First the positives- the director and administrator are wonderful, talented individuals. When I expressed my concerns to the director, she took action immediately and followed up with me.
We had a terrible experience with my son's Huckleberry class and pulled out after 7 weeks.
You know those parents with a lot of kids at the mall that have that look of stress yet are gritting through with a forced friendly smile? That was my son's teacher. She seemed totally overwhelmed and unresponsive to my concerns. When I asked for a written report the first week, she shortly replied that they didn't have time because there were too many diapers to change. Really? Did you not plan on changing a lot of diapers in a 2 year old class? Also know that state regulations require daily written reports (also know as of 9/2013 the school is NOT accredited). She also said they provide them occasionally (after speaking to the director we got them every day thereafter).
I could go on and on with other red flags, but I'll be short: class size too big (14 for 2 year olds which is ridiculous when you're paying a premium), unresponsive e-mails to the teacher, unwillingness to work through my son's adjustment., walking pneumonia in the second week (in fairness that could happen anywhere). My son was miserable and it was so frustrating as I didn't know why; his teacher had such poor communication and lacked warmness that you would expect from a preschool teacher.
My biggest regret is that I didn't withdraw my son earlier as he still remembers his experience 6 months later and says "I don't like my old school."
I'm happy to say we're at a different preschool now and my son loves it. His teacher is warm, caring, and patient. It's been a completely different experience. Also know that I know of another parent who withdrew her child due to concerns about his teacher.
I also want to add that I have friends who have kids at Berry Patch with different teachers and love it. Their teachers have been wonderful and loving. Thus, it seems that it really depends on which teacher your child gets. Based on their reputation, it seems like the majority of teachers are wonderful. Just beware they have a few bad ones... read more