A couple of weeks prior to my child being neglected and not being changed Timely, I had informed this Daycare owner that my child had been diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum! This is why my child is 4 years old and not completely potty-trained! The KinderCare just up the street understands this issue... And never blamed my child for any neglect because they didn't neglect him. Great Beginnings did. I have never brought my child there with a rash! He had a wound on his leg because this daycare did not change him for however long! So the audacity of the owner trying to shift the blame on my child not being potty trained is absolutely ridiculous... Considering he's been in several other daycares where this has not been an issue, I know where the blame lies. So we can go back and forth on this issue until we make it to court! Because I still have the pictures the day it happened. And that's the exact day I told these people my son would no longer attend this daycare! I just so happen to take him home and find the wound after. He had been giving me signals of abuse previously that I didn't understand until I found this wound. My child can't speak for himself , so I have to be the one to do so. This daycare knows that my son was unable to speak for himself... Which gave them license to neglect him! KinderCare down the street and NEVER neglected him. Or tried to blame him for his delays in speech and development! How dare you! You should be ashamed of yourself. I'm not the first parent to figure you out. The fact that you thought you could blame an innocent child shows how disgusting you are. And that you shouldn't be caring for any children. Let's ask KinderCare to provide their assessment of my child! Or the primary school he currently attends! You would look absolutely foolish! You stating that I brought my son in with a rash is an absolute LIE! If this had ever been an issue previously, why would I have said anything? He's never had a rash... And you have never reported a rash! I asked why an incident report wasn't drawn up. And the response was,' oh we hope Jax is okay why don't you come in and discuss the situation'... the reply to my initial review was an absolute lie!(ref attached )If that were the case you would have responded to my first inquiry with your phony fact! The fact that you say you can't attend to a child with special needs every half hour- just shows you were/are not equipped for the special needs that you were advised of! Which the next day there was an Autism pamphlet near the check-in! Was that some type of help? I was told that there was a speech therapy program?? Okay then why did I have to have my son assessed Elsewhere for you to understand he had speech issues for his age? There was also a teacher that previously worked there who was the only one to mention this... A week later she was gone. So this place doesn't like to employee people with actual credentials that want to help children. I think this is a place where people pass through when they realize their skills are better utilized to actually help children..., rather than neglect them for time management purposes. It's a good thing I took my child out of there! I would never step foot in this place again! So much so that I have to send my own posted envelope to get a tax document that could easily be uploaded, or sent in the mail. But because the owner is so difficult, and wants to control people is my opinion. Better me send the postage, then go up there and say what I have to say to their faces. Also I would have to record the whole incident because these people can't be trusted. Like I said before if you love your children, don't send them here. I won't go up there because I do love my child... Enough to have taken him out of that place, as well as not put myself in a situation to get in an altercation and end up in jail! I am livid that this person would actually try to say 4 months later that I brought my son in with a rash! Care to take dueling lie detector test? I'm ready! Kindercare can even attest to the fact prior to my son attending Great Beginnings, he never had rash issues despite the potty training! That's a fact. I have facts and this place has deflection. I guess they thought since my mom picked up my son the majority of the time, I would overlook this incident. But I will continue to defend my son against Any Lies! The nerve of a child caregiver, blaming an innocent child for their neglect. Had someone never appointed this ridiculous place out to me, I would have put my son back in KinderCare as I planned initially... good thing also I put him back in KinderCare in November after the incident... And they only reiterated what a true daycare it's supposed to be like... How it is supposed to function for the good of the children, and how special needs are addressed with attention, and CARE. Not neglect. Or excuses! read more

We were hesitant to send our child to Great Beginnings after reading all the negative reviews but we're glad we gave them a chance. We signed on during the transitional period and it was messy but they've proven themselves to be very hospitable and welcoming to us. They perform their duties professionally while still giving you a sense of true caring for the children. read more

My son is currently attending this daycare and it's not as bad as they say it is. Not sure exactly what happened before we got there but it's been great so far! read more

So, I have not used yelp since I was in college and living in the city. However, I cruise through reviews quite frequently. Had to create a new account seeing as I can't remember my ridiculously embarrassing email I used prior, that being said, pardon my lack of credible reviews. Now, on to it. My daughter has been at GBDC for a little over 6 months, not a long time, but just enough to get a good feel. From the moment we decided to go with this center I have been beyond happy. My daughter is learning basic Spanish words, as well as counting to 20, (I have an older child who struggled with this) confidently knowing all her colors and then some. This to me is very impressive. What I find even more impressive is the smile on my girls face when I pick her up. She is speaking with confidence, walking tall with confidence, and sharing what she has learning, you guessed it, with CONFIDENCE. That is not an easy task for a very keep to herself little girl, I know, I have two more just like her. That excitement she carries is straight from her teachers there at the center, and for that I am grateful! She always tells me how her lunch was, " so yummy, mommy!" Kids and teachers other than her own have treated her tiny little self with love and respect, what more can I ask for? So while I could probably keep going with my rave, I'll cut it short. I'm a little concussed as to why there are so many negative reviews on here? I guess everyone's either full of it and bitter, or just........ . There is not a bad thing to say, and I will forever tell anyone I know to send there kids to GBDC as well! Thank you ladies for all you do, and all the endless hard work to take care of my baby while I'm away! And for whoever is out there reading these reviews while endlessly searching for the "perfect" daycare for your perfect little, please don't only look at the negatives on here. I promise this center is worth the shot, if you don't believe me ask my little Bless. read more

My 4 year old son has been going to this day care here since he was one. He loves the owner, she is always loving to see my little guy. we have never had a bad situation here. I've even recommended this day care for my co workers baby, due in October, after she returns to work. My little guy loves learning at this school with all his friends! We will miss everyone next year when, he starts kindergarten. read more

We love this daycare . They have a really good summer camp program for school age kids. The place is nice and clean and the staff is very friendly . My kids love their teachers. They bring a lot of crafts and finished projects at home wich shows me they really engage them in a lot of activities. If you want a clean, friendly and very affordable environment for your child this is the place to go. read more

Great daycare center. Their staff are the best and they have a homey and friendly environment for all kids in different ages.

We have been at Great Beginnings Day Care Center for the last 3 month and have had a very positive experience. The staff is wonderful. They have done a great job managing transitions (starting at the day care, moving up to the next classroom, potty training, responding to changes at home). They are also very good about communication (every day information notes/ scheduling any meetings as need, sending home monthly news letters, lesson plans, calling you when your kid get even a small bump from tripping on the sidewalk so you don't freak out at pickup, etc). My son is excited to go to school, see his friends, tells me about things he learned at school. He absolutely loves his teacher Ms. Nadya and his Music teacher Mr.Archie. I am also pretty jealous of the food (Quality Catering) based on the monthly menu. On top of that, Great Beginnings is really great about not closing. We haven't had a snow day yet this year which is very important for the working parents. I would highly recommend this place. read more

We went to this daycare for 3 years, and loved it. Recently new owners purchased the facility. At first we were concerned as we had a great relationship with the old owners, but the new owners came in and made some fresh updates to the facility so we said great, all for it. Things were fine for the first 2 weeks...... BUT then they started cleaning house with the staff, 1 person gets let go you say okay there will be changes. I've worked for big corporations and with new leadership comes new policies and sometimes staff changes. My children are my first priority and one of the biggest reasons I chose this daycare 3 years ago was for the great teachers, who had tenure, strong child care backgrounds, and would provide stability for my kids. I went in and spoke with one of the owners about their plans and was assured over and over that they would not be letting anyone else go. I was told That they love Children to much to upset them like that,. Less then 2 weeks later they proceeded to get rid of 80% of the teachers. When I went back in to ask what was going on and who was taking care of my children, the answer I got was we have to do what is best for US. It was no longer about what is best for the Children. I immediately removed my children from their care. Their Assistance Director can get on here and write a review telling you what a wonderful place Great Beginnings is but I as a parent who had 2 children who attended there will tell you this is not the case. 70% of the families who went to Great Beginnings, have now pulled out. Really a great place, things that make you go hmmmm. Over the course of 3-4 weeks, that we were there with the new ownership I now know that I was lied to on many occasions. Some little like what are the children having for breakfast and others bigger. I can tell you that my children started to shows signs of stress, came home physically upset a few times about things that had been said to them or happened to them while at daycare. About the 2nd week of the new ownership my children started to fight going to daycare each day that had never happened in the 3 years prior. I can also tell you that we were not the only family that experienced being lied to, and manipulated, a majority of the families that were at this daycare are no longer there. Please keep in mind 80% of the teachers being let go is not a teacher issue it's a management issues, 70% of the families if not more leave a daycare it's not a parent issue it's a management issue. Please think twice before you go here, because in my opinion there are much better and SAFER options out there then Great Beginnings. read more

If I were an owner, I would also reply to a message to try to save face...naturally. I was simply being HONEST about MY experience. Other people may be having a great experience. I happen to know that when the price is right, and you have grown accustom to a certain schedule, you will turn a blind eye to many things. No one needs to lie about when their child has a fever. I took her temp as soon as I got home ...which is the main reason that I took her to the doctor, coupled with the fact that she had something nasty on her mouth. As a new mom, who had her child in GB for over a year, I had no other way of knowing when/if things weren't right. Now that I have something to compare it to, I know better, and will continue to do better for my child. Once again, this was MY experience. Take it, or leave it. read more

My daughter has been at Great Beginnings since was 5 months (started in 2013) and has remained there during the transition time with owners. As a parent who has kept their child there throughout this entire time, I can say she has continued to recieve great care and is always very happy to go to her "school" each morning. The new owners have done nothing but enhance the care and environment of this daycare. The new owners have been very responsive and accommodating to my daughter. I would highly recommend this daycare and think it's an absolute shame how parents reacted to new management. read more

I was looking at many day care centers in the area and this is the one that I felt comfortable from the very start. I just came across the YELP reviews and I am so happy I went there before reading all the negative comments. I don't find them true or fair at all. My daughter loves the preschool. I am very impressed with the teachers. They truly care about my daughter and they were even concerned about her eating habits !!!!! I feel comfortable knowing that my child is in good hands when I leave for work to the city. I would recommend the Great Beginning Day Care to all the parents who are looking for a great and safe care. No ,Im not affiliated with anyone who works there. I just appreciate how the new management and teachers care about the kids. read more

I had to go back to work and had to look for a great daycare for my twins. Went and got a tour. Meet everyone here and everyone is super friendly. My twins had a blast the time we were there touring the daycare. My twins have been there for 6 months now and they love it. read more

My 4 yr old is a type 1 diabetic which is very common. She gets insulin shots for meals. This daycare said they would take my daughter and even got approved for childcare assistance with them. Last minute they turned me away because the teacher refused to give my daughter Her insulin. She would not even let me show her how to do it. They led me on for over a month saying they would take her and wasted my time. Now I am a single mom with out care for my child because this place has a coward working for them. And the owner speaks very little English and told me my daughters diabetes was worse then anyone else's. Now she is discriminating and claiming something false. No one should ever go here. read more

Great Beginnings is a great center. There NEW Director is very warm and knowledgeable. The children are happy and the owners are very friendly and ready to welcome new families. The teachers at this center are very hard working and the children really loves them. I can't say enough about how friendly they are. The classrooms are clean and inviting for any child who loves to learn, grow and play. I can't wait to tell my friends about this center. read more

new owners = new beginnigs. I met with Regina. She answered all of my questions and made me feel very comfortable. The day care is clean, welcoming and very caring. Highly recommended! read more

If I could give them a 0 star review I would. I have just went into the center to look for care for my 3 children since we are moving to the area. From the moment me and my partner walked into the building I felt unwelcomed. A employee made a face and threw her hand at us saying oh you two are together. I'm sorry your not accepting to alternative lifestyles but this is a new day and age. Once in the office we were given a form to fill out while she was on the computer not really making conversation, and I say she because she never gave us her name. She also told me that she would first tell me pricing to see if its ok with us like assuming we could not afford it ( we have very good jobs I think were ok) she threw her hands at us and said oh nevermind Im just showing you the room. (she never told us pricing just threw us out later) Then after being in the office I said I had questions to ask which she said was fine I can ask the teachers while in the rooms she said she was going to show us the rooms she accused me of recording which I wish I was because I would post video of how ignorant this girl was. I have never been so insulted in my life. She did show us 2 rooms being a 4 year old room and a infant room. I was not allowed to ask any questions anytime I did she cut me off and then even brushed off the teacher who was trying to talk to me. I would have actually liked to know about the curriculum and what the children did all day being I have 3 children I am paying you to have in your center. The infant room we were allowed to peek into the door of had paint peeling off the wall which to should be more of a concern than say me having a cell phone on my hand that i had to hide in my pocket like some kind of child. Which brings me to another issue that I was told they had openings for the infant room first then when we were at the door way she told me and too bad were all full and slammed the door. I then tried to ask questions like I was told I would be allowed to do I asked her about cleaning because one of my children has severe allergies she told me " don't worry about out cleaning it's clean" no sweetie I will worry about cleaning being that my child will be in your care. I tried then to ask about bussing to the school nearby to where we were moving she told me it was out of their range. (it was right around the corner i find out) To which then I wasn't allowed to ask anymore questions and she never once listened to my partners questions or anything she had to say, she basically threw her pamphlet at me and kicked us out of the building. They must obviously not need children enrolled at their center because they sure don't take the time to make sure families are comfortable leaving there children here. I would never enroll here I am so thankful that right around the corner was another childcare provider because we feel so much more comfortable signing our children up here. read more

Came to visit with my daughter who was looking for care for her son. The office staff was extremely unprofessional and the center was not very clean. The director made it seem like we were not welcome because we were looking for state help paying for child care. She made it very clear. She said we don't like subsidy, we like cash payers. The room looked very dirty and cluttered. I don't really understand what the curriculum was because it didn't seem like the teacher knew, she was just talking to sound like she did. We were asking about tuition and the office person just threw a brochure at us, and said you can look for yourself. There was an older lady in the classroom who was patting a child on the head asking him to sit sit sit, and the child was already sitting down. Thankfully a family member is able to provide us care until we find a more suitable place in the area because I would never send my child or grandchildren here. read more

if i could give zero stars, i would. prior to december would have been 5 stars! so extremely distraught by the damage done to this place that was once a wonderful, welcoming and loving home for our children. my sisters are 22 and 18 and they went to great beginnings. my daughter started at 6 weeks old and is currently 3. the staff that was there was wonderful, they were educated and the reason some of our kids wanted to go to school. i had lost 2 infants prior to my daughter, one from sids, and the original owners designated a teacher just to my girl to give me a piece of mind, to assure she was safe, and just because of the genuine love and kindness in thier hearts. since december 2014, the facility was sold to new owners...if you will call them that. they did renovations...fine! then turned over the staff and handed out notes as we walked our children out the door that stated no more after school programs, no more buses, staff has been terminated, etc. these people are the least bit worried about our or your children. they could care less if the children go. they could care less how heartbroken the kids and family are that it is all being torn apart...when it is all they know. they eliminated highly educated staff that taught our children things that we could not, due to having to work to provide for them. they gave them structure, healthy nutrition, love and one on one attention. there are now staff members there who can barely speak english, act fake to our children and our faces, that have absolutely zero background in teaching or caring for children. ask to see all of thier legal documents...won't happen! this has made so many of us parents lose nights of sleep, as most of us have all pulled our children from what was "great" beginnings. i have never witnessed in my life, such lies and deceit. to say that our children come first, when watching what they have done...who wants thier children taught by such a thing? to the owners and friends of the and colleagues who have posted on thier behalf to raise reviews...you should be ashamed! people will walk in or attend and see for themselves. it is so very very sad when you have to post false reviews to try and prove a point. nobody believe them, don't try so hard! 12/30/14 OK, HEATHER! THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IN 2 DAYS, THAT I FOLLOWED THE LITTLE HAND OUT NOTES AND CONTACTED "REGINA" OR "VAL" WITH MY ISSUES RELATING TO YOUR FACILITY. NOW REGINA IS FALSIFYING HER IDENTITY AND HANDING HER DUTIES TO SOMEONE ELSE. WONDERFUL MANAGEMENT! MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE GRANDMA/NANNY CENTER AND THIS IS WHERE WE WARN OTHERS OF OUR FEARS AND CONCERNS. PLEASE STOP WRITING NOVELS TO TRY AND DEFEND A PLACE THAT HASN'T A CHANCE. DEFENSIVE MECHANISMS ARE NOT NEEDED WHEN THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM. IF YOU TOOK THIS TIME TO GET OFF THE CHAIR AND HELP EDUCATE AND TEACH, YOU MIGHT STILL HAVE A CLIENTEL WITH HAPPY PARENTS AND CHILDREN. SO WORK AND LET PEOPLE HAVE THE FREEDOM OF SPEACH! read more

Me and my partner happened to see this place driving around since we are looking to move into the area and needed care for our kids. So we went in to see about a tour. We were greeted at the door by who I assumed was the owner who was a older lady with short hair and an accent and another with dark hair. They were both initially friendly at first. The owner then asked if we were 'together' to which we responded. Her attitude then changed and she abruptly walked away. The other lady then took over and we briefly talked and asked questions and then went on the tour. As we were walking the lady turned and became rude accusing my partner of video taping and pointing to her phone which was in her hand the whole time we were there and said she must leave it. She then responded that she wasn't recording and even showed her the screen to prove it. So we continued on and was shown only 2 rooms and met a couple teachers who were friendly and talked to us but then the director kept cutting them off and ended our conversation with them when we asked questions. Then we were taken back to the front. Given a pamphlet and told if we have any questions to call and sent out. I feel they were rude and unprofessional and immediately looked at us and felt a certain way. I wouldn't recommend this place either for some of the issues inside the place. read more