La Petite Academy on Himes Avenue

Thankfully, I was not the one paying for this care, as it was a grandchild, however there were several things that concerned me. First of which, the daycare would demand to know when a child would be dropped off and picked up even though they were paid for Full- Time care. They liked to only pay just enough teachers to be there (to fulfill the legal ratios) for the least amount of time that your child would actually be there...although they themselves, were already paid for Full-Time. They would go so far as to NOT accept a child if you arrived after the times that they demanded you declare to them for care ...even if you have variable work hours weekly. I figured out pretty quickly that they would send teachers home to save the business money and if you arrived and the ratio of teacher to student wasn't acceptable, they wouldn't even take your child that day, although you had paid for care! I had no idea they could accept payment and then deny a child attendance. Secondly, the parking was atrocious. There was remodeling in the facilities and many spaces taken up by metal trash trailers where trash was flowing out of them and onto the lot itself, including food waste and dirty diapers. Event though staff came out to dump more in, they never cleaned up what you had to step on that was overflowing and rotting in 100 degree weather. Finally, although I did feel like most of the teaching staff was sincere, I did not feel like management was transparent about billing issues and overall very lacking in personal one-to- one interaction with parents or family members while being on-site.

For the last three years, my wife and I were very fortunate to have the teachers at the La Petite on Himes Avenue take fantastic care of our two children. Both kids started at La Petite as infants, so I spent a lot of time getting to know the teachers in the infant, toddler, 2s, and early preschool rooms. The teachers loved the kids as if they were family. I still would take my kids to this La Petite if we hadn't moved. I was very impressed by all the teachers I met at La Petite. The teachers get special training to manage difficult situations, like a kid not sharing or cooperating. It is really funny how my daughter picked up these techniques and started using them with me when I was not sharing or being crabby. I am thankful that the La Petite teachers gave my kids some of their earliest lessons for interacting with others. These lessons and techniques will serve them well long after they outgrow the playground. Also, my kids enjoyed the special activities at day care. The director Randi works hard to enrich the activities with things like the Fun Bus and dance class. There is even a petting zoo in the summer. The kids have a great time there, and I always enjoyed getting to see the pictures. As a working parent, I really appreciated how the teachers at La Petite were not super quick to send my kids home for minor illnesses. When the kids were sent home, it was always appropriate. It was not because the teachers wanted one less kid to take care of.

We have been at this La Petite location for about a year now. Our little one started at 4 months in the infant room and is now heading to the toddler room soon. We are very happy with the care and attention our little one receives on a daily basis. It is very evident that the infant and toddler teachers greatly enjoy their jobs. The director is always helpful and tries to accommodate requests and meet the needs of the kids and parents. The app they use to share information includes photos and the ability to message the teacher, which is reassuring to check during the day. The only issue is cost, but that’s the Frederick market based upon our visits to other child care centers in the area. (And based on the cost per child, the employees there deserve to be paid MORE!).

I can't say enough wonderful things about this daycare. After switching from being in home daycares, I was nervous to open up to a larger daycare center. They made the transition so easy. Both of my kids are well cared for and loved through out the day. All of the teachers regardless of classrooms get to know and interact with the kids. Communication is easy and any concerns are followed up with immediately. They also provide an app which keeps you updated through out the day ok different activities your little one is doing! You won't be disappointed having la petite as your second home.

My daughter attended the 'Himes Ave' location in Frederick for about 3years (2-5yrs old). This has been the longest we've enrolled our daughter in a single daycare. We've had a great experience over all: great curriculum(both school and summer programs), respectful staff, the director (Alison) is very receptive to suggestions/concerns(any that we've had were addressed and resolved accordingly). If I could put everything into one word it would be "Quality".