In November 2016, my husband and I found out we had been matched to adopt a baby boy due in three months. We knew it would be a long shot to get into a daycare, but immediately we went and toured four daycares in the East Brainerd/Ooltewah area, and Tree of Knowledge was by far our favorite. It was also the most convenient for both of us to access from our jobs.
I called each daycare prior to touring, seeing if any had availability for May, when I assumed I'd be returning to work. I will say all four daycares made it seem like it wouldn't be an issue, so that's why we went to tour all four. Two days after our tour, I took our application back to Tree of Knowledge and the same lady that gave me the tour took my application and didn't even remember me. That should have been my first clue. When I (as I realize now) very naively asked about getting in in May, she said she had nothing to do with that decision and I'd need to talk with Darlene, who would have to get back with me in a few days. I was upset as I felt like I'd been led on a little. She knew during our tour and when I called the day before what we needed, so why had I wasted my time? I spoke with Darlene the next week and was put on the waiting list. Again, new parents, this seemed to be the norm in this industry. Make you think you have a shot and get on a waiting list. Which if you're pregnant and have extra time, it really isn't an issue.
Our son was born two weeks early, so when he was a few days old we called all the waiting lists we were on to update them on when we'd be needing child care. We were told to call back in a month and then again a month later. Every time I called, it always felt like the right hand didn't know what the left hand was doing. The last time I called, a month before I was to return to work, was a Wednesday around lunch time. I was told Darlene was gone for a few days and would return the following Monday. I was asked if I wanted to leave a message, I said yes please, then the line was silent and I said "I would like to leave her a message." The lady responded with "well she has a list of people to call back already, so you may just need to call her next week." I said "You just offered to let me leave a message, it would be a lot easier for me if she could just return my call." I then left my name, and cell phone number, and was so annoyed with the level of customer service I vowed I'd give them the chance to call me back, and after that, I wouldn't call them again.
I never got a return call...until a month later when I returned to my job and had a voice message from Darlene on my extension from a week after I left the last message. I didn't leave my work number with them to call, and I'm sure it was on my application but it definitely wasn't my primary number. Also there is no way to leave me a message at work without knowing you're leaving a message with my company. Why would you do that when I'm on maternity leave? My husband's cell or work number was never called, nor was my cell number.
Thankfully, we just decided to get a nanny, but in a year or so we will revisit sending our son to daycare and unfortunately my experience here was ruined which really disappointed me! I understand you don't "need" me and you have a waitlist of people that will gladly take my place, but also you just lost a customer that would have had a newborn that could have given you business for years to come, and any additional children we may have in the future. read more
