I thought this school would be a good fit and at the beginning it was. the teachers are wonderful…read moreand work so hard with what they are given! we loved Hailey, Shiana, Donna and Lexi!! Ms Hailey did such a wonderful job getting my girl to start eating solids!! So patient!! These teachers treated my child like family and I can't thank them enough for being so wonderful with her. The major complaint I had was there was such a high teacher turn over. we where there from August to February and I swear she had 6-7 different teachers. They were constantly moving teachers from room to room. Some of those teachers were in there for hours with no break. It made me confused because there was 2 directors. My mother in law is a daycare director and she is always in the classrooms helping her teachers take breaks or use the bathroom. I really felt for them!! It is still a great daycare just wasn't a good fit for us. We will truly miss her teachers!! However, I do believe there needs to be some changes done at the school.

At first I thought this would be a good fit for my child, but I soon discovered I was wrong. There…read moreare too few teachers per classroom. My child was often moved around in the mornings and evenings waiting on their teacher, which is understandable, but also difficult for a child who is new and has to get used to being away from their parent. My main concerns were mysterious bruises and scrapes that were very serious, yet no notice, no note, and when asked, no one knew what happened. That was my first red flag, but I understand kids get hurt, however, my child had a wound that was still bleeding when I picked them up and nothing had been done about it. They now have a very large scar from it as well. Again, nobody knew what had happened. For a toddler to get hurt that badly and not receive medical attention, that's unacceptable. The second red flag was recurring issues with diaper rash and how hungry my child was at pick up. I know toddlers love to snack, but my child and another relative's child who also attended were ALWAYS super hungry at pick. I don't mean just wanting a little snack by 4 or 5pm. They would be crying about being thirsty and hungry every day. I would get notes saying that my child ate all of their breakfast/snack/lunch but would see the menu for the day and notice things I know my child would not/does not eat. If they got them to eat it, I'd be surprised! My biggest issue was how they deal with children that have special needs. My child has sensory processing disorder. This was made very clear to staff and yet they would not/could not follow instructions on how to deal with certain things. I understand having so many kids and only one teacher in the rooms, but for a "child development" center, they don't seem to have the necessary training nor patience for children with atypical development and concerns. Many of these children have therapist that come to the daycare for treatment sessions and I can tell you now that many are unhappy with how the center doesn't seem to properly accommodate these children. I would not recommend this center to anyone who has children with atypical development or special needs. I also did NOT appreciate the attitudes of their Director and Administrative "Assistant" Director. Many of the other parents and I have talked and found ourselves in agreement that the way they speak to us is often unacceptable. They don't have any reason to be more respectful it seems. I highly doubt they're in any fear of losing their jobs, so they don't need to worry about being professional. However, a daycare center where you are working with people's most precious children is NOT the place for these kinds of attitudes. If you don't know how to be polite and friendly, customer service is not for you. It is especially not for you when you are working with children! They are often found and overheard sitting up front talking about things not really suitable for children, but their attitude shows they don't care what you hear. My child will not be returning and I would caution parents who are considering them in the future. Do your research. Make sure you really know the routine of your child. Make surprise visits are random times when they are not expecting you. Demand notation of every incident. Count all items you send there and check your invoices after every payment because they also tried to double charge me on more than one occasion claiming I had not paid for that week. I had to bring in bank statements to prove otherwise before they'd fix it. Be cautious. For older children, it would be fine. But if you are considering your infants and toddlers, I'd really look elsewhere.

We could not be happier with this preschool and daycare center! The teachers and staff are…read moreincredibly kind, patient, and genuinely care about our kid's growth and happiness. What really stands out is how innovative and engaging the teachers are with activities and learning experiences. Ms Tasha's pre-K math and reading curriculum really set up my daughter for success entering Kindergarten last year. Ms Nikki and Ms Morgan in Toddlers are always finding new creative ways to help the children learn and build confidence. The administrators Ms Chelsea and Ms Miranda are excellent communicators-- we always feel informed. My only feedback is to staff up for support and spread the workload, I seem fo regularly see the administration in classrooms. Highly recommend this center to any family looking for a nurturing, professional, and exceptional preschool and daycare experience! Pricing is in line with the market.

This is one of the best daycares. My son went here for almost 7 years and he loved it. The staff is…read moreamazing and really care about the kids. The Director, Ms. Sue is the leader of her team and you can tell she loves what she does.

the management of the YMCA downtown Hickory is alarmingly poor at organization, communication,…read moreconsistency and customer relations. The 'new' gym is hideous. in contacting the management,, the person couldn't have cared less, she was condescending, flippant, she didn't listen to what I was saying and she was dismissive. it was clear her missive was to get me off the phone. The staff is put in a terrible spot. they aren't being communicated with from management. people are wandering around lost in the facility because of the lack or non existence of staffing. Rooms aren't available when you talk to one person but another person says they can unlock it. they are RUINING the experience of going to the gym. They are of course charging full price for a lot less than 100% availability of what we had prior. She uses the phrase ''sorry you feel this way" clearly its NOT a feeling, its cognitive thought, something they do Not understand at the Hickory Foundation YMCA. id be embarrassed to tell anyone I was management at this place. No-one cares, its apathy to the Nth degree and it starts At The Very Top who refuse to interact with membership because well, they just do not want to hear it.

I must admit... I've been pleasantly surprised by this YMCA. I've been to other Y's (Atlanta,…read moreCharlotte, Greensboro) and Hickory can hold its own. There are so many activities and different programs to help anyone get into/stay in shape without getting bored. There are no joining fees or contracts, just monthly dues. Very affordable, around $40 a month for a single person and $65 for a whole family. There is both an indoor and outdoor pool where they offer water aerobic classes, private lessons, and lifeguard training. A wide range of group exercise classes are offered such as Zumba, Martial Arts, Step, Spin, and Yoga to name a few. Swati is an amazing Yoga instructor; highly recommend her Yoga Reflection class. The gym is pretty standard with free weights, machines, treadmills, etc. Personal trainers are available for those who want one-on-one motivation and coaching. Also, can't forget about the basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields and the new climbing tower! I have only been up the tower once...on the easiest side... with 8 year olds zooming up the wall beside me ...but still it was inspiring to make it to the top! Summertime is super busy with campers all over the place but the camp counselors do a good job of keeping them in check. Last but not least, the staff is sooooo friendly and helpful! Especially Thelma, who greets nearly every member by name and goes out of her way to help the elderly members.

I love this center! 2 of my children attend here, for the past year and they are learning a lot…read more They both attend full time. I would definitely recommend this center. The teachers and staff are very friendly and helpful! I know my children are in great hands while I'm at work. My children are in the toddler classes , started in the baby class!

The best gym! Friendly and helpful staff, new equipment, and great pool.read more

$15 for open gym is crazy. No wonder kids don't play ball anymore. It really is getting ridiculous.read more

I went as a member to a series of yoga and stretching classes, Zumba and Pilates and they were the…read morebest classes I've taken! All instructors are outstanding, and terrific i LOVE IT! If you are looking for a really nice gym to join that offers a variety of classes, exercises equipment, and very clean and tidy place The Shuford YMCA is an excellent choice!

My daughter went here 30 years ago (loved it then) and now have a granddaughter going there(love it…read morenow). They have a great program for the kids and the teachers are amazing. Love knowing that they are so attentive to the kids and their needs.

It didn't stop here ... when all of us went to get our belongings from the center yesterday and…read morefiles for our children and ourselves, Terry Starnes called the police making a FALSE report that we were threatening her and her teachers, when we were literally standing there watching her call the police asking her what in the world she was talking about. I don't know if it's a mental issue or just plain mean but I know one thing, a child should NEVER be in her care. Please repost and share and get the word out about Countryside in Granite Falls... we need to protect all children even if they are not ours! Donna Cassidy * .. Admin 10h * m I was sent this from a friend who wants to warn parents... My director was given the opportunity to lease to own the center Countryside Childcare until January when it would be in her name, about 6 teachers came with her to countryside to work and help to get it back up to state code... and we all enrolled our children as well. Friday, the old owner Terry Starnes who has been cited by state before for spanking children... decided to back out of the deal and not sell. She then proceeded to call the director "stupid" in front of state, taking her keys back and making the decision to make the director pack up all her things and not return on Monday. It didn't stop there, she then proceeded to FIRE every teacher that came over with the director to countryside without explanation saying we had been replaced and our services were no longer needed. She then told staff that we could pick up our children's files on Monday meaning they were kicked out as well... We tried to bring Countryside back because it had a horrible reputation before, but now it is out of our hands. Be VERY aware if your child is going here or you are thinking about putting your child here. Read the reviews, look at the state citations... BE AWARE who watches your child