Testimonials
Interested in finding out what others are saying about the Bar-T programs? The links to the left include testimonials taken directly from the family surveys that help us ensure we are providing exceptional values in all that we do.
Michael Brandwein is a world-renowned expert on the childcare and summer camp industry. Over the years he has visited many Bar-T programs and helped coach our staff. He was kind enough to write this letter as a testimonial as to the quality of Bar-T programs.
I have been familiar with Bar-T camps, school-based programs, and pre-k enrichment programs since 1999. I have observed on-site, met with, and trained Bar-T staff and directors of all of these programs. I have also spoken with parents of children who are program participants and with building principals and teachers at Bar-T sites.
Most importantly, I have sat on the floor with hundreds of Bar-T children of every age and have participated in activities with them.
All of these experiences have demonstrated to me that Bar-T runs exceptional programs. I have had the opportunity to work with educators and youth leaders of many kinds for over 20 years and the Bar-T operation is one of the most professional, well-organized, and dedicated that I have ever seen.
There are many different ways to evaluate programs, some more complex than others. But in the end the very best evaluation is, frankly, a simple one. We can just ask, "Would I want my own children to participate in these programs? Would I trust these people with my own children?" As the father of two children ages 12 and 8, these are not questions that I take lightly. I am pleased to say that, in the case of Bar-T, my answers to these questions are "yes." Here are a few of the reasons:
- The owners and directors are fine people who love children
- I have seen from their choices that they are truly dedicated to provide high quality services to families and communities, and that they view this very much as a mission, and not just a business that happens to have something to do with young people.
- They are not satisfied with what is merely adequate; they constantly strive for excellence, which is demonstrated by their consistent search for new ideas, creative approaches, continued education, and improvements in program and services; they are always asking "How can this be done even better?" and "What else can we do to serve our children and parents?"
- They are superb listeners.
- They are flexible and service-oriented.
- The understand that no two school sites are the same; they work very hard and seriously on building strong relationships with the schools on which program sites are located, using considerable time and expertise in adapting their programs to the unique needs and circumstances and "personalities" of each school.
- They are committed to training and supporting staff in a comprehensive way to support their continued growth and development.
- They have considerable successful experience working with children themselves, allowing them to apply their skills in leading others and giving them the ability to model excellent skills for staff.
A few special notes about the pre-k enrichment programs: Some of the best pre-k teachers I have ever observed teach in Bar-T classrooms. I have sat on the floor with their children and caught myself many times wishing that there were videotapes of what I have seen so that these positive examples could be shared with teachers across the country. I must admit wondering just before I visited these classes whether I would see "imitation kindergarten" that was essentially half-day child-care. I was delighted to see that the enrichment program presents early childhood education at its best and that a visitor would never be able to tell a Bar-T pre-k class from one offered by the school.
I have been particularly impressed with how the teachers and aides work flexibly and expertly with children with diverse needs. They are very focused on providing success for these young learners and do so with considerable skill and patience.
In summary, if I had to describe in two words what I've most observed about Bar-T programs and the people who run them, I would say that they are professional and caring.
Sincerely
Michael Brandwein