La Petite Academy of Arnold — Local services in Arnold Township

I’m not usually one to voice how I feel on public platforms however I find now to be a proper time to share my opinion on La Patite Academy. After a change in leadership, the effects of covid 19, and a staff overhaul things are very different at LPA since my child first enrolled two years ago. From newborn to terrible twos my son has certainly pushed the limits of most teachers. I have seen times when the school was full of teachers with giant hearts and plenty of wisdom to share with the kids. I have also seen times when I felt like the students had more maturity than the teachers themselves. Under previous leadership I felt rules for staff and students were far to lenient and quite a few teachers took advantage thus leaving students falling behind. Once a new director stepped in I noticed some changes almost immediately. Shortly following the school was forced to close due to the threat of covid 19. I have found the effort from the staff to ensure my child’s safety since reopening more than satisfactory. The new drop off system implemented to avoid the spread prevents parents from entering the building. Although not always the most convenient it does put the safety of the children first and that is and should be number one priority. The last recent event is a staff overhaul to refocus on curriculum and academic growth of the young minds in the building. My son has always been ahead of his age and I can say with assurance that LPA has quite a lot to do with that. I’m pleased to see the school continuing to push the children to learn once again. My son has had some truly remarkable teachers and they have left great impressions as he has moved up from class to class. With all the changes I believe La Patite Academy has set themselves up to become better. The most important thing with me is that I don’t spend all day at work worried about my son. I have confidence that my son is in great hands and because of that,...

This establishment is licensed as "child care". Yet the person in charge calls me and asks me to pick up my child because she is concerned that she will open the front door and run out onto the street. Not sure about you other parents, but that is a huge red flag to me and the last straw (when you have double doors, why not use them for safety!? Even if unable to lock the door due to fire codes, there should at least be an alarm that sounds when opened). As I was unable to pick up my daughter being that I was in the hospital, I asked her grandmother to pick her up. When she arrived, they had my daughter sitting on the floor in front of the door while 2 teachers were sitting in the office with her. When grandma asked for her cup, she was told that she could get it when she picks up my other daughter. A previous incident, if I may, I get a call because my daughter is scared to get her diaper changed. "Could you come up here and change her diaper?" This is not a big deal to me as I am remote worker and am able to come up, I'd rather her be comfortable than scared. The last time the children eat is at 2:30 and this is a snack, children are not given permission to eat outside of the regularly scheduled mealtimes (not a huge deal, but just so you know). There are video cameras so parents can watch, not hear what is going on. This was pretty comforting to me, especially given the fact that I did not get a daily update and the teacher who had them most of the day was gone by the time I picked them up. If your child is at all on the spectrum, has any ADHD qualities, or is at risk of "not staying with their group" do not send them here, it is not an appropriately safe, comforting, or respectful...

Three years ago we left a bad in home sitter situation reluctant to allow anyone to watch our kids. We toured La Petite and we were instantly met with concern for our well being and their promise to make us feel safe leaving our kids in their hands. Three years later and they have exceeded their promise! They love my kids as if they are their own. They are incredibly funny and caring ladies and they would do anything for us if they could! We have crazy schedules and even with the last minute schedule changes we throw at them, they never once have given us any reason to not feel welcomed or loved! I have had a child in all age level classrooms, (I have 4 in their care), and I can honestly say, in three years we have had nothing but amazing experiences with them! They got my daughter ready for kindergarten, they helped turn my shy son into a social butterfly and they basically potty trained my stubborn 3 year old even when we had trouble helping to train him at home. They kept him going and trained him to help make my life with our fourth newborn at home even a little easier. I have the clumsiest children on the face of this Earth and the director has even gone out of her way to message me after one of my kids have gotten hurt, on her own time, to see if they are doing better! I trust these ladies beyond words! I truly feel like they are my family and I cannot thank them enough for giving me such an amazing gift, the gift of knowing my kids are loved and well cared for when I cannot do it myself! It’s great knowing they have cameras and an app to keep me posted and send me pictures but the best feature they have is that I trust them enough that I do not need that stuff! Thank you La...