Kidz First Day Care Center Center

As I drove up to the location, I was surprised. It seems pretty well kept. I took a few photos (EXTERIOR) to send to my wife who couldn’t be with me. When I entered, the owner was ready to attack because of the photos, as if I had taken photos of children, or something.
In fact, through the entire visit, the owner was jumping into the conversation with her director and seemingly defending herself across every turn. But, when I asked if my wife and I could meet with her later, she was quick to tell me that her director has been with her for 18 years and that I would be in good hands with her.
Next, she asked me if I was SPYING on Kidz First! She said that normally people come ask information and are spying. WHAT? I thought people looking for facilities for their children ask those questions? How much is VPK, wrap around, after care, etc. I have 4 kids and that requires a lot of information.
I asked what the summer rate was when school is not in session. The OWNER’s response: «Don’t worry about summer now, that is a long way off.» When she saw my dissatisfied look, she continued to defend herself saying that they are in a growing phase and don’t know that information yet, that it could change, that other people might not want summer daycare and might put their kids in other camps. (none of which answered my question).
Still suspicious, she then asked me to tell her when my children were born. She said, just to compare with her birthdate to see if they matched. Afterward she said, I just wanted to make sure you weren’t spying, I’m sorry, I get that a lot.
Shockingly, I’m still gathering information. She told me that they embrace all religions and holidays. That all of their students and children are required to participate in kwanzaa, christmas, birthdays, hannukka, (sorry for the bad spelling), etc. I asked, if there is a celebration, can my children do another activity while they finish their celebration. Her response was a staunch no and that my request was completely improper (although the public school systems readily respect the request and do everything they can to help).
I can’t believe that any reputable learning center, in this day and age, would force all of their students uniformly to participate in all religious activities across the board, especially considering this is supposedly NOT a religious school.
This owner has no interest in educating your children as a cooperative effort. You either do it their way or don’t.
Frankly, for $ 500 per week, the learning center better be well equipped to respect my simple request to allow my child to do a neutral activity instead of religiously charged activities.
I dare not ask how they would accommodate my son’s blood disease and health needs that are also DIFFERENT than the rest of her students.
No shock that for the entire duration of my visit, the owner was consulting with an attorney, explaining to him that she had a hard time finding anyone that could represent her with the nature of what she was being sued for.
The price may be great in some aspects, but my child’s welfare, environment, education, and parenting is worth far more than this second rate discount center.
Still can’t believe I was accused of spying!