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May 2024 by Michelle Riley
TLDR: Do NOT send your child here, especially if they have allergies! Many awful teachers, complacent and rude administration.Our experience at Kiddie Academy has been nothing short of a nightmare. My son has allergies, which was not any trouble to manage at our prior facility and is not any issue at his current facility. KA gave him foods he was allergic to on multiple occasions. On at least two of these occasions, Trisha (accurately portrayed in a few of these other negative reviews) tried to mom-shame me for how I handled the incidents instead of focusing on how egregiously they messed up. After the 4th allergen exposure (that I know of, it was confirmed he regularly was given a salad dressing that contained an allergen though), I reported them to the state. They were supposed to come up with a better communication plan from the kitchen to the teachers about what my child couldn’t eat. A few weeks later I found out from my son’s new teacher that she had “no idea” what he is allergic to, and that the way she finds out he can’t have something is from his prior room’s teacher yelling across the hall “don’t give that to him!” when the kitchen brings something he’s not allowed to have. Absolutely terrifying.You might ask why I didn’t just send his food myself. Two of his exposures were when I sent his food! I watched his teachers withhold his food, giving him about 5 minutes to eat at the end of lunch, and blatantly ignore his stealing food off the other babies’ plates (he was about a year old for this). At one point they gave him a special treat that was brought in by another kid without clearing it with me first. When I raised concerns about their behavior, he came home the next day with feces encrusted on his tiny little rear-end. Not even a dirty diaper, they just intentionally did not wipe him well and left it. On that note, he came home another time with feces up his back and through his onesie, no explanation given. His diaper was clean, so they'd wiped him, but left it all over his back/onesie. I hope none of his classmates got pink eye from that one.The teachers in his first room were constantly on their phones, never engaging with the babies. I never saw so much as a book being read to them; they were left on their own to play with no interaction from a caring adult. My baby had very dry skin/eczema and I’d sent in lotion to be used when needed. His teacher quite happily told me that they never put it on him unless I specifically call to ask. It’s almost like she was overjoyed at her own stupidity. This is a child who’s face was often bleeding it was so in need of lotion, but I guess you can’t see that when you’re on your phone all day.Overall the administration wants to keep parents out of the building as much as possible. They continue cov1d-era policies where you must drop off and pick up at the front entrance unless you have a reason to go back and talk to your child’s teacher. As a result, there is absolutely no sense of community (also they briefly lost a child from this policy, as noted in the state incident reports, yet they continue to cling to their process). I’ve talked to many other parents that don’t even know all of their younger child’s teachers’ names and wouldn’t be able to recognize them on the street. Many teachers are blatantly rude and disrespectful to parents when you do talk to them, and the administration’s response is “they’re a little gruff”. What’s tolerated is encouraged - if you cared about the interaction between parents and teachers you wouldn’t allow your teachers to act like that.It’s unfortunate that the majority of the younger rooms are such an abomination because there are some teachers that are GEMS in the older classes. We had a great experience with my oldest son, who was only there a year before entering kindergarten. However it was so strongly outweighed by the horrors of my baby’s experience that I could never recommend this place, not even to my worst enemy.
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February 2024 by LISA JESSUP
As a mom I worry constantly about my baby. Today my heart felt at ease! What a beautiful feeling this was to experience, my baby learning sight words and having a blast doing it!! All smiles!! I highly recommend this childcare provider. They create a nurturing environment where children thrive. The staff is attentive, experienced, and genuinely cares about each child's well-being. The facility is clean and well-maintained, fostering a safe and enriching space for learning and play. Our family feels fortunate to have found such a dedicated and professional childcare option. Big Thank You to the management and staff!!From: an overjoyed parent!
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February 2024 by Dan
We had our 2 year old toddler here and we were quite happy with the care he got. This is our third child so we been through a lot of daycares. We felt the Kiddie academy here was great both in terms of the activities they did throughout the day and the teacher in my child’s class. They send you videos and pictures updating you on the activities they do throughout the day. Furthermore, I’ve never seen my child watching an IPad or TV when I pick them up which can’t be said about some other daycares. Overall would highly recommend.
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December 2023 by Tamaria Crite
This school is going downhill! The owner is EXTREMELY unprofessional! Do not send you children here
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December 2023 by Brionna Belton
The new owner Archit Patel is extremely unprofessional, uncaring and aloof! He’s in the wrong business with these characteristics.
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October 2023 by Melissa Pettinati
We switched to Kiddie Academy Blakeney when my oldest was 2 years old and then our youngest started at 4 months. We absolutely LOVE Kiddie Academy Blakeney. Both my children have gone through the daycare and my oldest is in his 3rd year with the after school program and also does summer camp there. The staff truly cares about the children. I have no worries when my children are there. They are engaged with the children and love my children like their own. My youngest has some dietary restrictions and they have been more than accommodating. We are now going through more allergy testing and have they been attentive and listen, even sharing helpful ideas, especially the assistant director who this hits close to home for her. I can't recommend KA enough! 5 stars isn't enough to give them!
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October 2023 by Bailey Bedford
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this daycare. It is never easy selecting someone to care for your children but Kiddie Academy made this decision an easy one. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and we have watched our children flourish from infancy. They love our children, truly care for our family, and bring us much comfort as we navigate this stage of life.
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October 2023 by Stephanie Esau
We have been at Kiddie Academy for over 5 years with our three children. Our youngest started in the infant room & has had to overcome several food allergies. The administration and teachers have been top notch in handling our questions, concerns and accommodations. He’s never had reactions at school, but they are proactive reaching out to us even if he comes to school with seasonal allergies. As our youngest goes off to Kindergarten, it will be sad to part with our KA family. They have been an integral part of our lives during such a crucial phase of their learning and development.
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October 2023 by Nicol B
We have been attending KA Blakeney for the past 8 years and it has been an overall, exemplary experience. I would say that the administrators and teachers really take the time to learn and know, not only the child(ren), but also get to know the families. They keep you abreast of all activities for the students and familes. They are prompt to call if any concerns or incidents (falls, etc) and they are just as prompt to call for positive incidents/interactions.Our experience has, and continues to be, very positive. Their experienced guidance and input is truly valued and I cannot say enough about the Administrators- Angie, Tricia, Ashley, and multiple, multiple teachers that have had such a positive impact on our children (and also our lives as a whole). I highly recommend KIDDIE ACADEMY, especially KA at Blakeney. You will not be disappointed.
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October 2023 by Ashley Percent
I am so thankful that we found an amazing childcare center for our daughter. The teachers and staff are awesome and I highly recommend this center! My daughter runs into school excited for a new day and I love that she loves her school!
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September 2023 by Michelle R.
TLDR: Do NOT send your child here, especially if they have allergies! Many awful teachers, complacent and rude administration.Our experience at Kiddie Academy has been nothing short of a nightmare. My son has allergies, which was not any trouble to manage at our prior facility and is not any issue at his current facility. KA gave him foods he was allergic to on multiple occasions. On at least two of these occasions, Trisha (accurately portrayed in a few of these other negative reviews) tried to mom-shame me for how I handled the incidents instead of focusing on how egregiously they messed up. After the 4th allergen exposure (that I know of, it was confirmed he regularly was given a salad dressing that contained an allergen though), I reported them to the state. They were supposed to come up with a better communication plan from the kitchen to the teachers about what my child couldn't eat. A few weeks later I found out from my son's new teacher that she had "no idea" what he is allergic to, and that the way she finds out he can't have something is from his prior room's teacher yelling across the hall "don't give that to him!" when the kitchen brings something he's not allowed to have. Absolutely terrifying. You might ask why I didn't just send his food myself. Two of his exposures were when I sent his food! I watched his teachers withhold his food, giving him about 5 minutes to eat at the end of lunch, and blatantly ignore his stealing food off the other babies' plates (he was about a year old for this). At one point they gave him a special treat that was brought in by another kid without clearing it with me first. When I raised concerns about their behavior, he came home the next day with feces encrusted on his tiny little rear-end. Not even a dirty diaper, they just intentionally did not wipe him well and left it. On that note, he came home another time with feces up his back and through his onesie, no explanation given. I hope none of his classmates got pink eye from that one. The teachers in his first room were constantly on their phones, never engaging with the babies. I never saw so much as a book being read to them; they were left on their own to play with no interaction from a caring adult. My baby had very dry skin/eczema and I'd sent in lotion to be used when needed. His teacher quite happily told me that they never put it on him unless I specifically call to ask. It's almost like she was overjoyed at her own stupidity. This is a child who's face was often bleeding it was so in need of lotion, but I guess you can't see that when you're on your phone all day.Overall the administration wants to keep parents out of the building as much as possible. They continue cov1d-era policies where you must drop off and pick up at the front entrance unless you have a reason to go back and talk to your child's teacher. As a result, there is absolutely no sense of community (also they briefly lost a child from this policy, as noted in the state incident reports, yet they continue to cling to their process). I've talked to many other parents that don't even know all of their younger child's teachers' names and wouldn't be able to recognize them on the street. Many teachers are blatantly rude and disrespectful to parents when you do talk to them, and the administration's response is "they're a little gruff". What's tolerated is encouraged - if you cared about the interaction between parents and teachers you wouldn't allow your teachers to act like that. It's unfortunate that the majority of the younger rooms are such an abomination because there are some teachers that are GEMS in the older classes. We had a great experience with my oldest son, who was only there a year before entering kindergarten. However it was so strongly outweighed by the horrors of my baby's experience that I could never recommend this place, not even to my worst enemy.
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December 2021 by Charltyn Dunton
I appreciate the smiling faces who welcome my daughter each day. The staff is always accommodating and understanding of what is going on in our lives. We are glad to be at Kiddie Academy.Tomi Dunton
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December 2021 by Leah Cantor
Amazing staff with so much heart. The management is very kind & understanding and provide a safe environment for the children. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this place, I highly recommend it.Leah Parker
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December 2021 by Gina Munro
We started our boys at Kiddie Academy after a big move to a new city. From the day they started they have been so happy and love their school. Miss Angie, Miss Jennifer & Miss Trisha are a dream administrative team, the love they have for the children shows right through each day. The staff is amazing and also pour such love into the children. They have handled all of the uncertainties during the pandemic with grace and understanding. It is a safe and friendly environment for kids to thrive, learn and grow! We could not be happier with our choice in school for our kiddies, wishing they could stay there longer!
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December 2020 by Laura Toney
We love Kiddie Academy! Our son Will has been going since he was 6 weeks old and I've never once questioned his care. Everyone is very caring, and the facility is immaculate. The focus on education is great, but I'm most impressed with the focus on community, manners and lifestyle amongst the kids. Our 2 year old sits still at the dinner table until everyone is finished eating, washes his hands without complaint all the time, uses "please" and "thank you", cleans up his toys, and is generally sociable to other children and adults and I know that's the center's influence. I am so grateful that Kiddie Academy was recommended to us by my husband's coworkers.
