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October 2023 by Carly Mullady Cowan
This, for me, is not an attack on the daycare or anything personal toward ownership/director staff. It's our experience, warning other parents and hoping/begging for change.We had about two good years and did work with some great teachers. The last few months there were incredibly disheartening, like mind games with us (parents) and suffering for our child, who went from loving school to losing sleep, fighting getting ready, crying and resisting drop-off, and even saying she was sick to stay home.Despite extra communication with staff, purchasing and sharing emotion books, they repeatedly reported poor behavior and she became even more distressed. As I worried and tried to address it, they blamed it on her being an only child--an inappropriate comment.I mentioned the anxious/emotional behavior and poor sleep to her doctor.Casual conversation with medical professionals about school revealed some eye-opening truths: my child said the teachers and staff didn't like her, that kids were always being yelled at, kids were always in time-out, she just couldn't do things right for them.I can't attest for what else happened while we parents weren't there, but I can say that three-year-olds don't yet even know adults shouldn't be yelling at them or isolating them or putting them in time-out. They don't know this is wrong and they can't advocate for themselves. There's no incentive to fabricate these stories. What I have personally seen was kids sitting, alone, in hysterics, for far more minutes than their ages could possibly be. I know because I once consoled a child who I thought was injured rather than being punished.I also don't think the expectations or environment are age appropriate. While they do some great things like gardening, they need to learn through play and be more active. These kids have 13 years of sitting at desks with worksheets ahead of them--there are more options for learning at 3-5.It would also better serve this group to have adults around for bathroom breaks and closer to the action during outdoor free play time.But most of all, these kids shouldn't spend all week walking on eggshells, thinking they're bad, fearing the people who are supposed to be caring for them, who parents are employing and entrusting with their care. Ideally, at this age, positive reinforcement would be a motivating tool, but it was rare here. Too rare for how young they are. And redirection should be much more frequent than punishment. Instead, it seems to have been the first instinct.There's no reason for toddlers/preschoolers to fear the people who should be caring for them during the week. This should be a happy, playful, and safe environment. Full stop. Staff members who don't want to be with kids and don't want to make them feel happy and safe shouldn't be with kids. Period. Leaders who don't want to guide and create a happy, playful, and safe environment shouldn't be in charge.It seems a lot like this environment creates problems and then blames the children for them.I can also say that after removing her, our bright, eager, and happy kid came back and we're not seeing these issues in a different school environment.I hope there is some new awareness with all of the children leaving and they're able to objectively see problem areas. It's in such a great location and there is some promising staff. I hope they are able to retrain in ways that are more appropriate for this age group, safer, and in alignment with state requirements and best practices.This is the age group where it's vital to ensure they ARE safe, that they feel safe and secure, and also that they enjoy school. On top of that, it is so difficult as a parent to entrust your care in anyone else. You do your research to the best of your knowledge, you visit, you check reviews online and review state (DCFS) records for complaints, and you talk to other parents. It is heartbreaking and feels like a betrayal when your children aren't getting the care they
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June 2023 by Jillian Altholz
My infant son has been attending Academy of Stars for the past year and my husband & I love it there. Our son adores all the teachers, participates in fun activities and loves socializing with all the other children. The teachers are extremely knowledgeable and friendly to all the parents. Thrilled we send our child here and he has been thriving ever since!
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May 2023 by Joanne Mack
The people that care for these children are horrible. Every time I visit the business next door, all I hear is the caretakers constantly screaming and yelling at them, treating them like dogs.
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February 2023 by Sandra Cheatham
I really enjoy working at Academy of stars daycare. The staff and parents are very nice and I love working the 4/5 kids and sometimes the 3's class too. Really glad that I made the change to. I feel this place will better myself and move me forward to what I want to do .
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February 2023 by Kathy Skender
I am a teacher here and I love working with the fellow staff. I enjoy the ability to teach the children with many different medias. The children love to come and share their own cultures with others. It truly is a wonderful place for the children and staff
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January 2023 by Ashley Rood
Such a great school with wonderful teachers. I highly recommend Academy of Stars!
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January 2023 by Gail Solovay
I am a teacher at Academy of Stars and I have to say that I find this center to be one of the best places I have ever worked at. I can work on individual needs and create a fun environment for learning. We can be creative with our lessons and sometimes take those lessons and group times outside. There are always a variety of activities to support the learning going on. It is so nice to hear that the children are actually sharing what they learn at home.
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January 2023 by Hailey Galati
Academy of Stars Childcare provides children and their families with great care and learning opportunities. All of the teachers are great and the school is well organized.
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January 2023 by Pranita Mistry
This the best child care in Barrington. Teachers are the best providers for children . I love this child care facility! I highly recommend.
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December 2022 by Valorant Keys
Great place and staff!
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December 2019 by Amber Murans
Our twins have gone to Academy of Stars since they were infants and we are so happy with how much love the teachers give to them and the quality of education is superb. We love that they're being prepared with a great education!
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December 2014 by Saeram Evensen
Academy of stars is a great place to learn, to grow and to have fun!We have amazing children and parents, also great teachers to work with!
