Grapauls's Care - New Orleans LA Child Day Care - Type II

I really came to this site to voice how pleased I was with my childs care at Grapaul's Care but after reading these various comments I felt even more reason to comment on my services at this facility. My child has been attending Grapaul's Care for almost a year now and I have seen how my child has flourished at this daycare. She is only 18 months old and has been learning so much. She knows over 200+ words, talks in complete 4-5 word sentences, is getting set-up to be potty trained, and is always full of life and love. I thank this institution for being such a positive influence in her life and for nurturing her creativity and self development. I am not sure of what occurred with the other people that had negative comments above but a person, parent/guardian has to realize what role they played in certain situations as well. I would never continually put my child in an enviornment where I did not think that a facility was not protecting and encouraging his/ her betterment, for an extended period of time. At this time I know multiple parents that are teachers, principals, and professionals that currently have and or have had there children at this facility and they were and are very pleased with the services. This is shown by them sending multiple generations of children to this facility and also by those children going on a doing very well in society. Before I enrolled my child at this facility I spent time there and saw all of the activities that the children particpated in on a daily bases and was well aware that these things were not being done just because I was there by how easily the children knew what activites were supposed to occur at what time and being totally involved by repeating activities, singing, reading, and be involved enthusiatically! I can also tell the love and care my child receives by her want to show love toward her family and others and her ability to come home singing, dancing, sounding out words! and even reading some things!I also did my research on the facility and the owners and was very impressed to know that they have owned a daycare since the 70's and those children when researched are now lawyers, doctors, teachers, city officials and other well adjusted citizens. When I think of Grapaul's Care I think of kindness, love, knowledge, and service, because that is what has been shown to me and my child. I also respect there observations and opinions on suggestions for my child because they have proven to be right and also have helped with my childs positive development. I find it very reassuring as well that this institution does not feel the need to advertise and most of their attendents is from wod of mouth, that to me shows that they are present in the community and are ddoing their part in making a difference. Once again, this was going to be very simple and short but after looking at some of these people above comments, I felt the need to describe the positive. Once again, the owners and individuals that were at this facility have truly touched my husband and I in a very positive way and continue to make a huge impact on our childs betterment, the facility is maticulous, the staff is friendly, and the activites that they participate in are top notch. I can not say enough about how satisfied I am and will continue to support this institution with referrals and by keeping my child there as long as she can possibly stay :)

I love the care and attention that my kid receives at Grapaul's. It's a place where the kids are treated like family. My kid has learned some important social skills and has developed into an attentive young lady. I understand everyone has different experience but remember there are always 2 sides to the story. From what I see daily, the impact that Grapaul's has on those children is one that builds trust, love, and important life skills. If that's what you want your child to develop, it's important to consider Grapaul's. I only see the tv on in the morning and in the evening and if the kids are too young to be outside, they are watched by Mary, Gloria, or someone else in the staff. As a family owned business, Grapaul's treats me and my kid like family. I value that.

I don't even know where to begin with GraPaul's "Care." First and foremost, they are in the CHILDCARE business and have very little patience with both children and especially their parents. My child attended this "business," a term I will use loosely because of the EXTREME unprofessionalism, for a total of two months and her father and I had some minor issues and concerns. As the issues arose, naturally I brought them to the staff's attention. Some of the issues were: my child was made to take her naps in a bouncer which really bothered me for two reasons: 1) it was not age-appropriate (she's 15 months) and 2) I repeatedly asked the staff to work with her on sleeping in a cot. Now that we have been kicked out (which I will get to), we have read many citations that they received on the State Website, one of which was for *gasp* children sleeping in bouncers!! That was done on Feb 19, 2013. My child was probably one of the kids they witnessed in a bouncer. I will post the link so that any parent of a current child or a potential can check out their many citations. https://webapps.dss.state.la.us/carefacility/license/view?id=10308 Continuing on, the response I was often given was that she was too active to sleep any place else. A second concern was that her clothing was changed excessively during the first two weeks. Now, I'm a school teacher and believe in order and neatness, but they would order their Hispanic worker to change her WHOLE outfit for something as frivolous as a few stains on the shirt. I was washing up to fifteen outfits at one point. Past daycares that I spoke with when trying to make my decision told me that the changing was for cleanliness but if the parent requested it not to be done unless the child was rationally dirty, then they would not. GraPaul's acted annoyed, but eventually stopped changing her two and three times a day. Well that leads me to a third concern, because they obviously took "not changing" her to an extreme. There were TWO days in a row that she was picked up- one by me, the second by her aunt- when she had urinated and defecated through to her clothes. Of course, they chalked it up to "that just happened," which could potentially work once. But TWO days?? Come on now, let's be serious. A third concern I had was that when my husband and myself decided to take OUR child off of the pacifier. Now when she started, she was thirteen months old and was in the stages of being taken off the paci. Per the daytime daughter's request (I say daytime because it is a family business and they seem to work in shifts), I agree to leave her on while she got adjusted to them, as a coping mechanism. I wasn't fond of the idea, but I realized that is was best for my child and the adults involved should always work together for the good of the child. Now fast forward two months later, to last week. I let the same woman know that last week was her last on the paci and asked that she only gave it to her for her naps. As of last Friday, 3/1/13, she came off of it completely. My husband and I did the hard work over the weekend, and kept it from her. She returned to them on Monday without it, much to the dismay of the same woman. She had made comments off and on about how she thought my child should stay on it because she was still so young and I would share my disagreement. On Monday, 3/4/13, when I went to pick my child up, I noticed that the kids and the same woman were outside in the backyard. I went to get my child and was surprised to see that she wasn't out there. She told me she was inside. I go inside and am told by the Latino woman that my child was not outside because the weather was too cold. I checked the temperature and noted that it was 69 degrees at that time. They had been outside on colder days. Also, my child was sitting in a highchair, next to a six month old, watching the tv. The tv often babysat the children, which I now realize was because they are so severely understaffed that they cannot keep up with the kids. My child was sitting in the highchair or bouncer watching tv almost everyday at pickup time. So I went back out and spoke to the daytime daughter about my child's day went (first day there off the paci). She informed me that she was slightly more fussy (expected) and that it is a hassle when a child is whinier or crying because it has a "domino effect" on the other kids. I informed her that I would not keep my child on the paci just to appease them and had waited two months already. She then told me that my child hadn't been there that long. Now my child started on 1/7/13 and that date was 3/4/13. Now obviously I can do math and she cannot. I told her I had started over the weekend with her off it and I wasn't going to undo three days of hard work. She then comments to my CHILD (a 15 month old baby) "I thought your mama had sent you with no paci for the daycare to do the work." So then she tells me that she really thinks I should send my child the next day with it and we should ask her mother for her recommendation. I informed her that I had thrown them out anyway, and at that point I felt like I was being bullied into thinking the way they wanted me to. The mother says to me "let's give it a few days and we'll see." That comment, along with the ones prior were on my mind all night and really disturbed me. I decided to mention them the next morning. When dropping off the next day, around 7:20 am on Tuesday, 3/5/13, the daytime daughter asked me how the previous night went. I said it was the second night in a row with no tears and that she was able to self-sooth better. Since she brought it up, I asked her if I could speak to her quickly. She replies verbatim "what's up, what's on your mind?" I then pointed out that I didn't like the note we left off on the prior day and that I felt like we should be working together on this issue and I felt like I was being debated with every time I raised a concern. she disagreed and brought up her comment that she made to my child and how I didn't want her under the impression that I do not mother my child and by no means would dump the hard work on them. I also mentioned repeatedly that I don't want to make her job harder and only want to work together. I was very respectful and never rude. I kept a low tone intentionally, as not to scare the two kids who were already there. Again, I am a school teacher and know how to verbalize disagreements without yelling or being hostile, as she later falsely claimed I was to her mother. I told her that the comment "aggravated me" which was a poor choice of words and I quickly retreated and said "offended me" was a better depiction. I also asked about why my child was the only able-bodied, walking toddler who wasn't outdoors the previous day and she gave me the "too cold" excuse and that my child is still small. Now my child is petite, but the goal of education- as I know better than most- is age-appropriateness. Her sitting in a high chair watching tv with a 6 month old is not age-appropriate at all. Tv time period is not deemed appropriate until age two but I never commented on that because they clearly would rather their parents seen and not heard. I proceeded to let her know that I do not want my child being treated differently because the ADULTS are having a disagreement. I am not one to mince words because I like to be clear a precise- again, a school teacher (and I teach English and Reading btw so I analyze a lot). Most people cannot handle someone being so direct and often feel threatened. I cannot help another person's cowardice. Especially when in the customer service/care industry. Conflict is a part of the job. So I noticed that the woman was annoyed so I cut it short and left. Around 8:30 I got a call from the mother telling me that I had been "causing too many problems" and needed to come get my child, my check and her belongings. I tried to ask why and she said "I think you know why," repeated her statement and then hung up in my face. I was shocked and confused. My husband made it there first, and conveniently, both the mother and the daytime daughter were gone. Another daughter who fills in from time to time was there,only to speak with my husband I'm sure. She told him that according to the mom and daytime daughter, that I was "hostile, threatening and causing a lot of problems." The problems she said were: sending a lunch kit (for her aunt to have for wherever they went after pickup when I needed them to pick her up) after being asked not to. The daytime daughter asked me to stop sending it (I would ask her to put it in their fridge because it had milk in it) because it was a health hazard to bring in outside food or drink and that that particular Friday would have to be the last day. Now this had been going on for several weeks and they never mentioned anything about it. The woman even tried to explain and blame her mother saying that the mother was the one who said it needed to stop. I told her she didn't have to explain and I would respect whatever their policies were. The sister also said that I talked to them a lot at the wrong times (drop off and pick up). Now I have enough sense to know that CHILDREN are being dropped off and picked up and I would not sit and try and hold a conversation daily with the people who are supposed to be supervising them. I would ask casual questions such as "how was my child's day?" "Did she have a nap and if so how long?" (she wasn't sleeping the first few weeks) I asked common sense questions that any concerned parent would. My child cannot talk, so obviously she can't tell me. I also live in N.O. East and drive an average of 45 minutes to get home, on a good day. I don't even have to sit there and "shoo-shoo" with anyone. The daytime daughter actually would sit and converse back and forth with me, even going so far as to talk about her boyfriend, which I never asked about. If she had ever alluded to my talking as being disruptive, then I would have picked up on it and kept it moving. She never did. She would "hey girl" with me just as much as I would with her, which is why I felt comfortable enough to bring concerns to her. Like I noted earlier, when I asked if we could talk, she casually answered "what's up?" How is my talking okay on days when everything was "all good" but so out of line when I had concerns? If I'm not mistaken, we were paying them to care for our child! My husband then asked, well when are we supposed to raise questions or concerns if not at drop off or pick up? She told him we were supposed to set up a meeting. If I have a serious concern, I'm not waiting on a meeting. Who would, when concerning their baby or toddler? With all of that being said, it is crystal clear that GraPaul's needs some serious intervention in their communication skills. Like I said, if concerns are raised, then you will be bullied and made to feel like you are a nuisance. The first time we met, me and the daytime daughter stood outside and talked for about fifteen minutes (now, I supposed I was choosing the wrong time to talk then and also probably held her hostage out there since she clearly exaggerates.) and she raved about how GraPaul's is trying to get away from dealing with "voucher parents" because they bring a certain amount of drama and that we were the type of parents she wanted (educated professionals).Now my question for her is (since she ran before we could get there to speak with them AFTER they called us to come get our child), what educated, professional parents do you know who will NOT ask questions when their child is 13 months old and being tied down to a bouncer (she's active, but they had her literally roped in) every day for naps and every afternoon for "tv time?" A child is supposed to be exploring, and learning, not sitting in front of a tv. Usually, educated goes along with being inquisitive and concerned. I am a normal, concerned parent. Educated or not, I would be concerned about my child having piss stains and feces stains through to her clothes TWO DAYS IN A ROW at pick up time. The type of clientele they want usually doesn't look past things like that is the point. You all need to pick and choose. You are obviously used to dealing with one type of parent: a drive through parent who picks their kid up and is out within seconds, no questions asked. i rarely saw any of their parents even asking how their child's day was, including the "so called" witness that saw me acting hostile and aggressive. Lady, please give me a break! It doesn't even sound rational for any person to act "hostile, aggressive and threatening" and then LEAVE their toddler at the facility. Who would do that? But then again, according to the daytime daughter, I'm basically a wild, hostile animal so I guess I would. They really need to get a grip, grow some cahones and learn how to deal with conflict. I was never rude, but I did have concerns. If I came across as critical, then that was never the intention, but I need them to be adults and take their criticism like grown women and use it to make themselves better. That is what any good business would do. Clearly they aren't worried about that and now that I've checked their last few inspections, I see that they aren't concerned with even their state rating. I should have been checking all along, but I am a new parent and I am learning. The saddest part of this is that these people claim to be Christians. As a Christian, I would NEVER put a child in the predicament to where they may have to go to any first available nursery so their parents could get back to work. Especially not because of an adult disagreement. I mean, who are the children in this situation? These people are a joke. Being a Christian means treating the LEAST of your brethren. On Tuesday, GraPaul's had the upper hand in our lives. The director, Mrs. Cider, chose to use that upper hand to her advantage and even came across as being punitive. A Christian would never be spiteful like that. I will keep the whole family in my prayers, and especially the kids they are responsible for. Now I can honestly say that I do not believe that my child was every mistreated (except for not being able to go outside this past Monday) or abused. She received a fair amount of TLC and attention. The problems came in when the issues we had were brought to GraPaul's attention and they were not prepared to deal with the confrontation. The sister actually said to my husband "we think this is best before the situation escalates." Now that lets you know where their minds are at. Escalate to what? We are all professionals, or so I thought. I see that because someone plays dress-up and acts like a grownup, it doesn't mean they are one. And as far as me breaking the rules repeatedly, as they claimed, why was I never told so, either verbally or in written form? I was NEVER made aware that I was causing problems. In fact, they don't even have any set guidelines. When my child started, I was given a three page print-out with a supply list. I didn't receive any guidelines or rules. Now, the Monday or Tuesday after I was asked to stop sending the lunch kit, I did receive a packet of bulleted issues that they were trying to address. The lunch kit issue was once among many. I know this has been a long, drawn out story, but I would hope that someone reads it, especially someone at GraPaul's and takes it into consideration. You are dealing with people's lives and as I stated, if you have the nerve to TELL someone you are a Christian, then you would at least want to walk the walk. Christians fall short of the glory every day, at least I know I sure do; however, treating people wrong is not only a sin, but just wrong whether you proclaim to be a Christian or not. I would hope that they at least take that part seriously.

My son has been attending Grapaul's for 3 years now and our experience has been positive from day one. I received a recommendation from a friend who's daughter attended Grapaul's in addition to her sister who is over 40 years old. That alone was a testament to the type of business they run. I was impressed by the love and care they gave my son from day one which took a large burden off of me but I never expected my 3 year old ( who just made 3) to speak in Spanish identify his letters and know the letter sounds, identify his numbers, and be ready to read at such a young age when he believes he's just having fun. They helped to usher him into using the potty and they helped him to reach many milestones. I love the staff and so does my son and I would recommend Grapual's to anyone.

This establishment needs to learn better customer service, and learn what it means to be professional. Additionally, they should not punish a child because they have an issue with a parent...but they do! May God bless them...but He needs to bless them in another line of work b/c kids are not safe here.

I have a few concerns about this place: high teacher child ratio, my child's diaper not being changed in a timely manner/picking her up two days in row with wet urine stained pants, but my biggest problem is The lack of customer service and as another reviewer put it UN-PROFESSIONALISM.

I would not recommend this daycare to any parent that is concerned about their child's well-being and/or who would ask educated questions about the care of their child. If you ask questions or show concern about your child you will be perceived as abrasive/disrespectful. They are used to parents not questioning them at all. They do not have open lines of communication and do not know how to communicate their issues effectively with parents. If you have any sort of disagreement with them they will remove your child from their services IMMEDIATELY WITH OUT WARNING THE DAY OFF. Be prepared to have to leave work to get your child. There are no in between steps. If you disagree with them your child is GONE. And you as a parent will not know why because they will not tell you nor will they warn you. Very unprofessional business etiquette.

They have a very poor understanding of customer service. Your parental request will not be honored or it will be highly scrutinized. They do not seem to understand that it is their job to please their customers. To reinforced simple request that the child is receiving at home. If they have to be inconvenience in any way you will receive push back. They forget who the customer is. Who is writing them a check every week. It is there way or no way. I am very surprised that they can operate profitably. But maybe I am not the type of parent that they cater their business to. Maybe they want the uneducated parent who doesn't voice concerns about their children.

I am not saying that this is terrible place but overall I am very disappointed with the way my family was treated. I am a middle class christian father who loves his daughter. I have no biases against this family run business but I would not recommend this place to any of my friends or family looking for quality care for their children.

Grapauls's Care is a blessing to my family , friends and past class mates yes i attended Grapaul's Care. This daycare has been around for close to 40 yrs and maintains a highly recommendation. Teachers, past students parents etc. have sent and are sending their kids to this daycare because they know the quality , cleanliness and loving enviroment the staff brings to our kids. I have a child there, that is excelling , thriving in day to day activities, speech and pre-school education. My child is excelling at activities above their age level , due to positive and a loving enviroment. "Learning is fun". The staff is diverse , professional and loving. When i leave my child I know he is safe!
So instead of hating each other I congratulate a long standing institution for their work well done. Well as we know always consider the source because all comments are not true comments. Again thank you Graupaul's and keep up the good work!

The daycare is very unprofessional.In don't have matters in a business matter.

Grapual's care is the most UNPROFESSIONAL daycare service I have ever encountered. The daycare owner is rarely there, she has her family as teachers or sitters as well as new employees who are not likely certified and fail to inform parents of new staff. On top of it all, the UNPROFESSIONAL daughter don't know how to operate a business and is fighting the parents. REALLY???? SHUT IT DOWN.