Learning Paths Academy at Occoquan (12)

My child was pushed, bitten, hit, smacked, punched, shoved and screamed at by his peers daily. He came home with new bruises, scrapes and cuts every single day. He would cry every morning, and beg me not to go to work, and then come home ravenously hungry, telling me how some of his classmates would ask for more food at lunch, and that the teachers would become irate and take the child's lunch away. I spoke with the director several times, and was told "boys will be boys". Horrific.

I have been above and beyond satisfied with the academy! I started my daughter at 2 ½ years old. She had a speech delay and was working with a speech therapist to get on track. After 2 ½ months at Minnieland, my daughter excelled! She could talk in full coherent sentences, knew her ABC’s, counting to 15 with help, and many songs. She was excited to go to school. I was impressed so much by the progress. Even though I no longer needed childcare services, I continued to keep my daughter at Minnieland. I did not consider it a daycare anymore, instead, a school. Her care providers are her teachers.
Every day that my child has been left at the academy, her teacher would approach me with all the details of my child s day. I have been a stay at home mom up until using Minnieland. I enjoyed the feedback considering I would miss my daughter throughout the day. This attention and care of knowing my daughter always made me feel at peace that she was in good hands.
In regards to her teachers, Ms. Sheresa and Ms. Umu have done a phenomenal job! As I have mentioned, my daughter has learned so much. She has grown exponentially in her motor and verbal skills. She has also been taught manners and has been continuing to learn other social skills. Ms. Sheresa has shown much interest in caring for my child and all the children. She is someone who isn’t just there for the job. I can see that she really loves what she does. I cannot think of a tougher job than chasing around a classroom of toddlers. I applaud both teachers for all their efforts. I hope that Ms. Sheresa and Ms. Umu are recognized for their amazing abilities.
My daughter has since moved to another class with Mr. Derek. He has shown the same passions for teaching and caring for his students as the toddler teachers. I am looking forward to continued growth in my child as she enters into preschool aged.
Ms. Bonnie has also been a wonderful help in any questions I have had. I have sometimes felt it is not appropriate to bother the teachers while they are trying to care for the children. I have turned my administrative questions to Ms. Bonnie. She has answered every question I have had about financial and classroom information on my daughter. I really appreciate her efforts as well!