Kindercare - Waxpool

I heard the Director of Kindercare (Sandra) left in December - wondering if anyone whose child/children are enrolled there has any insight into why she left.

I am on the list to have my infant start in June and the Director was one of the reasons we went with Kindercare.

Thanks for any update/information.

 

WOW! The director at that particular center is why my son isn't there. We were on the wait list a couple of years back, after he was born I called and Sandra had just started. I won't go into details on a public forum but after my experiences with her I was sobbing and REFUSED to let my son go in the building. My mother worker in child care for two decades so I don't have unrealistic, first time mommy views. In our experience Sandra was a rude, obnoxious nightmare who had no compassion - not a good fit for childcare. They also seemed ot have staff turnover issues. We have heard similar stories from people at our center who interacted with her. Sorry to rant.

My son is currently at another Kindercare in the Ashburn area and we are thrilled! Our center director and the entire staff are the absolute best. They really are a wonderful extension to our family.

If I were you, I would consider it a blessing to have someone new in there. We have found the new (last couple of years they merged the centers) regional staff for Kindercare to be good as well so I am sure they will hire someone great. They get to train and have staff days with the other centers in the area so the good practices get spread around

 

One of the kids there was getting verbally abused. Didnt hear if the child was physically abused. But she knew about it and covered it up.

Link
http://www.dss.virginia.gov/facilit...ontains_zip=20147;search_keywords_name=kinder

 

I just sent you a PM.

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with Sandra. From my experiences, Sandra has had a lot of mixed reviews. I understand why. I'm not going to say anyone is right or wrong, but I do want to make sure she at least has the two sides represented.

She speaks her mind and is a straight shooter. Her "attitude" can turn people off. Although she was always very forthcoming with parents. If you don't like her, you don't like her. If you like her, you really love her. She is a former cop and former lawyer, there is no sugar-coating with her. That said, my child was enrolled in part because of her. The passion and energy she had for children gave me the confidence to know she'd address any issues that came up and do what was in the best interest of all children in her care. She was always available for us. We had a very good experience there. Sandra, to her credit, knew everyone. She may not have known names (calls every one Mom & Dad), but she knew which child from which classroom was yours.

My daughter is not enrolled there for some of the same reasons Sandra isn't there.

Karen

 

So much for not going into detail.
Actually this is very helpful. We were considering sending both of our children there this Fall. Thanks for the heads up.

 

Karen,
The good news is that you can find those things - a family enviornment where the staff knows you, loves your child, communicates well and is wonderful with parents - without the abrasiveness. I don't need hand-holding but I also didn't need someone to raise their voice with me and speak to me as if I had the brains of a rock. Mind you I had not even met her in person at this point, simply called to provide some additional information after my son was born and she berated me within 15 seconds. Perhaps she will find a place in one of her earlier professions that suits her well.

 

We recommend that parents visit daycares (and any place where an adult is responsible for caring for your child) multiple times during different times of the day--ask to observe different teachers, ask a lot of questions, notice how staff responds to difficult situations. Calm leadership is what you want to see from the top down.

 

It was public record, so I thought it would be helpful to post the link. You can look up all filed complaints for all daycares via that link.

 

ML - I agree completely with you. You need to find a place where you're comfortable leaving your child. As parents, we have to act in the best interest of our children. Had I had the experience you did, I would have most likely made the same choice. My family had a completely different experience with Sandra and the center. She was never abrasive, just direct with us. Was she loud, yes. But with us, she was never demeaning or rude.

I'm not trying to convince you to change your opinion. I was merely representing the other side of things. The bottom line is that everyone needs to find a center or provider that suits them. This one gave me the peace of mind to leave my child every day. I'm sure you have one that does the same. I think that is where we're fortunate to have so many centers in this area!

 

We have been at Kindercare for nearly two years. We will miss Sandra greatly! I know what the center was like before she got there (a complete zoo!) and she REALLY straightened the place out. The center was sparkling clean, food was fresh and her staff was really hopping to make parents pleased with the service. She definitely took care of those children like they were her own. She will be taking over another center in the ashburn area - but unfortunately is too far for us to consider.

Those instances recently reported were done AFTER she left. She would not have tolerated such conduct from a teacher! A new director is coming in this week. She is transferring in from another Kindercare in the area. We will give the new director a chance, as Kindercare has a marvelous reputation in Virginia over all.

We will stay enrolled at Kindercare - we love the enrichment programs with Ms. Awilda and Ms. Crystal. They teach reading, phonics and just started a music program! I would say that Kindercare is worth checking out!

 

The incidents defiantly occured while she was there. The reason she left was because she kind of knew it was going on.

 

http://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/licensed.cgi?rm=Inspection;Inspection=30016;ID=21909;

http://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/licensed.cgi?rm=Inspection;Inspection=30013;ID=21909;

These incidences happened Feb. 2008

 

Definitely an interesting situation. I conferred this evening with multiple parents to get the "scoop". It really pays to research. I got the whole deal...and I think the center handled things poorly overall.

I also have heard from MANY parents that they don't blame Ms. Sandra at all directly for the issues, but they do believe the current culture of "handling things internally" will cause Kindercare great harm for the future. The direct blame is on former employees.

I chatted with the new director this evening. Hopefully, she will put out a parent communication to set things straight. She seems overwhelmed at the moment.

Rumors aren't helpful in this situation, and I don't want to publish more rumors on line. If anyone wants more info, I will gladly respond to PMs. I still maintain confidence in the center...but I will keep a watchful eye!

Thanks for the thread - very good to follow.

 

I need to ask - we gave Kindercare a two month deposit to reserve a spot for our infant (adopting & didnt have an exact date for enrollment)

...how do I get my money back now that Sandra has left and other recent issues with this center?

 

That seems like a private question between you and the center.

 

who knows- the new director may impress you as well! when The Boy was that young i had no prbolem marching into the directors office, asking tough direct questions, sitting in at the back of classrooms, and watching the ppl who i was trusting my most valuable kid with.

when we moved here we went into a highly regarded Montesorri school and ran from that place SCREAMING. (Fairfax cty) the director didn't seem to like PEOPLE much less children and the atmosphere was cold and fearful, not encouraging and freindly. The Boy went to Kindercare in Springfield for several years and it was a wonderful experience for him, edcationally and socially.

 

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Redon1 – We just returned from a rather candid meeting with the NEW director Carrie Ann.
I was impressed with the meeting and the willingness to talk about said issues (while maintaining a high level of privacy to the situation).

Carrie Ann worked for a Kindercare (in the area for over 5 years) and was willing to provide us several references to her families that she worked with over the years. That said and based on our meeting - we did not ask for our deposit back and will continue to monitor via additional visits until I return to work.

I really appreciated the benefit of your comments and that was one of the catalysis for my meeting w/ Kindercare today.

Thank you for offering a different perspective that I may have over looked do to the emotional attachment I had with the previous director.

 

THAT is great to hear, and I hope something others keep in mind!! good for you Pea- I know yo want what's best for your pod.

 

My kids attend the KinderCare where Carrie Ann worked and I have nothing but praise for her. If you have any concerns at all she is very approachable and has always resolved any issues I have ever had. We have been at that KinderCare since my 8 year old was an infant and we were really sad to see her leave that location.