Back again :) Good news is that the center has made some gradual 'baby step' improvements over the past several months. Each class is very different based on the teachers and how interactive, creative, attentive they are. We've been lucky that our son had an excellent teacher join his class and the fun really stepped up. (Note: his original teacher is amazing and we love her for the care and attention she gives the children... Creativity just may not be her strength.) Overall I think communication is improving, though was surprised to learn my daughter's teachers changed and I only found out 3mos later... But her class is also rocking it. Pushing to 3 stars as the center is meeting our needs. Not kicking up to 4 as it's still pricey for what you get (let's not go into comparing summer programs...) ------------------------------------------------- I am sad to come back to this review and demote its ranking from 4 to 2 stars. Many things have changed in the past 6-7 months and with new management and some core teachers leaving, I think the center has lost its groove and has lost its edge among others in the area. Tuition is one of the highest in the area and I truly do not believe the program supports the cost. We are actually moving our children to another one where those extra fun field trips, crafts and programs are included in the fee (and for a lower tuition rate). I do have to say that my daughter, at 4, knows her sight words and basic addition and subtraction. I think the teachers make a huge difference and while some are rockstars, others are not. I wish the school the best of luck as they find what works for them and hey- perhaps we'll be back! ========== My original review below My daughter has been going here for just about a year, in the toddlers program. At the end of the day, we really like this school: - she is learning a lot - she is safe - she has fun It's a great, friendly environment. Most of the teachers really do seem to sincerely care about the kids and like their jobs. Management recently had a big shift as some folks left, got promoted, etc etc but this current team seems to be sticking around. It's one of the pricier centers in the area, but at least they have lunch and snacks provided (some of the other area centers that are in the same price range don't have meals provided: I can't imagine getting breakfast, lunch and snack together for my kids every day!) They also have some extra activities which are fun, but are an additional fee. It's a little frustrating, as I feel we are already paying so much and should have those kinds of things included whenever possible. They do some art projects here and there. Communication to parents is getting better but planning could probably be a little more efficiently handled for daily happenings (good and bad), as well as big events like the recent Halloween Parade and even the Holiday show and Graduation. (I would love it if they sent pictures home!) This daycare center is great but I don't think they go above and beyond in terms of services or care for the children. I may say that only because our former center was truly incredible so perhaps we just got spoiled with all of the updates, pictures, logistically smooth center events, the free extra fun things offered, stable staff, fair pricing... At the end of the day we truly are happy here and feel like our daughter is in good, trusted hands when we drop her off each day, which is the most important thing. I would definitely recommend others send their children to Knowledge Beginnings for a good foundation on learning and socialization. (ps: they do accept credit cards, but only Discover) (pps: I am 99.99% positive none of the pictures on this profile is the actual Laurel location; rather corporate stock photos) read more

Way overpriced for what you getting. Yes it's in a convenient location for many people but the prices for this center do not seem in line with others in the area. The center is also not the cleanest and they don't even mix infant formula. read more

My oldest child has been attending this center since he was 6 weeks old. He is now in 2nd grade. The teachers and administrators here are amazing. They are loving and genuinely care about each and every child that attends the center. They really take the time to get to know each child and their family. My children have learned so much from the teachers here. They also do a lot of fun events for kids, like a fall festival, summer carnival, pool parties, and movie nights.Having my children at Knowledge Beginnings has been a great experience. read more

Beware!!! Absolutely horrible!!! Don't waste your time! We removed our son after just over one month. I work from home, have a flexible schedule and was able to spend a significant amount of time (several hours per day) as our son began attending this day care. I personally witnessed one of the assistant "teachers" calling a newly enrolled 15- 18 month old baby a racist and verbally abusing the child by yelling profusely in her face all because the child did not like the teacher. When the director, Gena "reported" the incident to the child's parents she lied about why the child was being moved to another class and did not share with them what had actually happened. The parents had no idea what happened until I told them. The director informed myself and the parents that the "teacher" would not be caring for the child again. I informed her that I also do not want this woman caring for my son and she informed me that she would not be working in my son's classroom. The director was very protective of the "teacher" told me that other parents like this teacher. I shared with her if the other parents had the luxury of time, were able to spend the amount of time i did in the classroom and witnessed what i did, they would not want her caring for their child either. She then said "Well, my son likes her too". I responded by saying "It is this woman's job to make sure that the son of her boss likes her"! Shortly after as I was dropping my son off, there the "teacher" was in my son's classroom. As soon as I noticed her in the room, I picked my son up and exited the building. This was my son's last day, never to return again!!! Also, I witnessed two children in our son's class biting other children and nothing was done. Eventually, it was our son's turn to be victimized as he too was bit and the matter was handled horribly. The director, Gena cared more about protecting the privacy of the aggressor than she cared about ensuring our son's well being. I then asked "What are you going to do to prevent this aggressive behavior" and she responded by saying "Biting is not aggression, it is learned behavior". I responded by saying "Even if it is learned, it is an aggressive form of learned behavior". Her response to a horrified mother who was left to console her traumatized son was "We can't prevent this from happening...we can't watch them every second". When asked about the health/ immunization status of the child, she refused to provide such information. We had to call the police while standing in front of her before she agreed to share with us whether the child was up to date on immunizations. Don't waste your time nor money!!! This place is overpriced and a complete waste!!! read more

I used to attend this preschool when I was a kid. I'm in high school now and I still remember the horrors we faced. The program for kids ages 1-4 is fine but once the child turns 5 all of that changes. The before and aftercare for school age kids who ride the bus is the real problem. My brother, his friend, and I could talk for hours about the things that were done to us, such as the lady who pulled 3 year olds around by their ears to get them to go where she wanted, the time a teacher stole my favorite book from me claiming it was theirs even though my name was on the inside cover (I think it's still there to this day), and the time teachers were forcing kids to race in their olympics (they had placed bets) and yelled at this kid to run faster and he slipped and got a nosebleed. We remember awful food, being called stupid, being forced to admit that the teachers were good in front of our parents (although we hated the[most of] staff), and my brothers friend witnessed a teacher smoking a cigarette on the property instead of watching the kids outside. Once, when my brother and I went together, we were being yelled at with some other kids. My brother asked to go to the bathroom and was refused because the teacher thought he was trying to get out of being yelled at. Later, after the teacher was done yelling my brother her asked to go again. He was still refused even though we were just sitting there. This happened twice more until my brother was forced to wet his pants. When the incident was later described to my parents, the teachers blamed my brother and said it was his fault and lied to my parents to cover up their mistakes. Also, I remember a time when an older kid stole my doll, ripped off the limbs and covered it in play dough. When I went to the teachers to tell them, their basic reaction was so what? We don't care. I had to do everything for myself. The kids were not the main focus to many of those teachers. We were treated like dirt. The teachers cursed at us and yelled at us. The review on this website where the writer witnessed a child being called horrible things is completely true. Once, when we were supposed to be picked up after school we were waiting for the van outside our elementary school in the rain and a teacher came outside and asked what we were doing. We said we were waiting for the van, even though school ended a half hour ago. The administration went inside and called Knowledge Beginnings. It turns out they had forgotten to pick us up. This happened twice. The bus roof also leaked in the rain and hail and the teachers would not let us sit in the dry seats but instead made us stay in our assigned seats. This preschool should be your last option. Only a few teachers care about the kids and the people in charge don't. One of the main teachers told me, when I was 7, that I would never reach my dream and that my dream was stupid. I was crushed for weeks afterward. These people should not take care of young children. Please do not subject your children to their crimes. They may fool parents into thinking that the school is great, but the kids know better. This is the review that we wanted to voice years ago, but we were too young. I am fulfilling our promise to each other now and telling parents out there the truth. -Caroline G. (Oh and my parents also repeatedly complained about the overpricing.) read more

Both of my little ones at currently at KB and we love it there. My four/almost five year old is certainly ready for Kindergarten in the fall, and he enjoys going to this school every day. The teachers couldn't be nicer, and the director, Gena, is easy to work with/to contact if you have a question or concern. If you're on the fence, contact them to schedule a tour and see for yourself! read more

I have sent both my boys here for the last 4 years. We have been grateful for the kind and flexible atmosphere provided by the teachers and director. The programs have been engaging and fun for the kids. My boys have always felt safe and comfortable here and we would definitely recommend. read more

My son attended Knowledge Beginnings in July 2017, after moving from Montgomery County to Howard County. The center was amazing in helping from the transition from leaving his old home to a new home and switching daycares. The teachers were very compassionate and made him feel at ease. As a mom, it made me feel great knowing that with all the changes, that they were understanding and letting my son adjust at his pace. I would recommend Knowledge Beginnings to anyone looking for a great loving environment for their child. read more

I am a repeat customer of Knowledge Beginnings! All three of my children have attended this center from ages 2-5. My 3 year old daughter currently goes three days per week. This center is pricier than the other centers in the area, but after touring several of them I felt this was the best place for my children to be. The teachers are fun and genuinely care about the children. My daughter is very emotional when I drop her off in the morning (separation anxiety) and it is handled so well! They take turns holding her and calming her, so that I can leave knowing she is being cared for. I am promptly notified of any issues that come up during the day (fevers, illness, etc.). The Directer, Gena, is very approachable/helpful and has helped with any issue I have had over the years. I do think the curriculum could be improved a little...The Pre-K program is great, but the 2's and 3's classes could use a little more academic structure. For the amount you pay, children should be getting more than just socialization out of it. I may just notice this because my children have always been there on a part-time schedule though. I have stayed with this center for over 6 years because I know my children are safe and taken care of! read more