MKD Kids Learning Center - Columbia MD Licensed Child Care Center

MKD appears to be a clean, organized, bright and welcoming facility. My husband and I were excited to move our girls there when we moved to Columbia. However, after about 6 weeks we pulled them out and are now commuting to our old daycare in Odenton because of this experience. While Mona comes from a good place, I don't believe people work in childcare for the money, she seems to be overwhelmed by all aspects of running this facility. I have had similar experiences to those cited in other reviews. I was also a part of that "disaster" meeting where the tension between parent and provider was physically uncomfortable and unlike anything I have experienced in the more than 5 years of having a child in daycare and 10 years as a special educator.

Our experience, and ultimate decision to leave, was mostly due to poor communication. Emails are not responded to or acknowledged, and concerns are addressed in seemingly confrontational ways. When we had an issue with the interaction between our 5 year old in the school age class, the blame was placed on my daughter. We were asked if she had a history of behavior problems and storytelling. She does not. The bigger concern was about Mona's 16 year old neighbor being with my 5 year old but that was not talked about. I would receive zero communication about my 5 year olds day, also "because we don't do that in the school age room." When my communication desires were expressed, I was told maybe by 5 year old should be with the 3-4 year olds. When they were closed July 4, we were charged a late fee for not paying online. We had no documentation of the online payment option and the fee was not waived. There is no flexibility.

When choosing a daycare, I looked for someplace that feels like home. With warmth from all staff and that is lacking here. While some teachers are "by design" to be more strict and less cuddly, the overall feel of the place was not home. The intention is there, but the execution is lacking. Some teachers were very kind and warm and one time I did pick up my sick child and found her to be sleeping in her teachers arms, but that is the only example that comes to mind. There is no family forgiveness such as the late fee and one day when I forgot to send wipes I was told they would use wet paper towels for the day. Only when I offered to replace the 4 wipes with a travel pack of wipes, was I told that my two year old could borrow some from another student.

It is unfortunate that you have to provide two weeks notice, but I read that she only provided a family with 5 days. Mona preaches about trusting your instincts and feeling safe but offered no flexibility in our last day despite our documented concerns.

As a new facility I hope that Mona reads these comments as constructive feedback and does not just have an emotional response to them. She has visions of a family and community feel in the future but has some work to do to get there. If it were me, I would look at my relationships with families and redefine my responsibilities.