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February 2024 by Justin Carroll
I sent my child here for a year and it was a great experience. My child was loved and the staff took great care of here.
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November 2023 by e harlan
Fenton phone number is disconnected and no one answers the Riverport phone number.
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October 2023 by Danielle Owens
My daughter Mae just started attending here. She’s never been to a daycare before except when she was a baby. Let me tell you I would give this place a 10 star if I could. Let me start by the staff is wonderful. Very informative, let’s me know about everything. Mae loves her teacher. She is amazing with her. She has a spot Mae stands when she cry’s when I drop her off so she can wave bye to us. They have eased her in and treated her so kindly. She goes to sleep every night saying school tomorrow school tomorrow (what we call it for her) this is her second week and she’s already going in without grabbing our legs and crying. ? her teacher greets us and directs Mae to distract her from us leaving. I am so pleased with how well they are working with her on her nap issues. She never took one at home but now she’s adjusting to it well. Each day she’s getting better and I am so happy the staff is letting us know of her progress. I just wanted to say a shout out to her teacher though. Mae absolutely loves her. Thank you first academy! Y’all are awesome!
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September 2023 by Michael Culp
After 3 years of going here my son is moving to pre-k at a different school. It's bittersweet because our family will miss every one of the staff who works at First Academy. They are so wonderful and caring that it's hard to say goodbye. This is a great daycare with teachers who truly care about the children. I hope others get to experience what we experienced during our time here. Thank you guys!!!!!!
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September 2023 by maryandrea Lopez
My daughter went to this daycare for 1 year, it's excellent, the staff is very friendly, the place is clean and adequate, the teachers are very sweet, I always felt happy and safe leaving my daughter there, we certainly miss them
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August 2023 by Whitney L.
I enrolled my son at First Academy in February and they literally kicked him out July. Becky pulled me to the side and said he needed too much 1:1 attention. This was very unprofessional to not give an option to correct or have a plan or have a meeting. They literally have a date for his last day. There was no communication daily about what went on from day to day . The teacher my son was under was barely there so it was always someone new when I picked him up. If you all had staffing issues then just say that. My son had a speech delay and they did not have the patience. My son loved going but did not understand he was not wanted there. My mom picked my son up one day and saw one of the teachers screaming at another toddler and when she saw my mom her whole demeanor changed some of these people are not equipped . Honestly First Academy did us a favor my son is thriving at his new school and first academy is very unprofessional. You were not allowed to view cameras which is weird like they are hiding something. I also did not like the fact they only accept cash and money orders. The fact that they are right near the landfill is unhealthy for the kids to be outside playing as well.
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August 2023 by Rose Sharon Malimban
My son’s stay here was short but sweet. Due to relocating, we only stayed for 4 weeks. The teachers were super sweet and kind. Ms. Summer and Ms. Tori took great care of my son. We will come back if given the chance. :)
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December 2022 by Michelle Washington
Just obtaining information was difficult. The person answering the phones was very short and seemed to very aggravated. I can only pray she has no interaction with children. Beware!
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June 2021 by Alexandra B.
I worked at the Maryland heights location for a couple of years and it was by far the most unprofessional, toxic, unwelcoming place I've ever had the misfortune of being employed at. They pay their longest staying employees $8 and discourage them from discussing pay( which is HIGHLY illegal by the way, but the director will threaten you) so they don't have to provide raises or a livable wage. The director is verbally abusive to employees and parents if she felt like it. The mood swings and constant threat of firing of any employees made it an incredibly hard place to work at. I personally witnessed "teachers" physically restraining children and Jodi the director knows and does absolutely nothing. You will never be eligible for a raise; one of the oldest tenured employees hadn't received a raise in 7 years making a maximum of $11.25, and there is pretty much no healthcare or benefits in any way. They have employees come in sick and give push back if you need any time off. They will hire anyone and everyone to have warm bodies to meet state mandated ratios. Many times there would be one teacher with 20+ kids at the end of the day so the director and assistant director could leave as they pleased. Please take heed and don't let appearances or google reviews fool you. The exterior looks professional and adequate but inside is rife with drama and toxicity. Only a couple teachers, specifically in the older aged rooms, are professional and actually care about the children's development. The others wear pajamas and slippers and do absolutely nothing to help the children learn -- instead opting for them to just run around all day whilst on their phones. The "assistant director" Becky is just as bad, if not worse than the director and will put on a smile while she discusses everyone's personal business and talks about who owes what. Absolutely by far the most horrible place a person could work unless they absolutely have no other choice. Please please please don't consider this place as a first choice in any way.
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December 2019 by Jaquea Hughes
My daughter was almost eight months when she started at First Academy. She is now going on one year and has been in the infant room with Ms. Amy. She and the other ladies who float like Stephanie and Andrea are great. My daughter is very shy and doesn't go to just anyone. Whenever we get to the classroom she leaps into Amy's arm and smiles. My daughter and I have had nothing but great experiences with the staff. I would recommend to anyone.
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December 2019 by Jazzy Jackman
My kids have been here for about 3 months and we love it. Affordable prices, good quality child care. The place is actually clean! And they keep the kids busy and happy.
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December 2018 by Stephanie Eilers
My daughter has been going here for almost 2 years and we both love it! Her vocabulary and knowledge has improved a lot. I am thankful for finding a facility that is clean, respectful, and caring. The staff is beyond friendly and very welcoming and warming. I know my daughter is in great hands.
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December 2018 by nikala Batts
My daughter started here at 4 months old. Her time in the infant room with Ms Wendi has been incredible. She has learned so much that I am able to expand on at home. The staff is amazing and friendly. Becky and Jodi do an amazing job running First Academy and I would recommend it to everyone!!
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December 2016 by Beth Doores
My 3 month old enjoys going to the center! The staff has been so supportive with my transition as a new mom, security is strong, and the price is reasonable. I would highly recommend this center!
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December 2016 by Latoya Sumner
I really love the center is clean the teachers are really nice the price is very reasonable compared to most centers everyone is really loving and I recommended it what a great place for a child ?
