I write this review with great disappointment and regret but I feel that it would be a disservice to other parents considering this daycare if I do not alert them to what they are potentially getting themselves into. And I say potentially because I do not think that all families are treated alike here (I've only conferred with one other couple who shared my concerns and have long since removed their child from the daycare). Without a doubt, this daycare is clean- pristine, even, and orderly, safe and secure. The woman who runs the daycare is qualified to do so and she is a good caregiver, and she is kind to the children, as is her family (husband, sons and extended family are also an occasional presence in the daycare, as well as her two back up assistants-- but be aware, this is a large entourage, which definitely has it's advantages if you like the family atmosphere, but it also has it's concerns) . She provides fun, learning games and activities for the children and you will love the sweet, crafty creations that they bring home to you during the holidays. I must give credit where credit is due. The daycare is also very affordable for †he area- especially if you are full-time working parents. But the bottom line in this establishment is that it is a business, which means-- money is of the utmost importance- and I get that, but it does provoke questionable behavior. I could go into detail with clear examples of when I've felt manipulated and spoken to in a less than respectful manner (she runs a very tight ship with the parents and will make it clear when she is annoyed by your request or if you've forgotten to bring new diapers one day or don't give her sufficient notice of a schedule change, etc, but she will always expect you to be cheerfully understanding of any favor that she asks of you- and you will be, naturally, understanding and deferential). There is definitely a double standard in this service- and it is not in favor of the customer. There is a tremendous lack of professionalism on their part. There were many times where I felt that her personal stress (due to family drama, health and exhaustion) affected how she behaved towards me. She's offended me numerous times when gossiping about other parents, when asserting her political views and when making insinuations about very personal matters. Brass tacks: the couple are eager to retire, and in all honesty, they really should. They have been working hard their entire lives and are now of the age where they want (need) relief from heavy responsibilities and time to relax. Taking care of infants and small children is A LOT of work and it can be extremely stressful. I respect and understand that. They are as kind as they possibly can be, when it's convenient, but they are also at the end of their rope--they have made it clear to me in both words and actions.
They are keen to provide part-time care-- but regardless of your needs, you must pay the full-time rate if your child is under the age of 2. Cool.
They will care for your child full-time, which is the service that I have paid for, but I invariably found myself being manipulated emotionally so that I only wound up taking him part time most weeks. That is not cool. It was a constant source of stress for me because I never knew when it would happen. When I realized that I was indeed in an unnerving, codependent relationship with my daycare provider, my son was already very well adapted (and believe me, she knows your vulnerabilities-- she is a shrewd business woman and a matriarch of the highest order, make no mistake) and all of the daycares in our area were (and continue to be) completely full. A very difficult situation in the end (which I must take responsibility for-- not biting the bullet sooner and removing him after the first time I was chastised for not giving her a weeks notice that there would be a small change in his schedule one week) that involved my son having a common cold... and I was left in a compromising position. I've since had to remove my son from the daycare, my husband missed a day of work, and I have work and appointments that I will now have to put on hold (for the Xth time) until we find an excellent, new caregiver for my son, which as you know, could take a long time... read more