Clark KinderCare — Local services in Clark

The issues began from the start when I asked Miguel to send me instructions on what to bring and prepare to start daycare. I'm a FTM and I had some questions. After multiple emails and phone calls, Miguel finally sent me a list, which left me scrambling to buy extra things at the last minute. I was concerned about poor communication, but I let it go.

Then, the bigger issue emerged - children's safety in the daycare. When I was creating an account, I thought that there would be a unique code for each to enter the facility. For the first three days, I just walked in with other parents, which is a concern itself. Anyone can get in the building with no issues. On day four, there was no one to follow, so I tried the password I selected while registering, but it didn't work. I had to call, Ms Jess opened and gave me the code. This code is used by EVERYONE! It means that any person can learn it easily and access the facility. But bear with me; there is more.

On Thursday of the second week of daycare, I noticed my daughter had fluid buildup in the crown of her head. I took her to the ER immediately and notified the daycare. In the ER, everyone has been repetitively asking me if she hit her head. I knew she did not hit her head when she was with me (my husband was traveling at that time), but I didn't know anything else. My husband called the daycare, which is a normal thing to do. Miguel instantly said, "Nothing happened." My husband asked to check with teachers just to make sure. Miguel did and confirmed that nothing happened. We relayed this information to the ER team.

The CT scan showed no structural damage. The ER doctor said he didn't know what it was, but there was nothing to be concerned about. The pediatrician whom I took my daughter to right after ED suspected that it could be a rare case of delayed fluid collection after a traumatic birth. Miguel called in the evening, and I told him that there was no injury, but the doctors were not sure what it was. I said that our daughter is doing well.

Then at 10:30 pm Child Protective Services showed up. Miguel called and reported child abuse, even knowing that there was no trauma. CPS was surprised because a hospital was obligated to report instances like this, but they never did because there was no trauma. It was humiliating and stressful. I'm glad our daughter is too little to understand what's going on. Luckily, everyone from CPS we've been dealing with has been extremely pleasant. Miguel not only lied to them that my husband called angry, accusing a daycare, but he also said that he doesn't have our phone numbers. How don't you have the phone numbers of the parents of a child under your care?

My husband has been understanding, saying that Miguel had to cover himself in case something happened to our child. He asked Miguel why he didn't give us a heads-up so we knew what to expect. Two days after that, Miguel sent us a message through the app stating that he had to do it. Otherwise, his teacher and he could be fired, and the center could be closed.

Additional concerns. On the first day at the daycare, Infant rooms A and B were merged after 2:30 p.m. when the Room A teachers left after their shift was over. I found out about this practice after the fact when I came to pick up my daughter. She was in the room with a lot of children and only a few teachers. She cried a lot and looked terrible. The center should disclose this practice in advance. Additionally, I'm concerned that the ratio was not as required. Infants sleep in the same room they play in, which means that the noise and lights are on. My child had a difficult time sleeping in this environment, which the teachers pointed out to me. I saw a child sleeping on the floor a few times during our short time in the daycare. Another thing I didn't realize is that infants don't go outside ever until they're over 12 months. It is not healthy for a child to stay indoors all day long.

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We are proud to be part of the Clark Kindercare family. My oldest started in the infant room five years ago (at four months old) and is currently in the Kindergarten class. The team provides a warm, loving and nurturing environment for the children to learn. When I drop my children off, I feel confident that they are with adults who truly love and care for them and know them for the little people they are (good and bad). This morning my youngest brought me a book and I asked if he wanted me to read it and he respond, “NO! Ms. Briana will read it to me!” 😝 I love that they have built such strong bonds with their teachers. It is hard to be a working parent and leave your children in someone else’s care, but I know I can rely on their teachers and center directors (Mr. Miguel and Ms. Jess G) to meet their needs during the day. They are also always available to answer questions big and small, and never make it feel like a burden to address you and your child’s needs/concerns.

The things that helped make our decision to go to Clark Kindercare five years ago (and are still true now): The warm friendly environment and teachers, meals are included once they start solids (breakfast, lunch and a snack), the hours are great (6:30-6:30) and every classroom has an age appropriate curriculum that is followed. They also have an app, which provides updates throughout the day on such things as nap schedules, what/how much they ate, diaper changes and...

There are so many wonderful things I can say about Clark Kindercare, the management Mr. Miguel and Ms. Jessica G, and the entire staff. We have been with Clark Kindercare for 7 years and counting and couldn’t be any happier. Anyone looking for a daycare facility for their child(ren), we always HIGHLY recommend Clark Kindercare. The amount of love, care, patience, attention, and dedication the staff presents to each child is outstanding. Knowing that my babies are so well taken care of, loved, and having so much fun while learning is an incredible feeling for a working mom. The photos and videos are an added bonus bringing smiles to my face while at work. The curriculum utilized within each classroom is engaging and all of my children learned so much being there. The staff is always willing to accommodate any needs your child(ren) may have and the management team (Mr. Miguel and Ms. Jessica G.) always ensure the needs of all families are met, keep an open line of communication with families, and truly set a warm, welcoming, positive environment within the facility. Could not be any happier and could not recommend Clark Kindercare more! Everyone there feels like family...