My son has been here for about a year and a half and has transitioned to two rooms so far, as he grows. All the teachers and staff are so kind! His first main teacher was Ms. Makayla and she is phenomenal (1-year-old room) now his teacher in the young 2-year-old room Ms Charlotte and Ms. Caitlin among many other teachers as well as the Director, Ms. Diane and Deputy Director, Ms. Krisiti are also are also just as extraordinary!!!! Hats off! I absolutely LOVE getting the pictures of my little one on a daily basis so I can see him and updates throughout the day about his meals - how much he ate, diaper/potty updates, activities, etc. They use an app called KidReports (they used to use PreciouStatus which I liked better but this is still fairly new) this is used to report out updates and information which I think is very helpful and adds some peace of mind to our days while away from him. This Minnieland is incredibly organized with a curriculum for each age group, menu and communications sent out on a weekly or recurring as needed basis. Of course when little kiddos start they are more reserved about getting dropped off but the staff opens their arms and hearts to the kids and we feel so happy knowing they are taken care of while we are at work. Included are various activities as well such as Ice Cream truck days (truck pulls up and you grab your ice creams upon leaving, or sundae making upon parent pickup on occasion, holiday activities and Trunk or Treat (decorate vehicles at Halloween and the kids get to trick/treat in the parking lot) among other events too that are fun for the kids and families. My Son really enjoys it here and I rate them with 5 Stars! read more

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This school is wonderful. The teachers and staff at this school care about the children and provide a loving environment, and children get both outdoor time and lesson plans for indoor activities. Communication to the parents has been consistent, including emails and the use of an app to communicate updates throughout the day. They have periodic events which my child loves attending and they have good hours. I think this is a valuable experience for my child as their language and academic skills have really improved since joining this daycare. I highly recommend at least touring here if you are looking! read more

We are so glad to have found this daycare. The staff and the teachers are friendly, the facility is bright and inviting. Our little one, who was deathly shy, calls it "happy place" and is adjusting well. read more

This is a great daycare! My daughter has went to this school since she was 6 weeks old and I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of teachers and assistants! These ladies are so caring and wonderful! I can tell they truly care about my daughter and that makes my heart smile. And she is so smart, they have really done a great job at teaching her and loving her! read more

Our daughter has been in the school for almost 2 years now. I stayed home with her for about 3.5 years before she began attending Minnieland, so it was an adjustment for her to start. Drop offs were sometimes challenging, but Ms. Mimi made them easy by nurturing our daughter especially during drop off time, it was what she needed to ease into the transition. Ms. Casey was also one of our daughters teachers the first year and our daughter loves her!! Our daughter would come home and talk about positive things about her teachers and sometimes disappointed that we were picking her up to go home, so that made me feel good. She is now with Mrs.Rebecca and Ms. Dee and is still thriving at the school. She has learned how to write her name and has learned so much. Diane and Kristi are good about sending out communications and seem to manage the place well. The school organizes different functions and events through out the year that are fun and organized. They use a system called kid reports that allow parents to view the child's activity through out the day. Our daughter has had a great experience here so far and enjoys her time there. She goes M-F all day! read more

This is the worst daycare I've ever seen. The director, Diane, is very unprofessional. She doesn't accept any questions or comments regarding the care provided for your own child. Zero communication, if you ever ask to speak with your child's teacher she tells you they're busy and you're wasting their time! Excuse me, I need to follow up on my child's progress who I am paying you for so you can take care of them. They lie about everything. They were telling me that my child was eating very well at the time I was wondering how they were coming home crying and irritated as hungry as they were. Plus they don't care if your child is allergic to some food or not allowed to eat certain food for religious reasons!!!! I told them my child doesn't eat pork so I had to provide a doctor's note for that! The doctor doesn't diagnose your religion. This was very unacceptable and racist!! Although I provided that note, Diane made me take back the food I was providing as an alternative when the menus indicated "bacon for lunch" and told me that it's not bacon! That happened 3 times at least. My child had 2 unexplained accidents: one injury on their chin, bleeding and one scratch on their stomach. I get the answer "oh they play and things happen" both times. Yes things happen but I am not getting informed until I pick up my child and see that! My daughter came from the playground with her chin bleeding and she was crying. I went back in to talk to them and they made it seem normal, they did not see that! What were you doing while the children were playing outside??? Shouldn't you be watching them?? No parent should trust those people and leave their children there. Not safe, physically and emotionally. read more

Yes, I can say we are more fans now. I think at first when we brought our child the main part was giving it time for adjustments. Nothing falls into place the way you expect within the first few days or even few weeks. People have to understand that. It took time for me too. There was hesitation and there were tears. There was times we thought this wasn't the best but again, time.... time... time.... You have to give time to adjust and see the light. I felt our child wasn't digging it but again the child is young and used to routines. This was a change for him/her. Our only concern we really had was with a morning care person that just did not seem to have the "Nurturing" effect and we know other families felt the same way. We think she (maybe a "filler") is no longer in that room but if you are going to deal with small children they "need" to have that comfort and feeling that they are being nurtured and the parents want and need that reassurance as well. The main teacher and afternoon teacher in our room is outstanding! All the children really seem to love her. No complaints. I know in the Toddler room (age 1-2) they are taught baby sign language and yoga and encouraged to feed themselves. These are all and have been outstanding achievements once they master and know what they are "signing". It's so cute when they sign to you "Please" "More", etc when they just cant get their words out yet. A report is provided each week of next weeks planned activities, sign word(s) and books and what will be focused on. A menu is provided weekly as well. Naps are limited to one nap a day (2 hrs). Payment due every week. If closed you still have to pay. If child is sick you still have to pay but this is the nature of the business of all daycare facilities, only way you get around that is in home private care and even then you have the same rules. Overall staff here is nice, nurturing and I give them a Thumbs Up! Food/Milk/Water/Snacks= Provided by facility Formula/Diapers/Wipes= Family Provided read more

Absolutely love everything about this center. The teachers and staff are all phenomenal and we could not ask for more. I have two children in this center and I cannot say enough about how wonderful the programs are. I completely trust everyone here with both of my children and as a parent that is hard to find. read more

Here's the thing: babies in that infant room are loved, and taken care of, and stimulated, and not in ANY danger. As a father, I am hyper-sensitive to anything that might harm my daughter or anything that might be less than perfectly safe and healthy. My baby girl is almost six months old and has been in that room with Amber and Stephanie, and Tracy and Belinda, since she was 2 months, and she has thrived. If something happens to change my mind, believe me, the world will hear about it, but I can tell you that these women work hard to ensure your baby is loved, educated, and all-around happy. We toured around ten daycare facilities in the area before settling on this minnieland, and the reason why is the teachers have tenure; they have worked there a long time, love what they do, and seem genuinely informed into everything that goes on with our child. read more

This Minnieland is fabulous! My daughter only went here for 6 weeks because we moved. She was in the infant room. The teachers were very friendly and caring. My daughter always smiled when we got there and seemed to have a lot of fun everyday. The ratio was always correct (4 infants per teacher). As soon as they would go over, the director or someone else would go to the room until another teacher arrived. There weren't too many kids so I knew she was getting plenty of attention. My only complaint is that they gave bottles every time she cried instead of figuring out why she was crying. On her first day, they gave her a ridiculous amount of milk, when really she was crying because she was tired. After a few days, they were able to figure out her needs better though. I definitely recommend this location! read more

I had 2 major concerns in the very short time my infant attended this daycare: 1) I was excited to have a couple pics sent home, but then noticed in one it looked like my 4.5 month old was playing with marbles! After calling and speaking with management they explained they were non toxic water beads. Water beads are not sensory items for an infant regardless of if they are non toxic! 2) I picked my daughter up early to find her with a blanket completely covering and somewhat wrapped around her head. Her face was beat red when I removed it! I did not provide a blanket for my daughter's crib because I did not want her to nap with one! On top of these 2 major concerns there were also several others things that really bothered me. 1) Even though you label all your supplies my daughter came home with the wrong bottle caps, wearing the wrong diapers and I even saw a teacher using my daughters supplies on another baby. In addition, 2 of her bottles were "lost" 2)There were constantly little bugs in the hallway and once a giant spider in the infant room. 3)A handful of times I picked my daughter up and found her sitting in a dirty diaper. Her clothes would be sent home at least a few times a week because of "blowouts". I never understood this because when my daughter was little you always knew when she was pooping and she never had a blowout at home. read more

Minnieland Academy at Heathcote provides a wonderful, educational, nurturing, safe environment for our children. Our oldest child has been attending since before she turned two and is now in their Jr. Kindergarten program and our youngest started out at 11 weeks in the infant room. Nearly two and a half years later, the same familiar faces greet us every day, along with some talented new additions. I have never questioned their care of our children. We are thankful to know our girls are in great hands each day. They never tire of your relentless phone calls to check on your children and even email photos to you of fun or silly activities your child did that day. I would highly recommend Minnieland Academy at Heathcote and am grateful for the lasting relationships our children have made with their dedicated and loving staff. read more

I was surprised to see that no one else had posted at this point, considering that there have been many verbal discussions surrounding this daycare around town. This is the location closest to the hospital, and is one of 3 in the immediate area (there is one up the road on Heathcote in Gainesville and one down the road in Dominion Valley). I will spare writing a book, but will cut to the chase and say that I've spoken to parents who pulled their children from the facility due to the director/customer service. The teachers that I've had for both of my children have been wonderful for the most part, no doubt about that. Any that weren't panning out were removed rather quickly. The Director/Asst.Director, however, leave a lot to be desired. The Asst. Director does attempt to give you a good impression, while the actual Director is flat out rude, aloof, lacks empathy and/or compassion, and will only present herself in a professional and friendly manner when there are parents touring the facility. We ended up leaving and going to another daycare, since this is not the only one in town. Word of advice - tour all of the Minnielands - there are 3 and the pricing is all the same. But also tour other daycares as well. Haymarket is a small town, don't feel pressured to go with this one. And if you do, be mindful of getting on the Director's bad side. read more

We've been at Heathcote Minnieland 4 years, since a few months after opening. Ms. Diane is a professional and a good leader. I've also found her friendly and approachable. I trust her- she has earned that with me. Many kids and teachers have been there the entire time since the center opened. That's loyalty. My experiences have been terrific, same as many other parents I know. My kids and I especially love their teachers, both past and present, and so many of their past teachers are still around every day for them to visit with on the way to their current rooms. There is the same sweet, baby-whispering teacher in the infant room as when both my kids were in there. Same wonderfuly patient team in the older infant room too, all these years later. And lots more still in the other rooms including the kitchen and SAC room. Their current teachers are just lovely beyond compare, they abosolutely adore the kids in their classrooms and they adore their teachers. Kristi, the Assist. Dir. is also super and has also been there since opening day.Academically we are well-served also, not just reading and writing either- there are science experiments, adding, subtraction, making graphs, etc. Field trips too. And while other daycares closed frequently due to weather this winter, this center was closed for only one day. Though it is truly one of my happy places, every day when I drop them off at Minnieland, I feel like I'm leaving my heart too. But I'm glad that its with such great people like them. Highly recommend it! read more

I have been a Minnieland Heathcote parent for 5 years now. My 6 year old daughter attends the SAC program and has been a Minnieland Heathcote baby since she was 1. My youngest daughter, who is 3, was born premature. I had large reservations leaving my child who could stop breathing or have an asthma attack with anyone. How could I have ever forgiven myself if anything ever happened to her? Diane Goolsby, the Director at Minnieland Heathcote, who has been there longer than I have been a Minnieland Heathcote parent could sense my reservations. She immediately told me what I needed to hear in order to relieve my concerns and assured me that this was the best decision for both my daughter and me. I never thought I could meet someone who actually cared about my child's wellbeing as much as I do myself. The employees at Minnieland Heathcote enjoy their jobs; they are always so pleasant, gracious and genuinely care about my children. My children are educationally challenged, enriched with amazingly creative daily activities, and enjoy going to school. To make a comment off of the post dated 10/29/2015, I would donate my smaller diapers to the classrooms because I knew at times I might not have packed enough and in the event my child needed a pair it was nice to know the teachers would use the backup supplies. It is also a lovely luxury to be able to be one to one with your child and be able to change a dirty diaper immediately, however even with the extremely low 4:1 staffing ratio in the infant room there are times that an accident would just occur prior to my arrival and I had no problem changing my baby's diaper (in fact, the staff would offer and I would insist that is was okay). In regards to receiving pictures home of what my children are doing throughout the day is such a great present to receive. I too remember receiving one of my infant playing with the dissolvable water beads and thought immediately how much fun she must have had touching the new objects, seeing the teacher holding her and my baby smile had just made my day! I am so blessed to have Minnieland Heathcote in my life and the lives of my children. While I am busy at work I don't have to wonder if my children are safe, sad, or being hurt...out of all of the decisions I have made in my life and the lack of control I have for the outcomes of some of them...this was the best decision I have ever made. read more