This review is long overdue, and I feel compelled to share our experience at Sunshine Preschool to…read moreensure that no other child endures what my son has faced. My child attended this preschool from August to December 2024, and as a parent of a child on the spectrum, I was hopeful and optimistic about his experience. I communicated my son's struggles with new environments to Jennifer, who assured me that everything would be fine. While my son did have a challenging start, after three weeks, he began to adjust and thrive. We received weekly pictures and kind messages from Jennifer, which reassured me during tougher days.
However, a few months in, I noticed unsettling changes in my son's behavior. As any parent of a child on the spectrum knows, regression can happen for various reasons, and I initially attributed it to illness and the challenges of being around new peers. I tried to address these behaviors at home, relying on strategies I learned from his previous occupational therapist.
Then, an alarming incident occurred. After picking him up one day, my son revealed that a classmate--whom we'll refer to as Student A--had hit him. When I asked if he informed the teacher, he said yes, and described how Student A could be both nice and mean. I didn't think much of it at the time, believing the teachers had handled the situation.
But then, on December 29, everything changed. My son came to me in distress, saying that Student A was bullying him, throwing things at him, and even touching him inappropriately. He confided that he hadn't told me sooner because he feared that Student A would come to our house and harm us and our dog. Shockingly, he said this threat originated from his teacher. My son was in turmoil, hyperventilating and terrified of the repercussions of speaking out.
This incident has fundamentally altered my son's ability to play and interact with others, not only at school but even at the park. We immediately brought this to Jennifer's attention, as well as to our son's doctor. While Jennifer initially reached out, I later sent her a detailed email outlining the entire incident, yet to this day, I have not received a response.
I filed a report, but the unfortunate reality is that the young ages of the children involved make it difficult to pursue any action--especially when the teachers deny any wrongdoing. It's disheartening and infuriating. My son has been profoundly affected by this experience, requiring therapy and now grappling with trauma that could have been prevented.
I urge parents to carefully consider their options when selecting a preschool. Ensure that your child will be protected and supported. My son deserved better, and no child should have to endure what he went through. Please, take this into account when making your decision. Your child's safety and well-being depend on it.
I'm also willing to show anyone proof of the messages that were sent back and forth to Jennifer ( the messages contain more details of the incident that happened)