This was one of THE WORST childcare experiences. Our family was bamboozled, misled, and had much time wasted due to the lack of professionalism, experience, communication, and accountability. I am a firm believer in "A team is as good as its leader", and this center is a perfect example of poor leadership. We intentionally chose this center because of the 100% good reviews. However, many of the families below are no longer there and the center has been open less than one year. Very telling.
All of the staff (with the exception of Kayla - who works in the Behavioral Health field) are highly inexperienced. We only lasted three weeks (too long) before I removed my children (8 & 3 years old).
After my initial tour, I had an intentional conversation with Assistant Director, Janette, for about two hours regarding my 3 year old *current* phase/behavior (throwing tantrums) and his prior class dynamics (a very large class of 21+ students) who never had a chance to get acclimated since the teacher was overwhelmed with class size. Hence, we wanted our child in a smaller class to work on these behaviors and receive proper attention. I explained in grave detail that he is extremely independent (and if he fails to do something himself he will throw a temper tantrum). I gave detailed de-escalation techniques that have worked in the past and present, and mentioned that I am open to them trying anything they felt would have a positive outcome.
She agreed, shared her confidence level and reassured me the center was well staffed with experienced teachers. That was false.
Everyday the first week, I was met at the door without a proper greeting and a simple "We need to talk..." Between Susan (owner) and Janette (Assistant) I was scolded daily for approximately 30+ minutes about my 'disobedient' child. It happened so frequently that I dreaded taking or picking my child up so I had my husband intercept him if I had a long day.
I became disillusioned early on. Often mentioned what he did "wrong" so much that by the second week I had to ask them "What did he do 'right' today?" Susan chuckled and Janette struggled to think of 1-2 things (although he had a "good" day)
Since I received photos on the portal of him completing task/activities - I should be met with the same enthusiasm as when he did something wrong.
The beginning of week two, Susan (owner) made some harsh accusations without merit about my 3 year old asking, "Does he not understand? [she] don't think he understands anything very well. He doesn't talk back to [her]" I was completely taken aback and disgusted. Instead of stopping there, she continued on to say "he reminds [her] of one of her After-School students who has an IEP". Not only is she NOT a psychiatrist - she was out of line to allude to another current child.
For our first suspension, it was said he was "disrespectful". The "teacher" explained that my child repeatedly "slammed the door" on another child and she told him to "Stop" and he replied "'No!' very harshly." I spent the next 10 minutes informing her that she "is the adult", and should have intervened in 'Real Time'. There is no way you should remain stagnant long enough to have dialogue with a THREE YEAR OLD waiting for them to stop.
Over the next few days, Susan informed me that another child (without incident) was "scared" of my child and "hides under the table" and that she would have to suspend him for "having temper tantrums" "being a disturbance" "being defiant to caregivers" called him "aggressive" and "a bully" and that he "cannot say 'No!' to staff." When I made mention that I was very transparent BEFORE enrollment, her response was "you spoke to Janette. Not me." NO ACCOUNTABILITY.
Also, my 3 year old had EVERYTHING from his cubby in his hands (blanket, socks, shoes, and cup) struggling to meet me at the door when I entered BEFORE telling me she was suspending him instead of waiting for me. SMH
The facility may LOOK nice, but I see why the enrollment is low and the longevity of families do not last.
DEFINITELY Proceed at your OWN risk!!
Edit: Susan is definitely nuts. Review her Google forced "5 star" reviews. All recent ones were solicited on the same day to discredit this organic one. There are more reviews in ONE night than there have been children within the past month. The math isn't adding up. Many of the reviews are from family and friends. Deceptive practices in childcare are wicked. read more