he was bb, he attended playgroup in Kindermusik by Catherine in Central. They are not pushy, and the teacher, Natalie, really has the passion and loves kids. They never persuaded me to join more classes or pay more $$$....while the atmosphere is very comfortable.
Although my son doesn't attend classes in their centre anymore, but I will join their X'mas, Easter Party, and organize birthday party there.

When my son was 3 yrs old, I joined Little Gym in TST. I joined because my son was very active, and I think the activity is suitable to his motor development. In fact, I didn't like the centre as they are quite pushy. For example, after the first trial lesson, while I was very busy taking care of my son, cleaning the hands, wearing socks, they kept on persuading me to join their program, talking about promotions. I really hate it coz they didn't care how much I feel or my son enjoyed the class. The only goal is persuade me to join it. Finally, I quit after one program although my son loved there.

My son started attending Kinder U French classes last year. However, we quit few months later although he learnt some French there. Similar reason, too money oriented and commercial. I have visited there and asked information in reception, and their manner is terrible, won't say thank you, lost my contact info twice as they never followup and send me info. However, when they want to promote things, I always receive their phone message and email...quite annoying...When my son attended the class, other staffs will not smile and say hello to kids.....to me, they just like 'office people' instead of people who loves working with kids.

My musikbox, my son attended several programs there, and he enjoyed a lot. The atmosphere is nice too.

my son is attending K1 in Tutor Time. very positive comments and feedback. I heard that they organize playgroup in Kowloon campus on weekend, but I don't know the details of it.
 
Agree about kindermusik by Catherine, we go there and my baby (and me) loves it much. They are not pushy after the trial class, cheaper rate too for $160 (less discount) per session.
 
We've received the following response from KinderU. They are working on resolving the issues discussed.



Dear Parents

Your comments about KinderU are noted and appreciated:

1. Manner of the Customer Service Staff

All members of the CS staff have been given a copy of the comments made by
the geobaby parents and we will enhance our internal training procedures to
ensure that the incidents complained of do not happen again. We sincerely
apologise should any parent been offended.

2. Teaching materials

Since mid-May, our CS staff have been instructed that the purchase of
standard teaching materials are strongly recommended but NOT mandatory. The
materials match the curriculum and we see it to be important that parents
buy a set for support and revision purpose at home. However, parents have
the absolute choice as to whether they do buy the teaching materials. We
used to give out black and white word cards that we printed using our
photocopier (raw and homemade). The new set are all manufactured in
accordance with the size, colour and material standards laid down by Dr.
Glenn Doman's Institute of Achievement of Human Potentials.

3. KinderU is NOT just a playgroup

We make no apologies for the fact that we need commitment from parents and
their understanding that they cannot come in and out whenever they want.
All of our courses follow a curriculum for the best interest of the child.
We trust that we need commitment from parents to work with us for their
child to gain the maximum benefit. We therefore collect a deposit for some
of our courses.

4. KinderU being too commercial?

Rightmind Kindergarten started as a mother's effort to build a career and at
the same time being able to mind (Mrs. Betty Ho) her two elder sons.
KinderU was later established by reason of her pursuit of quality early
childhood education as inspired by Doman and Shichida.

While commercialism and profit motive do play a part in the operations, it
is by no means the only purpose. We trust that parents who own and operate
a business in Hong Kong understand the challenge and pressure faced by
KinderU in rental costs and HR. At present, KinderU pays huge rent to Sung
Hung Kai, Hutchison and ETON Group. All these landlords are commercial
giants and/or listed companies. Just like any other business, KinderU needs
to generate adequate revenue to maintain quality and survive.

5. Comments from Mrs. Sun

This morning, I met with a KinderU parent and a potential parent for
Rightmind Kindergarten. She just joined KinderU and was visiting Rghtmind
Kindergarten. She said: "I have four friends who attended KinderU. Two of
them love it and two of them did not like it." She went on to ask: "Why the
diversity?". I could not answer her question at the time. Suffice it to
say that I sleep well each night knowing that we try our best at all times
to deliver the best in early childhood education to parents in Hong Kong.
We are tremendously proud of the achivements of KinderU parents and their
child over the past 5 years.

We are far from perfect but will keep on trying :).

Thanks to all of you for your kind criticism. I will not rest until I see
all negative aspects retified. Please feel free to write direct to
[email protected] should you have comlpaints about KinderU and/or
Rightmind Kindergarten in future. Please write to me if you have a genuine
grivence and give me the opportunity to "right the wrong".

Thomas Ho
Program Director/Father of three sons
 
I still think the operation is "weird". I called them up last week with the intention of enrolling my son to their summer course, but the lady on the phone refused to send me the price list for the various courses they offer. She said I have to tell her which course I am interested in, and she will tell me verbally on the phone as the price list is "private"!!!!!!!
 
I also have a problem with Thomas's answer for the Home materials.

My DD started there from 4.5 months up until now (she is now 14 months). i love the place and she likes it too. Although Thomas said that the material is not mandatory but if you don't want to purchase the set you have to pay extra( I think it is around HKD170/month) to get the material. So actually it is a MUST to pay extra for the material.
I did purchase the material set but I just want to clarify this point. I never have a impression that we have a choice not to buy the material in set or pay every month.
 
When i saw the video on youtube, KinderU intrigued me. But it had me wondering if the babies are simply memorizing the look of the words that have been flashed in front of them. I wonder if I walked up and scribbled a word would the baby be able to read it?

Can anyone who has written in the earlier posts let us know if their baby can read any word that is written on the board. I havent read anything about it on the earlier posts.

And I dont mean 3 year olds and up. Becuase i know of several 3 year olds that can read. It's not that unusual.
 
cristletips said:
When i saw the video on youtube, KinderU intrigued me. But it had me wondering if the babies are simply memorizing the look of the words that have been flashed in front of them. I wonder if I walked up and scribbled a word would the baby be able to read it?

Can anyone who has written in the earlier posts let us know if their baby can read any word that is written on the board. I havent read anything about it on the earlier posts.

And I dont mean 3 year olds and up. Becuase i know of several 3 year olds that can read. It's not that unusual.
Click to expand...

My understanding of the 'reading' that a 'baby' does is this:
It is memorisation. In exactly the same way as learning Chinese characters is memorisation, since there is no phonetic system.

At KinderU, the babies are taught to look at an English word as a whole and recognise it as if it were an ideogram. Then, later (I don't know exactly; I'm guessing around 3-4yrs old) they will be able to
decipher new words based on experience (unlike Chinese characters). So, for example, they've learned the words 'cat', 'hand', 'daddy' and 'shirt'. They would then be able, apparently, to logically work out how to read 'caddy', 'sand', 'dirt' and so on. This is helped along by the teaching of phonics (Letterland) from about 2 years.

That's my understanding. Seems sensible. I have no evidence yet that it works; my daughter has just started (a bit late, it seems).
 
just been to their seminar (kinder U), quite good. waitlisting for their class on sat. also did free trial at kindyroo & kindermusik.
 
Bear Lau said:
I also have a problem with Thomas's answer for the Home materials.

My DD started there from 4.5 months up until now (she is now 14 months). i love the place and she likes it too. Although Thomas said that the material is not mandatory but if you don't want to purchase the set you have to pay extra( I think it is around HKD170/month) to get the material. So actually it is a MUST to pay extra for the material.
I did purchase the material set but I just want to clarify this point. I never have a impression that we have a choice not to buy the material in set or pay every month.
Click to expand...

Received the following from KinderU


The purchase of materials in NOT mandatory. There is also NO EXTRA to be paid if you decide NOT TO buy the materials. We will make this point very clear in the upcoming seminars. Many apologies for the confusion. However, we do trust that the materials do help with the child's learning if used consistently in the correct way.

How do babies read?

For parents who are interested in the subject, please read "How to teach your baby to read" by Dr. Glenn Doman or come and attend the KinderU seminar. We will explain the mechanics and logistics to you clearly.

KinderU
 
KinderU's response:


Dear Parents

KinderU Appreciates Your Comments
KinderU will comb-through comments made by parents and make improvements where necessary. We apologize if some of our staff are "green" and this is why we ask parents to write directly to [email protected] if they are not happy with answers given by our staff at the front desk. If we need them to answer all questions, we will need to send them to US and Japan for
training. They will get there but it may take some time. (We will hurry them along.)

Questions and Answers

Parents' questions come in all forms, sizes and shapes and we will try
harder to train our staff better to satisfy the most demanding parent.
KinderU seminars on the subject of prenatal education, 0-2 early education and essence of kindergarten program ARE free-of-charge and all of them last around 120 minutes. Please save your questions and ask them at these seminars or write to [email protected].

Rules at KinderU

Parents and KinderU are both learning, both the hard way and the easy way. KinderU policies evolved over the years taking into account industry practices of established educational establishments. KinderU is always willing to listen to reasonable suggestions. Parents who managed a school or business before will be sympathetic towards why we set certain rules in certain ways. Whilst children have fun at KinderU, KinderU IS NOT a playgroup and does not operate in that fashion.

E.g. While some parents consider "seminar before enrollment" to be snobbish and unnecessary (in the playgroup world), others consider that this weeds out those parents who have no time and no commitment on right brain education.

"Transferring classes, absences, refund policy, etc." are sensitive issues. When a school has over 700 children enrolled into close to 1000 courses per month, 10% requests on "Transferring classes, absences, refund, etc." can cause logistic havocs. Parents' understanding and support will always be appreciated by KinderU.

"Maybe you could do a search on the forums too, people have complained about KinderU and a few other centers here for a few years, but it's funny how everyone still learns the hard way."

THERE IS NOTHING FUNNY HERE :) KINDERU TREATS COMPLAINTS MORE SERIOUS THAN ANYOTHER SCHOOL WITH SINCERITY. BTW, KINDERU PARENTS ARE JUST AS SMART AS ALL OTHER PARENTS. IF WE DO NOT TREAT OUR JOB SINCERELY, NO PARENT WILL
STAY.

KinderU's Teachers

"Make sure you ask how long the teacher has been teaching. Several parents discovered that some of the teachers there have NEVER taught before. No surprise in Hong Kong, but always find a teacher who has taught for at least 2 years or more before your child becomes their guinea pig."

Teaching an active, action packed program where teachers speak with strong voice, dance, sing and roll around with your child for two consecutive years, 5.5 hours a day is likely to boredom even to the best teacher. KinderU sees staff turnover to be reasonable and KU teachers are well-sought after in the industry. They are young and we encourage them to take a serious teaching career and join our own KG or other KG. We even promoted some teacher to management level in the group.

It is true that some of our best teachers never taught before BUT they became the best teachers. Many of the teachers in Hong Kong taught all their life and they are boring, lifeless and ready for the dump. We started someone last month and she is now one of the best performing teachers. "Length" of time in the industry is not a matter of concern when it comes to teaching a child (0-6) to learn in a fun, factual and joyous manner.

Too Commercial?

KinderU needs to turn a profit to pay HR & Hong Kong rental in the heart of Causeway Bay. Profit is a motive and initiative and is the motto of Hong Kong spirit. KinderU starts with prenatal education and we are proud to know a child before they were born and now we see them in our kindergarten starting K1 in 2007/08 (KinderU started BabyPlus in 2005).

Conclusion

If we have done well, praises are welcomed and appreciated. If we have made mistakes, your fair criticisms are also appreciated. Cynical comments break the spirit of those who are trying hard to make a difference in standard Hong Kong style early education. Sob....sob.....

KinderU
 
KinderU is right!

It is basically a profit making institution, and we all have the freedom to decide whether to enroll in kinderU or not. If you believe in the product then you have the right to enroll and don't complain about their policies etc. If not, then it is a simple matter of not enrolling in kinderU and contributing to their profit.

Just my 2 cents.
 
It's been a couple of months now since all the KinderU controversy. Has anyone noticed any positive changes since? I am thinking of sending my twins (5 months old) there but I am hesitant especially as I have heard nothing good about the place! I also disagree with their refund policy. I think if the child is sick and cannot make a class, a refund should be given as this is out of the parent's (and child's) control. It is not a matter of discipline.

Anyway, would be good to hear something positive about KinderU (if there is anything to hear)...
 
I have had experience with both baby buddies and kinder u. I agree with the comment that KU is very money orientated. they just try to impress parents with their "programs" and have little regard for the child and whether or not they are actually going to enjoy it. Way too serious and not fun! Baby Buddies on the other hand has a very caring and "learn thru play" approach which i much prefer. My son has loved BB and I have also enjoyed the lessons there. I can see that a lot of effort has gone into making their program varied and interesting as well as educational.
 
talk2amy said:
I also disagree with their refund policy. I think if the child is sick and cannot make a class, a refund should be given as this is out of the parent's (and child's) control. It is not a matter of discipline.
Click to expand...

In my experience, this is standard practice. I can see how it would otherwise be an administrative nightmare.

My daughter goes to both and I have complaints about both. The English teacher at KinderU has left and they have no replacement until September.

And Baby Buddies is cancelled this week so the teachers can prepare! And we've paid for the whole month. I can accept this only because BB is so much cheaper than other places.
 
Anyone know anything about KinderU Kowloon? Where is it and will they offer the same courses? I only know that it will be run under a different management team as it is a franchise (I received an e-mail from KinderU announcing this), hopefully they will not be as pushy. will see.

I am thinking of enrolling my baby (when he is born) to their class for 0-4months. Has anyone tried this class? I can't remember the name but am wondering. They are supposed to do exercises and massages in the class. Would appreciate any comments. Does Baby Buddies offer classes for 0-4 months too?
 
I asked them about KinderU Kowloon. They said it will open around Nov/Dec time "probably" in Prince Edward. The person who answered the phone didn't know any more than that. I'm going to the KinderU parents seminar next week so will ask more.
 
kashismum said:
In my experience, this is standard practice. I can see how it would otherwise be an administrative nightmare.

My daughter goes to both and I have complaints about both. The English teacher at KinderU has left and they have no replacement until September.

And Baby Buddies is cancelled this week so the teachers can prepare! And we've paid for the whole month. I can accept this only because BB is so much cheaper than other places.
Click to expand...

So what happens now if the English teacher at KinderU has left? Do the classes just stop?! Don't they have more than 1 English teacher?

Also, apart from Baby Buddies closing for a week, is it any good?
 
talk2amy said:
So what happens now if the English teacher at KinderU has left? Do the classes just stop?! Don't they have more than 1 English teacher?

Also, apart from Baby Buddies closing for a week, is it any good?
Click to expand...

You'd think they would have more than one English teacher, but apparently not. The classes continue with the Putonghua teacher so the class is one hour instead of two. Fees will be credited or refunded.

Baby Buddies is good. Admin less good. BB is English only. If that suits you and your child, I'd recommend it.
 
I have nothing against KinderU BUT....BUT...ANYTIME will pick babybuddy over KinderU if these two are the only choices.
 
Dear All,

KinderU Kowloon will be opened in Mongkok in November. It will be offering most of the classes which KinderU Causeway Bay offers, however, the management team will be completely different as it is a franchise.

As most of the comments are management related, I do hope that you will give KinderU Kowloon a chance as we really do hope to create a loving, caring as well as fun environment for your babies to learn in. I am very determined to make sure that this is so as my own baby girl (who is nearly 5 months now) will also be there most of the time so I want her to be happy too!

As we are currently preparing for the Grand Opening, I would welcome any thoughts and feedbacks from you, you can PM me directly. Being a mother, I can totally understand the feelings and comments you have made and will try my best to win you all back at KinderU Kowloon. :yeah2
 
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