Ebenezer Childrens Academy

They run a very unprofessional and unorganized daycare. The directors will smile in your face, but talk behind your back. They claim to follow the STARS rules, but the teacher that "trained" me and worked with me with did not. Often times the kids hands were not washed, curriculum from the weekly box was not done, and rules were not followed. Stay away from this center!!

We've had our child here for 2 years and have no complaints; we investigated multiple other facilities in the area prior to going with Ebenezer (we received an extensive list of daycares in the area from the education dept at UT, so we were able to really get a good feel). The daycare is very clean, they have good policies for controlling illnesses, we've been pleased with the efficient response of management with an issue in one of the rooms, and the teachers we have had have been wonderful with our child. I read a different review on a lack of security, and couldn't disagree more. I have never seen the code posted anywhere in the building, and multiple emails are sent out reminding parents to NEVER let anyone in without having them enter the code themselves (not even holding doors for other parents). Security is only as good as the people using the door code, but I've never seen an issue. I've even had a teacher question me when I picked my child up (we had not met before), to make sure that I was authorized to get him. The kids do all kinds of crafts and sign language learning, they have outside play every day (weather permitting), and I've seen no issues with the menu that they have for the kids. We are a family with food allergies, and they strictly do not allow nuts. Great experience, will be sending our second child there as well.

My child started out with ECA at two months of age and we LOVE the environment. We've had great teachers that really got to know our child and encouraged her to try new things. ECA has a wonderful curriculum that has prepared her for success in Kindergarten. She has learned to socialize well and is engaged in the activities. The staff is friendly, courteous, professional and truly care about her. I have a picky eater, but she is pushed to try new foods. I have always felt safe with the security there. Parents are reminded that kids should not be given the code and there is a doorbell for those who don't know it to meet with a staff member to pick up. We will miss ECA and the friendships we have made with the Blainie and Kelli in the front office, all of the staff and students.

I wouldn't recommend Ebenezer Children's Academy simply because there are many other options available in the area that seem to really know what they're doing. Although the building looks newer, this place just seems behind the times on what's really important to parents: security, payment convenience and healthy food choices.

Security is an issue. The code to the entrance is rarely changed, and when it is the teachers print the code on little pieces of paper and leave them in the classrooms for anyone to pick up, so essentially everyone in town can end up with the code to the front door. There was rarely anyone near the entrance to check id or watch who was coming and going.

The front office staff doesn't seem to be very well versed in the laws and regulations that most experienced child care centers practice. Blainie, the front office director is a bit unprofessional and seems inexperienced. There are a lot of very young, inexperienced staff members who seem to favor certain parents/children.

They do not have an online payment system, so you're forced to write a check every week. Our child was sent home with lice, something I wouldn't wish on anyone. The monthly menu includes items made with raw eggs, mayo, milk, peanuts and a lot of cheesy items so if you have allergy-prone children you'll be packing a lunch every day and still paying full tuition prices.