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April 2023 by Sara R
When I originally enrolled my daughters to LE my then 2.5 year old had been diagnosed with global delays. We were doing 30+ therapy appointments every month for the past year and was seeing very slow progress. Since she has been enrolled we have seen leaps and bounds in her development. From only speaking words without much correlation to now having conversations with us in just a short 5 months. From not being able to sit for any period of time to now being able to sit and enjoy story time and crafts. Ms. Journey, Ms. Katie, Madi, Randi, and Dezah have shown my girls so much kindness, immense patience, and a love of learning. I truly appreciate Little Endeavors and so glad I got my girls enrolled here.
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January 2023 by Alexis Sprague
We had been taking our kids to Little Endeavors since 2018. It is extremely unfortunate that our experience has turned so negative.Before I get to the recent negative experiences, let me first share that the pros of Little Endeavors (Ankeny). The facility is a good size and includes both an adequate space for use as an in-door gym and good age-appropriate equipment. As for teachers, there are good (Denise, Allie, Maggie, Peg), and there are bad ones (which I will not name).Until a month or so ago, the list of pros included the amazing director (Sara), which really set this daycare center apart from the others.Since her departure, the pros have not outweighed the cons for us (which includes an annual tuition increase), so we decided to leave Little Endeavors.1. Three minutes before drop off/center opening, we were notified that three classrooms would be closed for the day due to staff shortages. Three minutes! This forced us and other families having to find alternative care at the drop of a hat before we could go to work.2. Also due to staff shortages, they reduced the center hours by up to two hours for weeks, causing obvious impact to families and work schedules.There were some other minor things that just started adding up that I won't go into detail here, but all of this to say that we felt it best for our family to leave for a more dependable, affordable daycare center. So, we put in our notice on a Wednesday, which gave two weeks of what our youngest (oldest no longer attends daycare) would have been at the center. We were aware of the two week notice policy, which states, "....A two-week written notice is required for families wishing to terminate our services. Failure to provide notification in writing will result in being charged for the two weeks." Since the policy does not provide a definition of a week (calendar week? week of services?) AND because the new director did not give any notice of two-week policy infringement upon confirmation of receipt of our termination request, we were completely blindsided by being charged for a third week of services (for the week after our youngest's last day at the center)! Thinking it was a clerical error initially, we emailed the new director asking for a correction. From then, it has been back and forth with different reasonings and information. First, she said that since we notified on a Wednesday, that the two-week policy would get us to two calendar weeks (another Wednesday), and in her explanation she made it sound like had we notified her one day earlier, then we would not have been charged at all (because our youngest was not attending Little Endeavors on Mondays or Tuesdays). Later, she said that they run their billing cycle on Mondays, so we would to have notified before Monday...like, what? She said that she consulted the General Manager, which also felt that they were justified according to this unclear policy in charging us for a third week! We even looked to compromise; if they would refund us for the two of the three days, then we would consider the matter resolved. That was over a week ago. On top of all of that, the same Parent Handbook that references this two-week policy also states that the initial deposit will be used for final week at Little Endeavors: "This security deposit will be applied to your account balance the last week(s) you are in the center." This was NOT done. So, we had to pay three weeks for our full tuition, meaning we were charged for an extra week AND our deposit was not used. After roughly 6 weeks after our last day, we finally received our deposit refund.As a business, if your policy is unclear, you do not give appropriate notice, and you give the wrong information, that is considered a mistake (or a few). An ethical business will fix their mistakes.To the families that send their kids to Little Endeavors - GOOD LUCK! And be sure to read the nonexistent fine print.Needless to say, I am glad that I am no longer giving my money to Little Endeavors and its unethical business practices.
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December 2022 by Derek Elling
Was great (had 5 star rating).Much of what made it great has left.We left.
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December 2022 by Katie Rekoske
I have loved working here at Little Endeavors for the past 3 years. I am so honored to work in such an amazing work environment. The new management has made my work life so much more enjoyable. They offer a great balance of fun and professionalism! The families here have shown so much kindness, which makes teaching their kiddos so much more enjoyable. Here we work has a team and no one’s hard work goes unnoticed.
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December 2022 by Journey Yeggy
I have worked here for a little over 2 years with a short break due to differences with the past director. I came back for the new management and have to say it is such a breath of fresh air! I feel supported as a lead and love coming to work everyday. I feel comfortable aproaching my bosses with ANYTHING I need. I have always felt the children are safe in the care of LE teachers and feel as though we all work as a team to provide the safest, kindest, most loving and fun environment we can for these kiddos! The new management are making really amazing changes that I'm super excited about! I can't wait to see what the future brings and to continue with LE for years to come!
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November 2022 by Alexis S.
We had been taking our kids to Little Endeavors since 2018. It is extremely unfortunate that our experience has turned so negative.Before I get to the recent negative experiences, let me first share that the pros of Little Endeavors (Ankeny). The facility is a good size and includes both an adequate space for use as an in-door gym and good age-appropriate equipment. As for teachers, there are good (Denise, Allie, Maggie, Peg), and there are bad ones (which I will not name).Until a month or so ago, the list of pros included the amazing director (Sara), which really set this daycare center apart from the others.Since her departure, the pros have not outweighed the cons for us (which includes an annual tuition increase), so we decided to leave Little Endeavors.1. Three minutes before drop off/center opening, we were notified that three classrooms would be closed for the day due to staff shortages. Three minutes! This forced us and other families having to find alternative care at the drop of a hat before we could go to work.2. Also due to staff shortages, they reduced the center hours by up to two hours for weeks, causing obvious impact to families and work schedules.There were some other minor things that just started adding up that I won't go into detail here, but all of this to say that we felt it best for our family to leave for a more dependable, affordable daycare center. So, we put in our notice on a Wednesday, which gave two weeks of what our youngest (oldest no longer attends daycare) would have been at the center. We were aware of the two week notice policy, which states, "....A two-week written notice is required for families wishing to terminate our services. Failure to provide notification in writing will result in being charged for the two weeks." Since the policy does not provide a definition of a week (calendar week? week of services?) AND because the new director did not give any notice of two-week policy infringement upon confirmation of receipt of our termination request, we were completely blindsided by being charged for a third week of services (for the week after our youngest's last day at the center)! Thinking it was a clerical error initially, we emailed the new director asking for a correction. From then, it has been back and forth with different reasonings and information. First, she said that since we notified on a Wednesday, that the two-week policy would get us to two calendar weeks (another Wednesday), and in her explanation she made it sound like had we notified her one day earlier, then we would not have been charged at all (because our youngest was not attending Little Endeavors on Mondays or Tuesdays). Later, she said that they run their billing cycle on Mondays, so we would to have notified before Monday...like, what? She said that she consulted the General Manager, which also felt that they were justified according to this unclear policy in charging us for a third week! We even looked to compromise; if they would refund us for the two of the three days, then we would consider the matter resolved. That was over a week ago. On top of all of that, the same Parent Handbook that references this two-week policy also states that the initial deposit will be used for final week at Little Endeavors: "This security deposit will be applied to your account balance the last week(s) you are in the center." This was NOT done. So, we had to pay three weeks for our full tuition, meaning we were charged for an extra week AND our deposit was not used. AS OF 12/02, WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED OUR DEPOSIT REFUND!As a business, if your policy is unclear, you do not give appropriate notice, and you give the wrong information, that is considered a mistake (or a few). An ethical business will fix their mistakes.To the families that send their kids to Little Endeavors - GOOD LUCK! And be sure to read the nonexistent fine print.Needless to say, I am glad that I am no longer giving my money to Little Endeavors and its unethical business practices.
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December 2020 by Jason Mueller
I can't say enough good things about Little Endeavors. We have two kids that have been attending for about 7 years. They are extremely flexible and great with our kids. As our oldest entered kindergarten we could tell she was adequately prepared because of the curriculum and assorted daily activities. The teachers have been great and Sara (director) does a great job managing the center. We always recommend Little Endeavors to people looking for daycare because we love it here
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December 2020 by Laura Mueller
We have been going to Little Endeavors for 7 years and have 2 children. The teachers and staff have always been wonderful to us(shout-out to Miss Pam, Miss Emily, Miss Taylor, Miss Denise). Sara, the director, is AMAZING! You can tell she is always willing to go above and beyond for the kids in the center. She's patient and kind and always has time for our questions. The teachers have all been so caring and loving to our kids. The curriculum is great and when our oldest went to Kindergarten her kindergarten teacher commented on how great her preschool must have been!!Cut to Covid! Sara sprung into action. Making sure parents were aware of everything that was changing and going on in the center. The communication was amazing. We knew what was going on every step of the way. Now with the Hybrid model, they have adapted again. Helping my second grader get her work done on no school days. I cannot say enough good things about Little Endeavors!! Oh and ask about Parents Night Out!! It's amazing as well!!
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December 2020 by Doug Rucker
There's a reason why the MAJORITY of reviews here are positive. My family has been with Little Endeavors for almost 4 years now and we have been very pleased with everyone there - the teachers, the families, and most of all, the Director. My kids love being at Little Endeavors. The teachers have weekly lesson plans and curriculums that they follow and share with families, so you always know what is being taught. Kids get to have open play time throughout the day and the teachers support them to use their imagination and to have fun. My kids love the monthly "Parent's Night Out" event - it is one of their favorite things about Little Endeavors! As far as billing, Little Endeavors is priced fairly and they have been very supportive throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with billing.The reason why I am writing this review today is to address any negative reviews below. The people who posted those reviews are definitely not describing the Little Endeavors teachers and staff that I know. The Director at Little Endeavors is always working her butt off - going in and out of classrooms, helping with kids, taking families on tours, and ensuring that everyone stays safe!I would gladly recommend Little Endeavors to anyone looking for safe, enriching, nurturing, reliable, and professional childcare.
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December 2020 by Erin Meyer
I 100% disagree with the review below this one who rated LE (little endeavors) a one star! Sara has gone above and beyond for the last 7 years since my kids have been there. My kids love it there, have made life long friends, teachers are amazing, friendly and a clean facility. It’s not easy doing what Sara does, but everyday when I pick up my kids I see her greet the parents at the door, she smiles, and talks to all the parents. She has never disrespect my family or my kids.She has done fundraisers for children at blank, adopts families during Christmas time and wants to the best for all the kids at LE! Sara has done an exceptional job during Covid!!! I wish I could give LE 10 stars!!! Keep being awesome Sara and staff at LE
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December 2019 by Alison Warren
We’ve been attending Little Endeavors for almost 4 years now!
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December 2019 by Taylor Watson
I have worked here for about 2 years now, and honestly I've never been happier! I've been to and from a couple daycares around the Iowa area as a teacher and also as a parent since my child is still under the age of 6, my daughter has never been happier to go to daycare than when we switched to little endeavors. Her teachers take time out of their days to even still check up on Sophia and come visit her, I love how Sara our director can handle 14-1000 problems all at once and still have love and cuddles waiting for any child who comes by her office. I love being one of the classrooms who gets to have an amazing little fluffy buddy poppy! I love that my hours work for my family, not to mention I know no matter what, my daughter is ALWAYS welcome here at LE anytime, if you're looking for a daycare that will really become a part of you're family this is the place!
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December 2019 by Heather Garvin
My 2 kids have been going there for 1.5years, and we're very happy. Sarah, the director, is great. I've heard that the center had a rocky past, before Sarah got there (and during Whitaker time) but we've never had any issues. Our kids (3 and 1) love going and they learn a lot. I toured 9 daycares when we first moved to ankeny, and this was one of the only 2 I'd even consider taking my kids to. Others were complete chaos! They also have a great playground for the kids, and that was important for us (not concrete slabs like other places).
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December 2019 by Meghan Hammond
Our kids have been here almost two years and it’s been a wonderful place for our family. Their teachers are loving and creative, they go above and beyond with things like class pets, fun field trips and activities in the classrooms. The director has always been very accessible, responsive and quick to address any questions or concerns the few times they’ve come up. She knows every kid and is very knowledgeable about what is going on in every class daily.
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December 2019 by Kate Armbruster
We have been with LE for a year now and it has been a wonderful experience. We have a school-age and a 2.5 y.o. and I have been pleased with both classrooms and their curriculum.The school-age teachers do an awesome job planning activities for the kids during summer/spring/winter breaks, keeping them engaged and active.The toddler room is structured to help the little ones learn the important (and often stressful) basics like potty training, teeth brushing, body-basics, respectful play. They also do a ton of art and science projects.The teachers have also been my eyes and ears, warning me if one of my kids had a hard day or warning signs of illness, and letting me know the amazing things they are accomplishing!Managing a daycare cannot be an easy task but the Director knows the kids by name and personality, and always has a minute to spare for a hug. She is the first person I see when I walk in the door and if anything is up with one of my kids, she is in the know.We will be with LE until my kids no longer need daycare and school-age care.
