First Steps Academy

Was very dissapointed to find out that employees at this facility do NOT require backgrounds checks or drug tests to be employed here. My close Friend had to pull her daughter out after learning that she was being cared for by a FELON of numerous offenses, one of the infant care takers has abused drugs and pills while working here, and has been investigated by child services, but yet is taking care of INFANTS.

Upon making an appointment to visit the center, after a short email conversation, I was very rudely treated. When I arrived to the center I rang the bell several times. I waited for several minutes before anyone answered the door, only to be asked to continue to wait. Upon coming to the door the assistant director informed me that she did not know I had an appointment to meet but that she “would meet with me anyway”. My thought was I hope you WOULD meet with me I had an appointment set up! Upon sitting down I filled out a half page sheet about my needs. Because the director did not communicate to her assistant director I was coming nor did she communicate to her what we had spoken about I repeated the information I had already gave the director. She did not focus so much on the needs of my family and I, but rather on your fees; did I know what they were, had I seen their web page, and was I familiar with your policies. Her interactions came across as all about money and policies, rather than evaluating my families needs for care. Upon having a tour of the center I asked questions, like what education was required of their staff, was there a structured schedule for the children…ect. All the stuff a good parent who is really checking into a place would ask. It was obvious these questions were not appreciated. After I got home and checked my email, I received the following from their director:

"I am so sorry you were so upset by my not being here this morning. The
center was short on Milk for lunch today, things like that come up and I
didn't expect my 8 month pregnant Assistant Director to lift such heavy
things. My Assistant Director is MORE than capable of running tours and
answering each and every question you may have, due to the fact she will be
taking my place this November with the center expansion. Unforunately, we
just received an application for the last spot we have available which was
the toddler classroom that you informed Brooke you thought your daughter was
too advanced for anyway. We will call you if anything else opens up. Good
luck. "

If this director cannot even communicate an up coming appointment she cannot attend what others things are falling through the cracks. This was a very unprofessional interaction and experience. For the money I would recommend going somewhere else, as I will be doing.