La Petite Academy

For those that have been following my daycare review trail, I wanted to finally write a good review about a daycare that my daughter is attending. I no longer feel like I have high expectations because I found a place that reaches those expectations. So, they do exist after all!
My daughter (a toddler) has been attending this daycare location for quite some time now. I’m not sure when her first day was, but it’s been long enough that I feel I can finally be comfortable. It’s been less than a year and more than a season.
For starters, the staff is energetic and clearly enjoy the kids. All of the teachers have shown a positive energy and flexibility with each child. My daughter enjoys going. When I drop her off, she will sit at the breakfast table by herself and wait for her morning meal (the food is really good quality too!). There’s no drama, she doesn’t cry when I leave. It seemed immediately comfortable to her. The last place she attended, it was like she was reaching for me every day, screaming to high heavens. I hated the feeling I had. I know they talk about children crying when you leave and it happens to everyone, but in some cases it just feels different and I made the right choice by choosing here.
Another thing I appreciate is how attentive they are with her needs. There was a time when they had to change classrooms because the teacher in the room couldn’t stay until all the kids left or she would be overtime. Of course, you don’t want a teacher working 10 hour days. So, they placed my daughter in the baby’s room for the last portion of the evening. When I came to get her she was usually crying in that room. I don’t know why, but she didn’t like being in there. It may have been her attachments to the teacher (she has a favorite). Whatever it was, it turns out they weren’t comfortable with her being uncomfortable either and the teachers changed their schedules around so she could stay in her regular room without the transition. The teacher offered to come in a little later so she could stay a little later, just so she was comfortable and not screaming every time. They now have a morning teacher to fill that small window of time. That sort of thing is above and beyond the standard. Most daycares would be like, «live with it, the child will get used to it». This place took it further and that makes me feel like I can trust them.
This place is a little pricier but they have a special discount for government employees so the increase didn’t hurt as bad as it could have. IF you can afford it, it’s completely worth paying a little more because they offer what I need. Another place that was even more expensive than this place was terrible (Goddard– And I’m not even going into my experience there but it was not what it should have been. **Just because it’s the most expensive, doesn’t mean it’s better.**Lesson learned). There are some fees throughout the year that catch me by surprise. I’m not thrilled about those, but I like this place so much that it feels worth it. However, I’m looking forward to my daughter getting potty trained so we can get a break!
The facility is very clean and bright. The teachers look awake and aware from drop-​off to pick-​up. My daughter spends more time at her daycare then her own home, so it’s really important that she enjoys that time. I will likely be here for the long term.
Lastly, they have a lot of events for parents. They had a Christmas Concert, they had a Santa come in. There are potlucks and all kinds of things. I think the community aspect of it is great. I personally don’t have time for all of it, but I’m glad it’s available for those that do.
There aren’t really any improvements I would make accept maybe adding cameras to the parking area. Daycares, especially nicer ones, tend to be a target for car theft. There has been theft in the parking lot of this facility. They aren’t the only ones with this problem. It’s hard to make sure your car is all locked up and your purse is with you when you’re handling a child and their diaper bag, diapers, etc. to and from the facility. I make sure my car is locked and purse is hidden. Cameras are an investment, but maybe an important one to consider in the future. Maybe we should have camera fundraiser!

Our son has been going to La Petite for almost a year now. His teachers have always been great and the staff is always welcoming when you enter. He has learned so much from his teachers but also gets good social skills interactions with his peers. The only thing that I would like to improve is more communication/​notifications via email. Some information is only posted in the entrance or given a day or two before something is needed, and with a toddler in tow, you may miss out on a flyer hanging on the desk.