Kindercare Learning Centers

[Kungjo]

Does anyone have experience with Kindercare Learning Centers? What did you like or dislike about it? We just moved to the Dallas, Texas area and need to look for a preschool for my 3 year old DD.

I know that it's a chain, but other than that, I don't know much more about it. Opinions?

Thanks!

[HallsofVA]

We used Kindercare (in Northern VA) for about 8 months starting when DS turned 1, so I can't talk to their actual preschool level care. We moved him from there to a montessori program because we didn't see him getting too much stimulation or attention as a toddler. Yes he came home with a daily art project (heavy on the teacher involvemnt), and he knew songs like Itsy Bitsy spider, and twinkle twinkle, but the teachers never seemed very involved with the kids, at least not when we came to pick him up each day.

I have a neighbor who used Kindercare until her daughter was 4 or so, and she only had great things to say about it.

[Jen841]

We are at a former Knowledge Learning Center that is now a KinderCare. We have done newborn to Pre-K there. My kids seem to in-line or ahead of other kids in their age group. Management has changed a few times, but I feel like that is the norm with daycare.

They are currently enrolled in the Summer Camp program at our location.

We have survived manager and staff changes, but the kids never seem disrupted like I feel. I always say if they seem upset, then I will explore other options... 3 years later I have not needed to check into options. My kid love going there, and have loved their teachers.

Strongly considered Kindergarten at the center, but have decided to go with the catholic school that offers full-day K (not offered in the public schools.)

Great place for daycare, never thought of just using them for school.

[wellyes]

I have an aunt and a cousin (her daughter) who work in a KinderCare daycare. They are both very loving, kind people who take their job seriously. At family events they talk in a positive and affectionate way about the kids they watch...... like telling me that my LO reminds them of "one of their kids" in how she likes to try to stand up too early, for example.

They are not specialists in child development. They have high school educations. The aunt used to work at McDonald's and has also worked at Wal-Mart. The cousin is slightly mentally disabled.

I'd trust my kids with them. But do know that the center mainly employs low-paid, low-skill staff. That's probably true of most places, though.

[TahliasMom]

i would explore other options montessori, other preschools, etc. at kindercare the staff is usually high school educated with little or no early childhood education credits. there's a high turnover and not much involvement with the children. this is what i have heard from ppl who have worked there, coworkers, other moms and learned thru interviews.

i would connect with a mom's group or community agency and ask for referrals. we have a 4H here, so i'm sure your city has the same thing.

i have had my dd in montessori since she was 3 yrs old, I know it's not for every child. the get lunch and snacks and lots of outside time. the ratio is 1:5 and her teachers and the admin have been at the school for 5+ years. she's had the same main teacher for over a year but has daily interactions with the other ones. the teachers work in shifts so they don't get burned out. all have 4 year degrees, some masters. the director has been there for over 20 years.

the kicker: kindercare costs about $200 more a month!!!

[DrSally]

I know it depends on the staff at each location, but one of DH's collegues relayed a story. His daughter would say "I miss my mommy" at Kindercare and the staff would say "too bad, now go play". This person took their child out right away. I think of this everytime I see a Kindercare. Again, it prob really depends on the individual staff, as with any other place.

[SAHMIL]

It varies from center to center. I would go and see it for yourself to decide if it's what you want. I know someone who uses the goddard school and seems to like that and another one who does Chesterbrook Academy and seems to like that one.

[kijip]

It really varies. I have friends and clients that have had a good experience and many who have had an average or bad experience. I personally think in most areas you can do better for the same or less $$. They tend to be pricier than some of the options I consider to be better quality.

Professionally, I have run into a lot of incompetence at their various locations near me with regards to payments. They can't seem to cash checks or keep policies straight on subsidy programs.

[stefani]

Hi! Welcome to the DFW! Where are you located?
DS went to Kindercare, from 5 months to almost 2 years, but then that Center was closed. I would say it depends from center to center, so check out the one you are interested in.

At 3 years old you may want to look into Montessori, Goddard, etc. My DS now goes to a Mandarin Chinese daycare.

PM me if you want to chat some more.

[kmak]

My DD and DS are in a Kindercare and I love love love it. But I would never assume that other Kindercare's are going to be the same. Our center director is the best. She's been a director for 17 years now. Most of the staff at our center is older although there are some really young looking ones there too, but the primary teachers in each class are older. Also, the turnover rate at this center is low. Most teachers have been there 5yrs. I think the whole experience has to do with the center director. If they're good then your going to get a good staff. My DD's teachers have always been very involved in what's going on with her.

So, you'll just have to visit the center to get a feel for it.