If I could rate Kaela alone, I'd give her 5 stars. She's a sweet, thoughtful lady who works hard and obviously loves children. Her staff, time management, menu, and adherence to state policies, however, leave a LOT to be desired. I can't talk about all the issues I have with her childcare center because I have limited space here, but I'll touch on my biggest issues.
My school-age child was fine there, but it would not be at all unreasonable for me to say my infant was neglected. I was probably their worst nightmare because I worked from home and would drop in several times a day to hold/nurse my baby. At any given time I was there, my baby would be either strapped into her stroller or a baby rocker. And if she wasn't sleeping when I arrived, she would be crying for attention. I'd get an excuse from either Kaela or Devin, the other teacher, and sometimes they'd ask me to change/feed her. As my baby grew and began to need more attention and stimulation, I realized she wasn't going to get what she needed there. I dropped hints by buying Kaela a baby carrier (hers to keep) so she could hold my baby (and any other infants she gets) while performing her other duties as director. But I only saw her use it once. I would also bring my baby's Bumbo seat and tray so she could sit up and be played with. But I NEVER ONCE saw a teacher down there on the floor with her to interact with her. They also reported that she'd have tummy time, but I never saw it. And if she did, I doubt anyone sat with her while she had tummy time.
The TV there is ALWAYS on. I have never witnessed the other children doing anything except eating or watching TV. Over several months, I've shown up at almost every given hour of the day and one time I saw the kids were outside playing. So apparently that's the only time of day they turn off the TV. Every room has one - even the director's office. If there is any learning going on, I have never once seen it in my 7 months of patronage. They're going to be relocating soon, so I'm not sure what that facility will look like, but I really hope they don't bring the TVs with them.
They don't seem care to adhere to state training guidelines and regulations. They're frequently out of soap/Purell, I've seen them watch passively as kids eat food off the floor, infants are in the same class with the toddlers/preschool age kids, and they allowed a parent to install candy machines as a way to supplement his/her income.
To top it off, one of the teachers introduced moisture into my baby's formula and continued to serve it to her after it had spoiled. I had no way of knowing it had gone rancid because they never told me. It wasn't until I brought it home one day that I noticed and threw it out. After approaching Kaela about this, nothing was done - not even an apology. Hygiene seems of low importance to them. One day I paid them a visit only to find my infant crying, placed only a couple feet away from the TV. I decided to take her home early that day. I talked to Devin to let her know I would be taking the baby home - she was feeding another baby at the time. This other baby appeared sick - snot running down his face, and coughing. When the boy coughed, she covered his mouth with her left hand. I couldn't help but notice how odd it was that she would do that. When I told her I'd be leaving I made up an excuse that the baby felt a little warm (she didn't feel warm), and when I said this, Devin stood up and touched my baby's face with the same hand she used to cover the sick boys mouth. I was in pure shock. Why anyone would do this is beyond me. My baby came down with RSV a week later. Needless to say, we have stopped attending and don't plan to refer this place to anyone. I suppose they're fine for after school care, but definitely not for children under 2. read more
