Cub Academy

I am not typically the type of person to write a poor review online, but I feel as though I would be doing a disservice to Moms in the future if I did not. Perhaps being a new mom I was super sensitive to having to send my child to daycare or perhaps my concerns were truly valid… regardless I thought to offer my opinion.

I enrolled my three month old in Tiny Tots for a week and a half. I had gone with my husband to visit the facility prior to choosing this daycare and I did not have any concerns. Unfortunately this quickly changed after a discussion with one of the directors about leaving my infant's car seat. I was told that due to state regulations I was not going to be allowed to leave her car seat there. Confused, I called the state and was informed that there was no such rule against this. I confronted them after perhaps just a misunderstanding, and she soon back tracked about this simply being a rule of her own. I was saddened that she had been dishonest with me, but again chalked it up to poor communication. The days were continuing to go well, though after I confronted them on the wording of the car seat they appeared less engaged with me and even had made some condescending comments.

Unfortunately, the most alarming concern was after three nights of my daughter no longer sleeping and appearing to be hungry more often. I questioned them about how much she was receiving throughout the day in formula. I was informed that she was not even being fed half the amount I had instructed. Prior to bringing my child, the directors asked for a schedule and estimate of what she eats daily; which I did. I do not believe they had read the schedule provided nor had knowledge about the needs of a growing three month old. I then confronted them once again and was informed that it was me who had misspoke despite having provided them with a written word document.

While I can appreciate them for the hard work that they do every day, I could not forgive their lack of knowledge and professionalism when dealing with both myself and my husband. Please consider this review when choosing your provider moving forward.

Tiny Tot has been the best decision I have made for my family. My husband and I, both educators, visited several day cares before choosing Tiny Tot, which came highly recommended by many of my friends and coworkers who have used them over the last 15 years. Mary Lou, Jackie, and Sharon are nurturing, attentive care givers for my three year old daughter (who has been with them since she was four months old) and now to our ten month old who has been attending for the last four months. Our oldest child absolutely loves going to school -- she misses it on holiday breaks and the weekends because she enjoys the craft times, reading books, helping to decorate the playroom or do other chores, and playing outside with her friends. At three, she can spell her name, recognizes letters and numbers, has an impressive vocabulary, can independently dress and take care of herself, and has better manners than kids far older. And as much as I would like to say we can take credit for it, I know so much of it is due to the care and personal attention she has received from Tiny Tot. Mary Lou, Jackie, and Sharon clearly love their jobs and these kids, who truly have become part of the family. They are firm with the kids never stern, and they insist that the older kids learn to help themselves as soon as possible. Our little one is so well cared for. For the babies, they rock and play with them, have circle time, and sing songs and practice movement. The holidays are so much fun at Tiny Tots -- they spend so much of their time decorating, practicing songs, creating crafts, etc. Just last week my toddler made a little stocking to hang on a mantle Jackie created and they spent time decorating a Christmas tree with colorful ornaments. My toddler cannot wait to tell me all about her day's experiences when I pick her up from school. Mary Lou and Jackie take pride in their facility and their professionalism. They openly communicate with parents and are upfront about any concerns or issues. I could not recommend them more.

Five years ago, our family came to Tiny Tot through recommendations of other teachers/educators that I work with, who had attended Tiny Tot over the years with their children. Not only did all three caretakers help my son make a difficult transition into daycare a positive one, they helped me, too. My first son attended from 10 months until 5 years old and my second son has been there since he was 6 months. They go above and beyond to expose the kids to new learning and experiences; from dinosaurs, to farming, to baking. Every holiday is celebrated with more love and enthusiasm than you could imagine. Both of my children have been loved second to none.
They play outside whenever possible; often eating lunch outside on days that are conducive. Their outside facility is enormous, shaded and toys/play for all ages of children.
My kindergartener left Tiny Tot knowing all of his letters, able to count to 100, able to write his name, etc. As an educator I recognize that these are the foundations of literacy, and Tiny Tot's instruction/program surpasses many preschool programs that I have seen.
I have recommended many friends/colleagues to Tiny Tot, and highly suggest them to anyone looking for a childcare center/staff that will love your child only second to you. I mean this with the utmost sincerity. Best of luck in your child care search.

We've been at Tiny Tot for over 3 years (our second child is now there) and the ladies are incredible. They've been doing this their whole lives and it shows; there's a reason Tiny Tot has been around for 50 years. Their heart & soul are in this place, they care deeply for my kids as if they are their own, and THEY KNOW KIDS. It's unbelievable what my oldest has come home doing over the years - saying please & thank you, putting on his own coat, telling me his address, learning to count, etc; they teach my kids to do things way before I even think to do it. There were days my son would RUN inside so excited to tell the ladies all about whatever happened since we saw them last or to show them his bandaid or his haircut.; they have truly become second moms to my kids. I've walked into Tiny Tot MANY times at many different times of the day and I'm always amazed at how well behaved (and happy!) the kids are, and that's a testament to how incredible these ladies are in childcare. They're firm and have well-defined rules, but I have never once heard them raise their voice or sound irritated with a child (which is not something I can say about other places I've visited). My oldest has now moved onto school and he comes home with good behavior awards regularly and I attribute that to Tiny Tot. Also, these ladies LOVE getting into holidays & seasons. Every season they deck the place inside & out with decorations. They have parties for each holiday, which include an entire day of fun & special games. They get SO INTO creating fun for the children. And the crafts that my toddler/preschooler came home with are AWESOME. I've used their projects as models for cards/gifts for my family too! I could keep going, but this is already so long. We have LOVED Tiny Tot for the past three years and look forward to having more years with them still!

I would not recommend this daycare to anyone EVER. The Director - Mary Lou is very unprofessional, seems very nice at first. My daughter didn't seem happy (and is normally a happy outgoing kid). I'm upset I trusted my judgement with this one. We visited a few times and everyone seems so nice. I found out the children barely every went outside and when I picked her up she was watching tv. I'm sure they treated her fine, she would have told me otherwise. I've recognize a few other children from Tiny Tot in her new daycare (wonder why). If anyone wants to pay by check, it had to be paid a full month in advance. She had been on a wait list for another daycare and I was told there was an opening, after she attended Tiny Tot for only 3 days. Mary Lou requested 2 weeks notice which is standard. I notified her on a Monday afternoon that my daughter would not be attending anymore but I would still let them keep 2 of the week I already pre-paid. She rounded the first week to the end of that week and said she was keeping 3 weeks. I had already paid for 5 weeks and had to fight to get my last 3 weeks back. She tried muting the phone and told her staff - "she isn't going to be busting me for my money..." WHAT PROFESSIONAL/DIRECTOR TALKS LIKE THAT! I find this very unacceptable and unprofessional. I would never recommend this daycare to anyone. I'm surprised there aren't any other reviews, good or bad on here. I'm not one to write terrible reviews but I would not feel comfortable if I didn't write one.