My child was hit and bitten repeatedly by the same child on more than four occasions--this same child also harmed other children. Although plans were put in place, the staff and administration failed to properly implement them, allowing these incidents to continue. As a result, my child now has a scar on her face that she will have forever, thanks to a child at this school who has harmed others as well. I removed my child after the final incident and reached out to at least receive a refund for the last month my daughter attended. I was told by the administration that the refund would be granted, but this never happened. I called corporate and have yet to receive a single call from the franchise owner, despite making it very clear that I wanted to speak with her. I have also filed a claim with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning regarding this situation. If you're okay with being lied to, paying money for your child to be repeatedly hurt, and not even receiving a call from the owner to pretend she cares, this is the school for you. read more

Just settled my legal case with this school after my son was abused physically by teachers here behind closed doors. The owners and "director" of the school were absolutely horrible during the process as well. If anyone else has gone through this with this school I know a great lawyer. You'll see the owner trying to cover in the comment below, which is also pathetic. Primrose Druid hills is an amazing preschool! read more

Safety Alert! Goddard Decatur did not provide a "safe" learning environment for my granddaughter. Unfortunately, due to an aggressive classmate, my granddaughter was scratched, bitten and hit by him REPEATEDLY! Because of the academic rigor executed by the awesome Pre-K teacher, and the benefit to my granddaughter's academic growth, the parents pleaded with the Administration, after the 1st breach, to commit to and fully implement the Protocol agreed upon to ensure our loved one remained safe from the aggressor. Their pleading was futile. My granddaughter's immediate withdrawal from Goddard Decatur ended up being the day of the final scratch by the aggressor. To cite another incident, upon viewing the Goddard Family Hub site, I observed a second male student forcefully push my granddaughter to the ground, causing her to fall face down. She never saw him coming since she was on the opposite side of the field. I wept. As a former teacher, I carried out my duties knowing I was legally required to ensure a safe learning environment for the students under my purview. More importantly, I felt a moral obligation to keep them safe. Obviously, for my granddaughter, Goddard Decatur FAILED in providing a "safe and caring environment." Bonnie D read more

TLDR: My daughter came home saying her teacher hit her, school won't follow up after reporting We started my daughter in a toddler 2 class in April 2023 for about a month. The normal preschool stuff happened, someone bit her, she got HFM, nothing unexpected for starting school for the first time. What I did not expect was for my daughter to come home from school one day stating her teacher hit her. To be clear, she has never made this statement about any other person or caregiver. Not once. Following their discipline policy, I reported to the Director. Director responded that she would be speaking with all teacher in the classroom and that a required training program would immediately be put in place. But my question - what happened in the classroom to warrant training and why has no one followed up with me to explain the findings of these conversations? If you find yourself in my situation and need reassurance that a disciplinary policy is in place to protect students from physical contact from their teacher and that this policy is enforced and followed - then this school will not provide you that. And, I guess as a message to the business owner moderating these reviews - it would be great to get closure on what you discovered through your investigation. Even though we withdrew immediately, hearing your 2 year old child repeatedly state her teacher hit her is honestly heartbreaking. read more

It is telling that none of the reviews for this daycare are from 2021 or 2022. We placed our daughter here for about a month in October 2022 and then finally had to remove her. Her daily reports often contained incorrect information (like she was given a school lunch -- which contains meat -- when we pack her lunch because she is vegetarian), and we struggled to find anyone to communicate with us about how our daughter did each day. There was usually a new caretaker or teacher in her classroom every time I went to pick her up. The most concerning thing, however, was our daughter was sent home with swelling, redness, and bruising around her diaper and no one alerted us to what had happened (photos below). When we emailed with our concerns, we were told they would look into it, but no one ever got back to us. We were told repeatedly that the care and communication would improve, but it did not. I would not recommend this location. read more

The Goddard School of Decatur - Injuries my daughter came home with from daycare that no one told us about. - Preschools Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

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I love the Goddard School of Decatur and would recommend their facility to parents looking for a safe, professional, engaging and fun daycare. My daughter has been at the school for almost a year now and it is one of the best decisions that we have made for her. The tuition is a bit pricey but below many others in the area that offer a similar curriculum. I love that I receive pictures via email and Tadpoles app throughout the day. I also love the option of having meals prepared daily with options for vegan and dairy-free children at a reasonable price. I absolutely adore the teachers in my daughter's current and previous classrooms and so does my daughter. The school prepares an electronic daily report to track the children's activities, nap times and diaper changes. They also have monthly events allowing the opportunity for parents to mingle. The reason why I gave the school four stars instead of five is because I had to remind the school to apply diaper rash cream multiple times + I showed up at 7am (opening) a couple times and had to wait on a teacher to arrive. No place is perfect though so that is all okay. The front staff is very nice and the school has been accommodating in multiple situations. As long as the location works, (we are 5 minutes away which is super convenient) I plan on my daughter attending this school until it is time for elementary! Update: I would also like to add that we have the option of paying $150 to remove our daughter from the school and hold our spot. This is especially convenient during a time where most daycares are closed (which may be difficult for parents who are still working) or open and still charging parents full price although they may have pulled their children out due to coronavirus. I think it is a great option for us and I definitely appreciate the accommodation. read more

I recommend the Goddard school because the staff has the children's best interest at heart. Our daughter loves her time there and her teachers take great care of her everyday. read more

The Goddard School of Decatur - Preschools Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

We just withdrew my three year old who produced some abnormal separation anxiety when starting this school. He's been to 3 other daycares throughout his life and has never had anxiety outside of the typical adjustment period in the beginning. On the last day of drop off, I felt the teachers glaring at us when I left him screaming and crying. By the time I got to the parking lot, I decided I needed to go back and get him and when I got near the classroom door, I could hear the teacher who was sitting at the table in the middle of the classroom screaming at my child who was near the door "Stand up, stand up, stand up". I did not appreciate her tone and unwillingness to engage with him when he was clearly having a hard time. We requested a refund of the days not used due to the neglectfulness of the teacher, but that request was denied. Would not recommend this school. read more

My kids both of them have been going to Goddard from the start. They are now 5 and 3 and I have to say the school Is excellent. I don't get the negative reviews at all, but folks just have unreasonable expectations. They also have a business to run and do the best they can dealing with internal employees and unreasonable expectations from the parents along with the COVID situation. I suggest being a partner with the school instead of approaching like they owe you anything because you pay a monthly fee. I don't think you will find much better. Good Luck Parents and please use this location as they're excellent! read more

My son has been attending the Goddard School in Decatur since he was 3-months old and we've had an absolutely incredible experience!!!!!! We first visited the school during my second trimester and even during that process - the owners/administration (Ms. Erika and Ms. Catina) were very communicative and transparent. Our son is in one of the infant classrooms with Ms. Kristina and Ms. Brielle and the class is wonderful. His teachers are so caring, patient and fun. They are very communicative and outgoing. They track feedings, diaper changes and their daily activities through an app. They are well organized and do educational activities each day. Our son comes home with art work, crafts and smiles every week. Ms. Kristina and Ms. Brielle treat our son like he is their own, and we are so thankful for them! I feel so much peace of mind knowing my son is loved and is learning every day. Our family highly recommends the Goddard School!!! read more

I would not recommend this school for multiple reasons. The classrooms were overcrowded and under staffed. One of My sons previous teachers used to complain to us constantly about the administration. The classroom itself was very chaotic and misguided. My soon has a severe peanut allergy which I told the school about repeatedly and BEGGED for a sign to be put on the door of the class. It took MONTH just for them to put a little sticker on the door. He also had multiple anaphylaxis reactions and had to be taken to the hospital because his allergy was neglected by the school. The constant teacher turnover rate was outrageous. Both of my children were bit in class multiple times and I was not notified. I only knew once I saw the bruises and asked the school about it. Our experience at Goddard Decatur was extremely disappointing and I would not recommend to anyone. The only reason we stayed was because we were moving and knew we'd be gone soon. The one positive light was Ms Alayna in the toddler 4 class. She's a shining example of the type of teacher that Goddard needs more of. We were so blessed to have her care for our son. She loved him as if he were her own. We hated leaving her and wish we could've brought her with us! read more

I love this school! My five year old went here starting at 2 years old. Then i put my son in this school at 7 weeks old and I've seen such a social and academic growth. I'm pregnant now and plan on sending the new baby to this school. The director is amazing and the administration is on point. The teachers from first steps to per- K are amazing!!! Very attentive and passionate. I'd keep my kids in this school their entire academic matriculation if I could! I'm so impressed and pleased with my children's education at this location! read more

My infant son attends the Goddard School Decatur and I am very pleased with the quality and service that this school provides. Every encounter I have with Ms. Erika and Ms. Catina is always pleasant. I know that my child is in a safe, nurturing and loving environment because everyday at pick up he is always happy. The teachers smiles are genuine and they are ready to give exciting updates on my son's progress daily. I highly recommend this school because of its great care and wonderful staff! read more

My child has been going to the Goddard school for over 2 years now, watching his growth has been nothing short of amazing! Almost every self help skill, from the infant class to toddler class, he learnt from the capable staff at the school. Although, I have had some concerns with a couple incident's not being reported on time; I voiced my frustration with these occurrences and the administration took satisfactory measures to ensure it did not happen again. Overall the Goddard School Decatur has played a significant role in my child's development, and we are thankful for all they do! read more

Our children came here from another popular franchise daycare; and we also had one of our children previously enrolled at another Goddard location. Our experience has been nothing short of impeccable. From day one the owners, directors, and teachers have been wonderful; wanting feedback from parents regarding all aspects of their operations. This Goddard location is far better managed than the previous one our daughter attended. I LOVE the fact that the teachers create their own lesson plans; and not some cookie-cutter curriculum that's passed down from corporate offices. We are thrilled to have chosen Goddard School of Decatur for children! read more

I love this daycare. My son started attending when he was a little over 1 year old and he is now 2 years and 3 months old. Their teachers are so kind, loving, and fun. Once my toddler was having trouble sleeping during nap time and a teacher sat with him the whole time to soothe him through the transition. They have fun activities like singing, dancing, painting, gym/playground time. They teach great manners/habits-- my toddler eats at his little table at home because he does so at daycare. He says thank you and please. He washes his hands (though he is less willing at home!). All of that he learned from daycare. Curriculum is great. They've taught him alphabet, numbers from 1-10 and above, Spanish, nursery rhymes. They send videos and pictures a few times a day so you can see what your kid has been doing. They send out what activities they've covered if you want to review dining the same songs, etc at home. They have a relaxed policy for tuition during vacation (you can unenroll and reenroll so you don't have to pay for long stretches you're not there). Location is prime bc it's close to home and work for me. I just really love his daycare and appreciate what they've done for our family. read more

My 4 year old and 2 year olds have been attending this campus since they opened. WE LOVE GODDARD! The academic rigor from the infant classes to the pre-K classes is remarkable! I cannot count how many times my 4 year old has come home and taught me something about reptiles, mammals, conveyors belts, acceleration, the solar system, all kind of stuff! My 2 year old knows the alphabets, numbers, and can even differentiate colors. In addition to providing an excellent learning environment, Goddard has provided me as a parent, probably an over protective mom, the reassurance that my boys are in loving hands. It's difficult having to drop your babies off so you can go to work, but it makes a huge difference when you can trust the people that are caring for your little blessings. A++++ Security, A++++ Cleanliness, and I LOVE that the playgrounds are covered for those scorching days! There's even an indoor gym for the rainy days!!! Major bonus! Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Hill! Our family cannot thank you enough! read more

We have had our 16 month old daughter at The Goddard School in Decatur since they opened. Even before they began they were friendly and communicative. I even had the owners call a few times about questions I had. The staff do a great job at remembering your child's name. They always great you when you arrive and leave. My child has had a few accidents at Goddard but we were always quickly informed and paperwork was waiting for us to sign we we showed up. My daughter had received nothing less than the same love and attention that we would give her. I love there location. I will not say it has always been perfectly smooth in the first 8 months but the management and owners really do seem to have our daughters best intentions in their heart. I would recommend this place to anyone who asks. read more