Horizons Early Learning Center

The teachers are very kind and professional and are great with preschool education. However, if your child has any behavioral issues this center struggles with how to support them, and have created a reputation for removing any kids from their program who have the slightest behavioral issues or defiance. My child was often sent home early for behavioral issues, which are very developmentally appropriate behaviors and quite manageable. Often they would say they do not have the staffing to support her. I noticed a pattern when she would be sent home, there was usually a teacher out those days. I asked about staffing and they appeared offended and said they have more staff than the state requires, but they couldn’t support kids when they were struggling? The owner, Jody, is there throughout the day to support the teachers or kiddos as needed, but I noticed on the days they asked for me to pick her up early, Jody was the one supporting my child, and clearly had no idea what she was doing and wasn’t creative at all with supporting her. It felt as though my child was an inconvenience to her and it would be easier to just send them home. When I arrived, Jody would be visibly anxious and stressed out. My child obviously felt that tension and anxious energy from her which didn’t help. I was very respectful and involved as a parent. I made sure we set up meetings to discuss how to best support my child and I even got a support person from Rutland mental health to go there weekly for support. Some of the other parents spoke with me about how they are experiencing very similar issues with this center. They were also told by Jody to get Rutland mental health involved so they can get their support staff to come in and support the kids. It truly seemed as though they were using RMHS inappropriately as a free service when they didn’t have enough staffing to support the kids. My child often left school feeling targeted, shame, and unsupported because she didn’t fit the perfect picture they look for in kids. The day I respectfully expressed my concerns to Jody she immediately gave me 5 days notice and kicked my child out of her center. She couldn't even accept my professional feedback or accept that she needs to make some changes there. Instead she kicked my child out because she did not want to hear it. If your kid has zero and I mean zero behavioral issues or defiance as a 3-5 yr old then this would be a good fit. But if your kiddo acts like a normal 3-5 year old and acts out at times then don’t even bother. It will only make your child feel insecure and create more issues. Also, if you try to express your concerns to the owner she will just remove your child from the center immediately.