This branch is poorly ran and the political jibjab that takes place among the staff and their superiors is extremely present and makes members really uncomfortable. To constantly hear from staff what they dislike about their jobs and that this* person is trying to get this other* person fired, or they heard that person wanted to quit for XYZ reason etc...I mean...it makes you worried sometimes. Also, to be approached by staff and asked to submit letters/emails against another staff member that they cannot fire until enough parents complain is ludicrous. In three years of being there I can tell you over 20 stories of employee drama and I'd really rather not know any of it...
The majority of this review is specifically regarding the PreSchool. Learning Tree Preschool, not the babysitting center. This preschool is a small shaped L that can house about 85 children total - and I think the fact that there is generally never a wait list for this school can attest to the fact that its where you might go when you're low on options, not because you want your child there. I took my daughter there because they had an immediate opening for an un-potty trained 2 year old while she remained on the wait list of my school of choice. I can say with certainty that the only three teachers who are worth it are Amara, Christina and Lourdes, who are in the youngest children's classroom and will be your first experience with the LTP at the Y. Once your child advances to the Yellow, Green and Red classrooms it is down hill from there after Hermine (spelling?) left for bigger and better things. The teachers in Y, G and R are just....meh...Some I would say are scared of doing something wrong (see upper paragraph about their politics)...others I would say just collect a paycheck.
This facility does not allow nuts of any kind. I can appreciate that they want to cater to the children with allergies, but most schools only refuse peanuts as banning all nuts is a little extreme.
The worst part of this school is actually correctable. The Preschool Director, who is also a Greenbird teacher, is by far the worst part of this school. She could care less about your position or point of view because this thing will be ran her way, no exceptions. When you do have a dispute that you take above her head, her superiors will back her up and claim she has no reason to lie (except for employment preservation, of course). I am told that they do not want to have to replace her because she currently works for what they consider a desirable salary. Which, I suppose I understand. Saving on Payroll is a priority of mine in my business as well. But if she treats everyone this way, which I am told she does, I am sure this issue will be remedied at some point.
Ultimately I decided to remove my child because it would soon be time for my child to be in the Director's class and I didnt want to have to deal with her on a daily basis.
What I do like:
-Swim lessons on Fridays are included with your tuition.
-They allow you to apply for financial aid if that is something you need.
-They warm up food for your child's lunch so theyre not stuck eating cold chicken nuggets, etc...
-They take children that are not potty trained and assist with potty training.
What I dont like:
-Parking is a joke and they do not enforce the 5-min parking for those of us needing to drop off or pick up.
-The dictator-esq management, and the timid staff who are unwilling to speak up for what is right for fear of losing their job (but again have no trouble complaining).
-Also, the fact that you are made to feel as though if you do speak up your child's enrollment will be in jeopardy.
-I have to sanitize my children when they get home because the facility is so small germs run high. Lots of lice and HFM notices throughout my time there.
-They allow a really nice but odd fellow who is not employed with the school hang around the children, which makes me uncomfortable, which I voiced but was told he had submitted his fingerprints and taken a safety class, wtf?
-Multiple times I have asked a friend or family member who was not authorized to pick up my child and they simply allowed it without asking questions (Except for Miss Sheryl, she ALWAYS asks for ID and even called me three times on these occasions).
-Their method of teaching is more making cookie-cutter children vs. celebrating and/or embracing individuality.
-The quality of your child's care is always dependent on who is watching them. No consistency.
My suggestion is to do your homework and dont just enroll because it is the first place with an opening. If you are on a budget and qualify for their Membership for All, that is obv different, and unavoidable, but if so, you'll eventually see what I am referring to. And if you do have a sour experience, be sure to let the top dogs know so that at some point some one will do something about it. read more
