La Petite Academy on S. Richfield St

I am deeply disappointed with the experience I had at La Petite Daycare. From the very beginning, the staff were rude and disorganized. They consistently failed to take parents’ concerns seriously and displayed a complete lack of professionalism. The director, Shantell, is particularly unpleasant to deal with, and the assistant director, Ms. Obese, is equally unwelcoming and grumpy. Their attitudes are far from the sweetness and warmth you would expect from individuals working in childcare. Mr. Scott, one of the staff members, is particularly concerning. He often sits idly, picking his nose, and lets the children run around unsupervised, giving the impression that he has no interest in being there. The overall atmosphere at La Petite is negative and unwelcoming. I would strongly advise against dropping your children off at this daycare. They are clearly in the wrong profession and fail to provide the care and attention that children need.

My daughter has been with La Petite for a month. We heard about this place from our neighbors, who have their kids there, and are very happy about their experience, particularly in the past year. So I did a virtual tour with the manager Ashley. Through the conversation, I was impressed by the her honesty, transparency, attention to detail, quick follow-ups after the call. COVID has made us keep our daughter staying at home for the past year, I was concerned how she will adapt to the new environment. They arranged a discovery day first before her formal first day, let her spend an hour in the room while we were working on the paperwork in the office, which I think is helpful. Now she walks to the room by herself and no tears at drop-offs, thanks to Ms. Dianne and other teachers, they helped her to feel more and more comfortable day by day. I have to say the easy access security camera system in the room just put my mind at ease, as I can watch my kiddo whenever I feel like to. It blows away the worries and reassures me this is the right place for my kiddo to learn and play. I honestly think every daycare should add this feature. Plus, I can type messages and communicate with teachers directly in the room by using the app. I am so far very happy about the strong management led by Ashley, and very appreciate their flexibility and transparency. I just hope the kids get more outdoor time as the weather warms up in the Spring.

My experience with La Petite was very weird and concerning. Shantel who is the director is very unprofessional and non verbal and non communicative when it comes to speaking to a parent about their child. She couldn’t explain why she was sending a 2 year old home who has been in daycare since a baby. She claims he had behavioral problems that were never known until here.. parents have told her about the teachers aggressively handling children. I have withdrawn my child immediately and will not return

My son goes here, and I am thrilled with the way he has been treated. Education is very important to us, and I like that they keep my son challenged and prepare him for Kindergarten. They are very transparent, and you have access to see your child on an app. They serve lunch and breakfast, which I appreciate. In addition, Ashley Whitaker is the director, and I appreciate her attention to detail, positive attitude, and optimism, especially through these trying times. I recommend this La Petite to whoever is looking for childcare nearby, you won't regret it.

We were there from June 27 2023 to September 29 2023. Enrollment was a breeze & they were very efficient in getting my child in their daycare with short notice of time & availability. Prices are very good compared to others in the area. The inclusion of diapers and wipes in the pricing is appreciated. I don’t mind paying for more when it comes to my child’s care when it means improvement of care though. Enrollment being a breeze meant I was never informed about cut off time being 9AM, until the day we arrived after cut off time. We were brushed off when I mentioned it was never informed & No accountability was taken for lack of communication. Going forward when we were running late I started leaving notes through the app because the phone would never be answered. I take accountability for not making it on time for the times I didn’t but I do not appreciate the fact I was told my child won’t be fed after 9am till lunch I’m assuming??? Understanding I didn’t make cut off time and thankfully she ate before coming in. That left a thought in my head that my daughter won’t be fed till mid day?? It left me unsettled for my child to stay there. It could’ve been communicated differently. Also, My child went through a time where she was tense and uncomfortable during wiping. I asked twice if they were experiencing the same and was only told once they could try changing her in the moment to see if she does that same reaction. It was pick up time so I denied. Other than that I got no answer. The last day my child was enrolled I was expecting to still be able to check the camera to see how her last day was going, She got unenrolled before her last day even started. I appreciate the updated photos & responding to my notes with time allowing because I am extremely understanding that it is 7 kids to one instructor. Thankful for the care my child did receive at her time there. In the end, either they need an increase in staff, pay, communication development etc, but my daughter did not move from 3 days a week to full time at this location.