ARC Broward, Inc.

I didn't like anything about this school. Was not impressed with the staff. Was not impressed with what they had to offer.Perhaps this is suitable for those who are unable to afford anything else and have no other choise. If you have the financial means then this school isn't for your child. They have very low standards for child development.
--Submitted by a parent

I hate to admit it, but I was a little hesitant about enrolling my daughter with special needs at ARC Broward after reading some of these reviews. However, after touring the school and speaking with both the staff and other parents I felt that this might be right place for my child. All of the classrooms were neat and clean, the new playground is just beautiful, and the children were all engaged in activities with the staff. My daughter loves waking up and going to school every morning. I get a note each afternoon explaing what she did during the day. I know that she is safe and well taken care of while at school. Even better, she is able to get additional Medicaid therapies at school so I don't have to run back and forth to different therapy centers anymore! I'm not sure about why other parents seem to have had such negative experiences, I couldn't imagine a better place for my daughter!
--Submitted by a parent

My child made amazing progress while at ARC. He began walking within months of starting school, and also learned to use some signs. I loved his classroom teachers and everyone that worked there. Great school for kids with special needs.
--Submitted by a parent

Arc Broward is a terrible preschool for children with unique learning abilities. My experience with the staff was terrible. A lot of parents give so much credit to the development and progress of their child to the school itself, not realizing that your child would probably progress regardless of the schooling. Especially younger children who are on the brink of milestones anyway! Don t like the school, like the staff even less. Would not recommend this school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

I have also had a wonderful experience with ARC. Many parents feel the need to put their special needs child in a PLACE program and assume this is better because they are in a public school environment with 'normal' children. I have observed PLACE classes and this does not seem to be the case. The PLACE children are often put in a portable far from the main school building, forced to walk outside in the heat and rain. The staff are not nearly as caring as those at ARC and many PLACE classes have very high ratios. The classroom staff and administrative team at ARC are wonderful and are truly concern with the welfare of my child. I wouldn't want him anywhere else and will be sad when he has to go to kindergarten!
--Submitted by a parent

Fortunately, I CANNOT relate to the parent who did not have a good experience at ARC. Our experience has been wonderful! Born weighing just over 1 pound, my son is doing incredible, largely in part to the dedicated staff of ARC! At 3 1/2 yrs. old, my son is starting his 2nd year at ARC and has gone from walking with a walker, speaking 2 words and signing 2 words to taking independent steps, speaking over 20 words and signing 8 words. The staff does an excellent job communicating with one another as well as the parents to promote progress and meet goals. On 3 different ocassions I was impressed to be called by the school nurse informing me of a mark on my son that he went to school with and I had forgotten to inform the staff of. We're grateful to ARC, thank you!
--Submitted by a parent

ARC Broward preschool has left me very unhappy. My personal experience with them is that when you try to advocate for your child, they close the door of communication on you. No one is willing to even try to see things your way. The teachers and aides seem as though they have a love to teach the children... but they are just 'babysitting' our children with learning disabilities. You are better off having your child fully included in the general education with supports and services. Inclusion is better then segregation clusters. My daughter would come home with marks on her as well and no one ever knew why. I would not recommend this school to anyone as it has damaged my child and I don't want it to damage any other child, especially our 'special children' whom most of the time can't tell you about their day.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a special needs son who is in his third year of attendance at ARC Broward. Our experience has been beyond my expectations. Since his enrollment, my son has gone from walking with a walker to walking independently, from being non-verbal to a vocabulary of 35 words and growing, from not knowing how to engage in play with other children to roleplaying. While my husband and I do our best, as full-time working parents, we could not have possibly accomplished all these things with our son as quickly or comprehensively as ARC Broward has. The teachers, administrators, therapists and staff are so supportive and helpful. We all work as a collaborative team to ensure my son is achieving his IEP goals. If you are considering ARC Broward for your special needs child, I cannot say enough wonderful things about the school and our experience. You will be well served.
--Submitted by a parent

I completely disagree with the post by the 'geniunely concerned parent'. I have been nothing but satisfied with the services offered at ARC Broward and appreciate the care and concern given by the administrative staff, aides, and therapists in my childs care. The statements made in the post by the 'geniunely concerned parent' are outrageous!! My child has a great 'team' behind him and we are constantly getting feedback and working as an interactive team for the benefit and welfare of my child. I hvae never met a disappointed parent as parents talk frequently with each other because we are all in similar situations and look to each other for comfort and support. I am grateful that ARC has taken a vested interest in my child and family. Thank you.
--Submitted by a parent