My two sons attended StarChild since June of 2022. When I went in to pick up our kids yesterday (12/21/22), I received a booboo report to sign that Ms. Zuly scratched my 3 yo's arm causing him to bleed in classroom Preschool C. He had a bandaid over it so I didn't see the extent of the damage while there. Removing his bandaid for his bath showed my husband and I both a gouged out section that is not just a scratch. It is a clear scar of a full curved thumbnail from her digging so hard and deep into his skin to draw blood and leave behind such a wound. She claims she was hugging him but that would not result in the purposefully caused laceration she has inflicted the inner portion of such a small child's forearm. I have pictures to document the physical harm and the center had camera recordings of the room. They refused to let me see the footage from what she did and what other actions she may have taken against my son. StarChild claimed they didn't have video but calling th actual camera provider proved that all plans included cloud storage. StarChild refused to provide contact information until I spoke with the regional director - Liz Reece. I left a voicemail at 8am. Then called back at 9am. I finally spoke with her at 10:19am. She then drove to the location and said she spoke with the teacher and others who may have been in the room yesterday. Ms. Zuly claimed to have no idea that she caused this injury despite it being such a deep wound to draw blood. Ms. Liz "provided coaching" and when the location director got back from vacation at the end of the next week, more "coaching" occurred. This is absolutely unacceptable. For a teacher to cause injuries to a child and for a company to then pretend that "coaching" of a few minutes was sufficient is ridiculous. The only repercussion for the teacher was that she got a letter in her file stating that she needs to build stronger relationships with parents. DCF got involved and even the worker said an injury, such as the one inflicted on my son, was not possible accidentally. If you send your child to this facility, be aware they don't care about your child or their safety. read more

StarChild Academy Apopka - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Apopka, Florida

I would never take my child back to Starchild. After touring many daycare centers near Apopka, we were excited about Starchild Apopka/Wekiva. By day 3, our daughter came home with two finger nails completely ripped off, and fingers that were very red. It was clear that she smashed her fingers during the day, but the daycare had zero incident reports or any information on what happened. Knowing our daughter, she would have screamed her head off, in pain. On day 5, we started watching the cameras more closely because our daughter refused to enter the classroom anymore. That was out of character. We noticed that she was not eating lunch, yet the teachers marked her eating the "entire lunch" even though they removed the plate full. On day 6 is when we pulled her. During nap time, I witnessed one of the teachers grab her, use force to push her onto a mat, and threw a blanket on top of her. I could see my daughter crying through the video. When I arrived 2 hours later, the rest of the kids were playing, but my daughter was still on the mat, traumatized, and still crying. If you need a quick place to start daycare, and have ZERO options, then I would say to stay away. Your kids are safer anywhere but here. There are other daycares that are cheaper, with much better quality. read more

I am concerned about the treatment of children in K4-A under Ashley's leadership. Children who misbehave are always yelled at and their food is withheld by her. As a result of misbehaving, a child, age 4, did not receive lunch on Thursday, February 20, 2024. She was reported to the administration and nothing was done. I would not recommend Starchild Academy to anyone. Proper treatment of children, especially in educational settings, is crucial for their emotional and psychological development. The administration has a critical responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in their care. By failing to take action against such inappropriate behavior, they are neglecting their duty to create a nurturing and secure environment. It's imperative that they implement strict guidelines and monitoring to prevent any form of mistreatment and to hold educators accountable for their actions. Positive reinforcement and nurturing environments help children build self-esteem and a love for learning. Moreover, mistreatment can have long-term negative effects on a child's well-being, making it essential for schools to prioritize supportive and caring approaches. I hope that the decision makers take this report seriously as my next report will be to DCF. read more

We recently switched our 3-year-old from Primrose Longwood to Starchild Academy Apopka due to curriculum. We have seen her educationally grow leaps and bounds in only a month of time. The structure at this school is specifically designed for education and learning. Every day, I know what work my daughter has done, will do, and what was completed that day/week. The transparency on what she is learning is amazing and we are so grateful that they had an open spot for her. I highly recommend this school to parents looking in the Longwood/Wekiwa Area!! read more

I think my story of this facility has to start with, I don't view it as a "daycare", it's so much more!!! When my husband and I started our search, Starchild was the first place we visited. I think more than anything we weren't sure what type of parents we wanted to be. We started with a long list of places and honestly they started to blend together. We decided on a child care facility that we thought would "LOVE" our baby (NOT STARCHILD) .... welp my gut was wrong, I will admit it, and my first 2 weeks back from maternity leave were a disaster. I was crying and watching video cameras and calling my mom on the edge of a breakdown. I had to do better... I had to be a better mother for my son. Did I need to pull money out of our retirement for a private nanny? What was the solution. My husband (in all his brilliant glory) said "let's go back to Starchild". I agreed, unable to remember why the heck we didn't choose them to begin with. Parent (reading my review) - do you want your child to learn socialization skills while being cuddled and giggled with his teacher? - do you want your child to learn healthy habits and behaviors including learning is FUN?! - do you want owner and leaders who know you, your child and your 3rd cousin twice removed, by name? - do you want your child to attend school in a place that values stimulation of your child's eager mind? - do you want a place to place your child in a facility that is immaculate and attention to detail is prized? I could go on... but my point is, if you answered YES... this is the place for you. In the 1.5 short months my son has been attending Starchild I have been nothing but amazed. These people are driven to exceed expectations. The owners are ALWAYS onsite, they work harder than anyone I know (including Kris Jenner) . Do you have a question, a concern, a thought, anything and everything they want to hear it. My son is the one thing in my life that I cherish above all else, and I'm telling you... I'll drive an hour each way to keep my son in this school. I'm pretty sure I'll be inviting his second mommies to his birthday party, because that's what his teacher are. They are second mommies to him. Wonderful, loving, caring women who cherish my little boy as much as I do. read more

The quality of your child's experience depends heavily on your child's teacher. The same with any "School", I'm sure. A couple of things I'd change? Healthier food options. Instead of fruit loops, pop tarts and animal crackers maybe real cheese and crackers, peanut butter, etc. Healthy food can be kid friendly! Also- a cover over the play area would be a huge benefit to the kids, especially in the summer heat. I know other Starchilds have them. The slides get so hot the kids can't even use them! Starchild is also very focused on academics. The classrooms are sterile with no toys left out. The days are also VERY structured with new activities every 15 minutes. While this can keep kids from being bored it also can be tough for a little one to switch gears so often and doesn't allow them much creative freedom. I've heard from other parents and teachers that say when their kids leave Starchild and start public school that the kids are ahead academically but behind socially. Trade off, I guess. read more

StarChild Academy Apopka - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Apopka, Florida

I have two kids and have tried about 7 day cares in Orlando area until I have found this StarChild. Well managed: problems are solved promptly when needed. Place is very clean. The strongest point is academic: my 4 year old daughter is reading kids books and 6 year old enjoys reading chapter books (4th grade level) and encyclopedias. They both enjoy attending and miss teaches during holidays. In the end I feel that I can trust my kids well-being while in their hands. read more

My kids learned so much here and the staff is wonderful with them as well. I moved my kids to this daycare after a bad experience at another daycare and it was the best decision I made for them! The flourished in this school! read more

BEST TEACHERS WE'VE HAD!! Our 3 and 5 yo went to this school for one year and this has BY FAR been the best, most loving, professional school we've encountered. Clean. Cameras. Lunch provided. Great academics. Very happy with this school and wish we didn't have to leave! read more

Star Child is a very good and reputable child care provider. The owners are very active in the operation and address issues promptly when they arise. I particularly appreciate the extra curricular activities offered. Additional benefit is not having to find care for kids when school is not in session. If you are looking for before or after school care I highly recommend Star Child. read more

My daughter has been going to StarChild since July and loves it!!! The curriculum is engaging and fun for the students. She's only 3 but is recognized by name throughout the school and everyone says hi and makes you feel like part of a family. They offer breakfast every morning for $1 which is a lifesaver for those crazy mornings. My daughter loves her teachers and looks forward to school every day. School is very clean, variety of extra curricular programs, and the best school my daughter has attended thus far!!! You won't be disappointed read more

Bad experience during the summer months. The kids had near 3 teacher/classroom changes in 2 months. There was never any communication sent. We found about changes when we brought our kids in and was told they were no longer in the class. The newly hired staff was not attentive to the kids. For instance, they didn't give the kids water after being outside with the heat index at 106 degrees. I randomly came to the school and saw my kid lying on the floor. They said he didn't take a nap. But, when I looked at him his skin was clammy and lips where pale. We brought him home and gave him pedialyte and took him to the doctor who confirmed that he was dehydrated. We started leaving a bottle of water/Powerade everyday and had to instruct the teachers to give to the kids when they returned from being outside. There were also other incidents. The teachers they had earlier were great (Ms. Arlane and Ms. Amanda.) After that, it went downhill. Be sure to always watch the camera. Also, the front staff were pleasant. read more

Honestly this was the worst decision bringing my child here. Nobody really watches the kids and they are prone to catch anything. Just recently somebody was bringing their kid to the school with lice and it spread to my child. Never again read more

Incredibly happy with StarChild Academy! My son is almost 6 months old, and has been there since he was almost 3 months! I love all his teachers, especially Miss Karen! They have given me so much valuable advice, especially since I'm a first time mom and have NO idea what I'm doing! Everyone knows my son's name and they greet us everyday as we walk in and leave...very friendly, and love the cameras!! (I like to sneak a peek throughout the day, and Nana calls it her Baby Channel on TV!) ;) read more

Star Child Academy staff has been absolutely wonderful to my family for the past 7 years. You know your kids are in a great place when they cry and want to stay with their friends and teachers even when its time to go home. I love this school and have recommended it to 5 different families over the years. read more

Love their service and quality. We went through a hard time going to different daycare facilities, problems after problems. After we started at Star Child we found peace and satisfaction. Our kids learning and safety is our main priority and Star Child did it for us. Good Job A++++! read more

As a parent you want the very best for your child. Well this school is it. My daughter and niece have attended since they were months old. Before my daughter was one she was communicating with sign language. I have seen continual progress well above her peers. Aside from the excellent education, the teachers and staff are very compassionate and warm to the children. Cindy and Shelby welcome every parent and child by name every morning and are very much in tune with each child's personality. From the staff and teachers, especially the music teacher, Mr Casey, the classroom cameras, daily reports, excellent curriculum, we couldn't ask for more! read more

We have had our child here for 4 years now and he has thrived so much. The owners are hands on and its amazing! Very happy here and trust them very much! read more

Great Day Care my granddaughter has been coming here for about six years and we are very happy with them. The entire staff is great with the kids. In the summer they keep them occupied with field trips and lots of activities read more

REPORTED THEM TO DCF AND THEY ARE GOING TO INVESTIGATE THE PRACTICES OCCURING AT THE SCHOOL! My wife and I decided to send my daughter who is 3 to a school to get her ready for Kindergarden. We toured schools and had decided on another one but then our friend convinced us to try Star. What a mistake. We did not like the feeling we got when we toured Star as it was very cold but we decided to give it a try based on our friend. On the first day of dropping off our daughter screamed (we expected it.) We knew it was going to happen and knew it would take time for her to get used to it. When a couple weeks went by and she started screaming louder we got concerned. As soon as we would get near the school she would start screaming. When we spoke to cindy she basically told us our child is spoiled and will need to get used to it or that we could go elsewhere. Not what I expected from a preschool. We decided to ask our daughter why she was so upset. She said that she was scared to go to school because all the teachers do is scream and yell at the kids. She said it hurt her ears. Ok I get it has to be a hard job but do not scream at the kids. If you are a great preschool like you claim you should know the things to do besides yelling and screaming at kids. We decided to talk to the teacher and called the school and asked Shelby if we could speak to our daughters teacher. She said that it is not permitted so we asked if we could meet with the teacher and again was told that is not permitted. Really? You will not allow your teachers to meet or talk to us or let us know what is going on? Yet another strike against this school. Finally we decided to walk in during the early afternoon to try to meet with the teacher and Director to discuss our concerns and find out what is oging on in the school. When we got there we were told we can pick up but not disturb the class. While waiting to speak to the owner we noticed the kids walking down the hall with both hands on their heads which I did not like my daughter is not a prisoner. It is funny as when they tour everything looks great but I now realize the tour looks great and they can sell anything to you, but it is not an accurate picture of what happens in this school!!! Hence why they are not accredited by any company. At this point we were still waiting for a manager and starting really questioning the practices of this school. My wife and I then started to hear the yelling ourselves while we were in the front lobby. At that point we decided to skip talking to anyone as this is not what we wanted in a school. We walked back to get our daughter and was shocked by what we saw in hter classroom. When we go in we heard the teacher screaming at a boy for not laying still on his mat. Really? He is 3 he is not going to be completely still. Then we realized that all of the kids were on a mat and had a top cover pulled over their head and completely tucked under the mat. I mean completely over the entire body and face and then tucked under the mat. How can they breath and how can the teacher see them to be sure they are ok? I asked the teacher why that is done and she said so they will sleep. My wife and I expresse dour concern and told her that is not acceptable for our daughter. The teacher said that is the school rule and we would have to talk to Cindy. We then asked for all of our daughter's belongings and walked up front. We then told the front desk that we were questioning some of things occuring and that we were not ok with what occured and that we would not be back. Please be aware of what happens at this school throught the day not just on a tour. I have spoken to a woman at DCF and reported what I saw and my concerns. She told me they will open an investigation and go investigate the school. read more

I love StarChild Academy my son has been attending since he was 6 weeks old now he is 6 months and I have not had any issues. All the teachers are nice and very helpful and I can tell my little one enjoys being there. They also have cameras so you can watch your child while they are there which I do! It puts me at ease being able to see him while I'm at work and to see the teachers caring and loving on him. I hope to keep him at StarChild all the way through their private school. I highly recommend them!! read more

My child has been attending Starchild Academy in Apopka for almost two years now. His first year was such an amazing experience for both of us. My child had two wonderful teachers (Ms. Daya and Ms. Brittany.) Those two young ladies take great pride and passion in working with children. However this year...not so great. My childs new teacher is not the friendliest person. She has a militant teaching style. She constantly carries around a yard stick and uses it to point with. She also uses it to tap the childrens feet with as they're sitting on the floor. She uses it to draw their attention or order them to do something. I recently noticed every time I pick-up/drop-off my child in her class she never takes a moment to raise her head to greet me nor other mothers that have been in her class at the same time as me. Although when a black mother comes into her class she lifts her head up to greet them with great excitment as she grins from ear to ear and eagerly waves to them! Hmm, perhaps she's prejudice? I certainly hope not. I hate to think that sort of ignorant behavior would exist in a classroom where small children are being taught. Yes, I plan to discuss this issue with Cindy, the owner. The only other issue I have with the school is the food menu. They do not serve healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, cheese,100% whole wheat or real fruit juice. They serve the children cookies, chips, hotdogs, pizza and everything that a young growing child should not be eating. Far from being brain food. On their menu it says they serve juice with snacks. Well, it is not juice, it's a fluorescent colored, heavily sweetend cool-aid of some sort. NOT JUICE!! If you are looking for a place to enroll your child that has a lot of structure, an advanced learning curriculum and is very organized, Starchild is the place. If you are concerned about healthy meals being fed to your child, a place that encourages freedom of imagination, I would NOT recommend Starchild. read more

We absolutely LOVE StarChild Academy. Our daughter is only 21 months and can say her ABC's, count to 15, tell you most shapes, and knows basic colors. We are so impressed by the teachers, staff members, and owners of StarChild Academy. They do whatever it takes to ensure that your child is learning and enjoying school. As a working mother, I feel confident everyday that when I drop my child off for school that she is in the best hands. read more

I put my infant of 5 months in at the Star Child in Apopka. I had him there for only 3 months and had to pull him out. He kept getting hurt and bit in the class and not a teacher could tell me what happened. I know teachers don't see everything but getting hurt and bit on a continual basis is an issue. When I expressed my concern to the teachers they did not seem to care. When I went to the front they told me that kids do get hurt in daycare. I know that but I think the teachers should at least see some of the incidents. Front staff is cold and do not seem to really care about the parent concerns. I think one issue is that all the infants are in one room and my son was in there will almost 1 year olds. I was concerned from the beginning but gave it a chance. AFter 3 months I could not keep doing it. The last day I went I saw a teacher place him down forcefully. I immediately went up to the front and told them he was not returning. They did not ask why or even care. It is all about the money at the Star Child in Apopka. I do not know if the other locations are like this but you do not want to enroll your child in this location. I can't drop my son off to a place I feel is unsafe. Some of the teachers were nice and others were not happy and they made it know. The school has a high rate of turnover. I have now found a loving school for my son and am just mad that we had to go through this. This school does not live up to all the hype around it. I have also recently spoke to other parents who have had their child at this location and many have similar stories. There are many options in childcare do your homework. Do surprise visits to this place and you will see what really happens in this schoo.l. read more