My daughter has been attending Lavonna in Westport for about a month or so now. At first I was…read moreconcerned about her transition. I knew it would be hard for everyone because I was used to seeing her smiling face everyday during drop off and pick up. The first day she allowed me to leave immediately, she walked away and started playing with the other kids. Then every day after that it got harder and harder. That was concerning because she's so laid back. I communicated my concerns with one of her teachers, she was very receptive about some other things that I witnessed distaste for. Like her having tears in her eyes every time I picked her up. I felt I took my daughter away from a nurturing environment and put her in daycare bootcamp. They don't allow pacifiers after 1yr (except naps), no bottles at all (just sippies), only 1 nap a day (my daughter is use to several). Many parents are okay with this. I'm a little different, I believe in natural transitions. I told them I didn't want my daughter to be forced into submission on her first week. She was obviously unhappy by day 2. I wanted a gradual weening of the bottle and pacifier. She wasn't ready to be torn from everything, plus she's in a new environment and I want her to LIKE being there. Things quickly turned around after I voiced it to a teacher. They opened up her options. So far, my only minor concerns are: - There aren't any batteries in any of the toys. They don't replace them. So, when I'm trying to drop off my daughter and distract her with a toy, none of them work. So, she's left grabbing me and crying because I have nothing to give her. I told the teacher the school should ask for rechargeable batteries for Christmas because it's just unacceptable to have a bunch (I'm talking like 10 I've tried) of toys that are only entertaining when they work. Either throw them away or put batteries in them. The children become disinterested quickly and are left with the teacher trying to entertain them. 06/01/15 - They no longer have toys that don't work. They've gone through and disposed of them. - They only accept cash or check and there are no direct deposit options. The staff are very friendly, the Director is very friendly. I even recognize teachers that are still there after 6 years ago, from when my son attended. I am just a picky Mom who wants my child to be happy and entertained. Isn't that what we all want? I don't want my daughter to cry when I leave. However, I know that's common for many ages. I'm going to tough it out a while longer because I keep reading good things and I still remember all the positive things I experienced 4 years ago with the same people. I don't want to give into any negative thoughts. 06/01/15 - I also wanted to add that she has been there well over a couple of months now and still hasn't gotten sick. They've never had a problem with cleanliness.

I worked here while I was pregnant, one of the older workers with the babies where I was at would…read moreliterally hit and give the babies melatonin, when I said something we got into an argument and I got fired. Not one child in that room was even close to 12 months old At the time. I would NEVER in a million years leave my child at this place after working there and seeing how they are, telling babies to shut up, calling them ugly, laughing at them, talking about their parents, these people are sick and the woman who owns the place is even worst because she just lets it happen.

So happy we found this service! Krissi was everything I could hope for in 1on1 care. We found Jovie…read morethrough a referral program and it DID NOT disappoint. We will be regular customers for sure

This is a very good company to work for! I love how organized they are and keep up with all…read moreemployees & clients. They expect a lot from their employees but the employee is well paid monetarily as well as loyalty and respect. This how employers used to be. It's wonderful!

We love La Petite Academy - Merriam! The staff and director are top notch and truly love and care…read moreabout the kiddos. We have had a kid in every classroom at some point, from infant through school age, and had wonderful and caring staff in every room. LPA does a great job with transitions - when my kids have been in clingy phases, at drop off someone will hold the kiddo while mom and dad leave until kiddo is ready to get down and play. Or when my kids have transitioned to the next room up as they grew older, if kiddo wanted to be dropped off in the old room, that wasn't a problem - kiddo was happy to see their previous room teacher, and then the teacher would transition them to the new room after mom/dad left. If you are a nursing mom, the infant room was great about following feeding cues and not over feeding baby or wasting breast milk. The preK program is wonderful - my oldest loved it and learned a ton, but it is still very play based. My youngest particularly loved Evelyn, and the feeling is clearly mutual. Evelyn is amazing with the kiddos and my daughter loves being in her class. If you need summer or off school care, the options are great. My oldest goes over school breaks and in the summer, and they plan field trips and activities at the center for the school age kids. He has fun, and I love knowing that he's being active, having fun, and not forgetting everything he learned during the school year.

La Petite Academy is everything we had hoped for and more. We have had our children in several…read morepreschools over the years and this has been the best experience. The director Jill and her staff of teachers and caregivers are excellent. The environment is peaceful, caring, safe and inspiring. The curriculum is well planned, age appropriate and organized. The lunch and snack menu is great too. Our preschooler's development has always been clearly communicated so we can work on what she is learning at home. There are no tears at drop off here like in the past because our daughter feels so safe and knows she will have fun here. So thankful for LaPetite and their caring, professional staff!

I'm a tough crowd to please when it comes to who can watch my kids and I literally cannot say…read moreenough positive things about this school and the little ladies who run it. The communication is just unmatched. The activities are thoughtful and fun; the curriculum is so thoughtful and sweet. I learn new things from my 3 year old all the time now. The most impressive thing about this school is how well it's run. Ashley and Brittany consider every detail, whether it's a birthday celebration or a fire safety drill, they have things completely under control. I literally cannot think of one negative thing to say. I love these girls and I love their school. If I could give them a billion stars, I would.