I've seen other centers in the valley and they don't even compare to how exceptional tree of life…read moreis. Truly the friendliest staff. Each classroom is so inviting and the teachers are so great with the kids.

From the owner: Childcare in Palmer Alaskaread more

A couple of years ago I never did a review and I should've. I had posted photos of my son's insane…read moreinjuries. He was only in this place for 20 hours of care spread out in 4 days I actually dropped him off and picked him. They charged me AND the state assistance program full months then half a month. The owner kerri called on unknown and harassed me over my post on Facebook. Saying it was slander but all of it was true and I ended up going to court for everything. The first day, they called me to pick him up and he was there for 6 hours. When I did, his diaper was not changed and pants soaked. He was "uncontrollably crying" and when I got there he was alone in the corner crying. It broke my heart, we were so exited for his first day. It was the day after his FIRST birthday. The second day I picked him up after an incident that I did not sign because I wanted to look at him. He was "bit on the left cheek" they said but when I got him he was bit 4 times. Clearly very bad bite marks. When I went to court, kerri had lied multiple times even about things that didn't matter. Like saying my son was always crying but the first day heather called and said he did very good no crying until after nap (when his diaper wasn't changed) They also said I called multiple times a day harassing them for money. So I went and got my call logs showing I called them twice and one was about the diaper thing! I messaged on the 9th asking to unenroll him after that and they ignored and wouldn't give me a form for it until I actually messaged enough on their platform for communication. There is so much more to this. All documented true through the court documents. So many other parents have experienced greedy conniving situations with lies. It has been a couple years but I still remember it all, please avoid the "NO REFUNDS" paper do not sign that. Make sure you're on top your game when you get into this place or just don't at all. There are many other daycares in the area.

I had left a review where I highlighted employees' work and dedication to the care of the children…read morebut that the owner only gives them 5 unpaid vacations days(a year) no holidays and when the center closes early employees go home with the rest of the day unpaid all the while parents pay in full for the whole week whether or not the children attend their a full week. the owner(s) need to change their policy and be fair when it comes to no benefits, no paid vacation holiday or when closing the center early. I understand medical benefits are out of the question but at least the bear minimum they can do for their employees.

We were lucky to get our son enrolled at Starbright South 9 months before Kindergarten was starting…read moreand we had nothing but the best experience with this preschool. Jen, the owner, has always been wonderfully upbeat and communicative. You can tell she has a passion for preschool aged kids and excelling their education while also providing a fun and clean atmosphere. The preschool always felt very well organized and sanitary. We loved all the teachers - Marques, Jen, Hannah, Kara, Liz....everyone seems to want to be there and help your kiddo through the process. It was a very friendly space and we never felt we couldn't communicate a thought or concern or even just share a joke about how our kid was bouncing off the walls that day. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this preschool to any of my friends or colleagues. Shortly after my son graduated and had his first day of kindergarten, both Jen and Marques reached out to me to find out how he'd done in the transition. They also encouraged a pop in visit down the road. You can tell they really are invested in the children there.

From the owner: Where children reach for the stars!! I have been running Starbright for over 33 years, I couldn't…read moreimagine having a more rewarding career. I love going into work daily and being able to bring sunshine and teach our young minds....

I am mainly adding this entry because the school board office is so hard to find…read more Even if you pull it up on a map, it doesn't recognize the road that the school board office is on. The easiest way to find it is to be prepared to turn in the first road AFTER E Eklutna St as you come down North Gulkana. If you make it to the entrance of Swanson Elementary, you've gone too far. The road you turn on will weave down along a couple houses and then a tree line on your right. Swanson Elementary will be on your left. The school board office is nestled down behind the Elementary school.

From the owner: Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District is a school district based in the city of Palmer, Alaska…read more It serves 40 schools across Mat-Su Borough, which each enroll from 15 to 1300 students. The estimated sum of the total number of students attending schools in this district is 15,969

My son has been full time at Ray's for a year and a half now and I have nothing but great things to…read moresay about this wonderful place! As a parent I am thrilled with how my toddler is learning and developing from attending, and I love that my son is excited to go to "cool school" everyday. From the minute my son arrives he's diving into fun activities, from sensory boxes to painting... and I love that the kids get tons of outdoor time to run and play. My husband and I are so thankful to have found a place full of truly caring individuals to care for and love our precious boy while we're at work. My family highly recommends Ray's Childcare & Learning Center, 100%.

I am saddened to write this, but I feel obligated to inform the community. When I arrived at Ray's…read moreto tour the facility, I happened to walk in right when an employee (older woman with gray hair) was dragging a 3-5 year old boy by his neck and arm, yelling at him all the way down the hallway while he was screaming. She was using so much force the child's feet were actually off the ground and his face was bright red. I will never forget the look of terror in that boy's face and I wish I had stopped her but instead I turned around and ran out, then walked back in to talk to the director. I asked her to notify the parents and she said she would, but she was unwilling to fire the employee. She said the employee was having issues in her personal life, and she told her to go home for the day. I do not feel this was an adequate solution to what I witnessed and my heart goes out to that poor boy. I hope his parents are notified and able to do more than I could.