The Learning Experience - Brooklyn 5th Avenue — Local services in New York

It’s very hard giving TLE this awful one star but please read why.

When my child started they were still under investigation for child abuse which I learned first hand from a friend of mine, despite it all, I decided to place my child under their care because I KNEW they would be under careful watch and lots of changes would be coming. My husband and I haven’t regret our decision once until two weeks after he graduated, four weeks before he was going to leave.

My child benefited a lot from TLE. Ms. Juliet and Ms. Zara are marvelous. My child was literally in the most ideal classroom as they said, with the most excellent teacher, truly shined there. We were involved in the center and we chose this location specifically due to the warmth of Ms. Juliet, the indoor play area and we just felt comfort and knew our child would be safe DESPITE us having 3 other TLE closer.

After our child’s graduation in June, we needed to extend time due to work. We get a call which would be a parents worse nightmare, from CPS!!! After the hell we were put through, running different scenarios in our heads of how did our child get hurt which caused to have a bruise. We were put through turmoil because of a stain on X leg from a popsicle. The few hours that passed as X was there, X played fine without any pain, no limping, no ouch. But suddenly with potty time, this “discoloration” became concerning which I totally understand. But use a little bit of judgment, some critical thinking, knowing difference btwn dye and a bruise. Like, “hmm X never complained”, touch it and see if it hurts? No, nothing, just picked up phone and made a complaint which dragged our family for a whole month. It honestly was an embarrassment for them and the city when I had to bring X to the ER for an evaluation and let them know “I’m here to get X evaluated for a “bruise” discoloration on X leg that is no longer there because I wiped it off. No one thought to do that and the social worker was unable to touch kid. Did it matter that I noticed it? Nope. Family got dragged, put in system, and needed to be investigated and unfounded. I had all my ducks lined up and there was nothing to hide. It left us traumatized and with PTSD.

As mandated reporters, I understand their role. What is infuriating is the fact that they did not do a thorough investigation without possibly getting a second opinion from another staff member. And even if they came to this conclusion, how did a discoloration that appeared like a “week” old “bruise” end up on X skin when it was not present day prior. They don’t know how to distinguish dye/stain since they work with paint and markers?! X did not have any marks on X, we literally thought it was referred to X eczema.

My REQUEST when speaking to regional director was for the staff to be better educated on how to identify child abuse, child neglect and take classes; there are patterns to look out for. But it seems they didn’t even inform my child’s homeroom teacher this occurred.

So before you place your child here, again, they are amazing, but make sure you ask- since this incident which occurred June 2024- what have they done to prevent this from happening to another parent!!!

My child and family are safe, will yours? This was be try hard to write hence why I’m writing it with delayed time as I was hesitant.

A...

Revisiting this as there’s clearly some shenanigans going on with many 1 star reviews popping up in the past few months since the child abuse case here over the summer. I’m curious as to what kind of incentives parents are getting to leave the reviews. I wouldn’t trust my kids’ stuffed animals at this place. The owners are crooks and should be in prison.

These people rehired an employee who not only has a criminal record, but WAS TERMINATED FROM THIS EXACT SAME FACILITY FOR CHILD NEGLECT. I wish the story ended here. But it doesn’t, this employee went on to abuse several children and the management refused to call the police, thankfully a staff member did the right thing and called. We immediately pulled our child from this school. I’m sorry that there are good teachers in this center, but this review specifically reflects the ineffectiveness of the management and the need to penny pinch by rehiring people they’ve terminated and not doing the bare minimum to protect defenseless children. If you have any doubts about my story look it up, dept of health has shut down the infant/toddler program today and there is an open investigation running with the 68 precinct.

Also to address some of the appalling accusations in some of these reviews, show some compassion for parents that have been through a traumatic experience. Some of the parents found each other in a time of need to support each other, and to find out what was happening to their children when TO THIS DAY the school has not explained to us specifically what happened in our daughters classroom. We had to find out through a detective associated with the case. We loved some of these teachers too, but knowing now that the ones that actually helped were now fired for helping intervene and call the police? Ones that you mentioned in your reviews? How could you still leave a review in support of these atrocious owners? I implore you to take your reviews down now, you’re only making it worse for the parents that have been through hell (and continue to be, sitting through arraignments, litigation, etc). We’re trying to prevent situations like this from ever happening to another family ever again....

The Learning Experience @ Fort Hamilton has been and continues to be a positive experience for my family and me. First off, there's a high need for DOH-approved sites for little ones up to 24 months. I was so happy to have found a safe and welcoming place that met that standard. In addition, it was essential to find a place that had an actual curriculum for little ones. Personally, daycare/ preschool/ elementary school is NOT glorified childcare. That was an important requirement for my husband and I. When our son started at the site, it was a bit overwhelming for us. This was the first time we left our son with someone not family; therefore, we were overly cautious of everything and everyone. It has been ten months since he started, and he has made significant progress academically and socially. He can now vocalize his wants to his peers and adults. He can identify most letters, numbers up to 10, and colors. They are also working on potty training (thank goodness). Aside from the wonderful work they are doing with him, I am forever grateful for how the staff extended their heartfelt condolences and support when my father passed away. Ms. Joseline, a teacher in the twaddler room, was a shoulder to cry on, and her check-ins never went unnoticed. During my low moments, her positive demeanor was necessary for my little one. The Learning Experience @ Fort Hamilton always looked at us as an extension of their family, and they are an extension of our family. Recently, they have incorporated family engagement programs, family support sessions, and culturally responsive activities. I can share so many positive things about this place. Thank you to the wonderful staff members for all...