West St. Paul KinderCare

Reviews

• HM

  H. Carl Moerschbacher

  Sep 3, 2025
  1.0
  Serious Concerns About Safety, Oversight, and Transparency at West St. Paul KinderCare During our interactions with this KinderCare, my wife and I developed significant concerns about the center's safety culture and management’s approach to addressing and resolving problems. Issues requiring attention were often ignored or downplayed, and communication with parents regarding incidents that impacted children’s well-being was frequently delayed or absent. There were also instances where we became aware of situations involving children’s well-being that appeared not to have been reported to parents in a timely or transparent manner. These included welts and other marks on children’s bodies, which were photo documented and reported to law enforcement and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Licensing Division. We found this lack of communication noteworthy during periods when illness was spreading at the center, such as during recent outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease and strep throat that were not reported to parents. The center director indicated that she did not inform parents of the outbreaks because she believed that would be “fearmongering.” She and the assistant center director actually directed the staff to not inform parents about the outbreaks: “A little paranoid, aren’t they? Don’t tell [parents] that,” referring to staff disclosing the outbreaks. The center director continued: “Yeah, I’m not doing that. Again, it’s just fearmongering, okay?” This was after numerous cases of the virus had been confirmed by medical professionals. Shortly after I posted an initial review of West St. Paul KinderCare—highlighting multiple child maltreatment reports involving this center that were submitted to law enforcement and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Licensing Division—several highly positive reviews appeared within an hour of each other. Notably, one of these reviews was written by the daughter of one of the center’s directors, who is also a current employee. The timing and similarity of these reviews suggest a coordinated effort to influence the center’s overall rating. Publicly accessible documentation supports many of our concerns. According to Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Licensing Information Lookup records, West St. Paul KinderCare underwent six licensing and maltreatment investigations and four licensing reviews between August 4, 2021, and December 4, 2024. These investigations documented a total of 47 violations, including (but not limited to): “Children were subjected to prohibited disciplinary actions” “The program did not comply with reporting requirements for abuse and neglect” “Hazardous objects were accessible to children” “The program did not exclude a sick child from care” “The program’s space was not clean” “The program did not complete monthly crib safety inspections” “The program did not comply with first aid training requirements” “Daily written reports were not provided to parents” “Documentation was not available to show that a teacher met qualifications” “The program did not follow medication administration documentation procedures” “An allergy-related individual Child Care Program Plan was not followed by staff” These public records reveal persistent concerns about safety, regulatory compliance, and oversight. Given these documented issues and my own observations, I cannot recommend this center. Prospective families should thoroughly inquire about safety policies, staff support, and communication practices, and carefully review state licensing information before enrolling. In my view, the environment created by management was not one where staff or families could raise concerns openly without fear of being ignored or brushed aside. This left me questioning whether children’s safety and health were truly the top priority. Because of these experiences, I cannot recommend this center. Families considering it should ask very detailed questions about safety practices, staff support, and communication with parents before making a decision.
• AA

  anon

  Aug 26, 2025
  5.0
  My child attended this daycare for several years, and even though we have since moved on to elementary school, I can honestly say that this place still holds a very special place in our hearts. As a parent, finding somewhere you feel safe leaving your child every day is no small task, and from the very first day, I knew we had found something rare and wonderful here. The warmth, the care, and the genuine love from the staff made all the difference for both me and my child. I still remember those first weeks when my child was adjusting. The teachers showed such patience and kindness, holding their hand, encouraging them to join activities, and reassuring me as a parent that everything would be okay. Before long, drop-off turned into the highlight of my child’s day—they would run into the building with a big smile, excited to see friends and teachers. That kind of transformation doesn’t happen everywhere, and it’s a true reflection of the nurturing environment this daycare provides. My child came home with so many stories and memories that we still talk about today. They loved group time, especially when their favorite teacher read books in the funniest voices. They would sing songs they learned at school around the house, teach us little dances from music class, and proudly show us the crafts they made. I remember one week they were learning about community helpers, and my child couldn’t stop talking about firefighters and doctors. Another time, during a nature walk, they collected leaves and rocks with so much excitement that it sparked a whole week of “science experiments” at home. It wasn’t just childcare—it was an extension of learning, curiosity, and joy. Some of the most special memories came during holidays and celebrations. The daycare always made an effort to include families, and those little touches meant the world. From the adorable costumes at Halloween parades to the handmade Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts, every moment felt thoughtful and intentional. My child still has a couple of those crafts tucked away in their keepsake box, and I know we’ll cherish them forever. What I appreciated as a parent was the balance between structure and play. There was always a thoughtful routine that gave my child a sense of security, but also plenty of space to be creative and explore. I noticed how much their confidence grew—whether it was learning to share with others, practicing their ABCs, or standing up proudly to sing during a holiday program. The teachers celebrated every milestone, big or small, and that encouragement made such a lasting impact. Even now, in elementary school, my child will sometimes say, “I miss my old school. Can we go visit?” That says everything about how loved and happy they felt here. Not every child leaves daycare with that kind of attachment, and to me, that is a testament to the incredible people who make this place so special. If I had another child, I would enroll them here again without a second thought. I know they would be just as loved, cared for, and encouraged as my first was. This daycare is not just a childcare center—it’s truly a family. The staff care deeply about the children, the families, and each other, and that creates an environment where kids can thrive. We will always be grateful for the years we spent here. It gave my child a foundation of love, learning, and confidence that will stay with them forever. I cannot recommend this daycare enough, and I feel lucky to have been a part of such a beautiful community.
• AF

  Arianna Fortune

  Aug 26, 2025
  5.0
  I have so much love and gratitude for West St. Paul KinderCare. From the moment you walk through the doors, you can feel the warmth, the professionalism, and the genuine care that goes into every detail. This is not just a daycare—it’s a community where children, families, and even employees are valued and supported. There’s always a smile on a teachers face, and you always feel welcome. One of the things that makes this place so special for me is that I actually went here as a child. Some of my happiest early memories were made here. Laughing with friends, learning new things, and feeling safe and cared for by teachers who truly loved what they did. Coming back now, and seeing the same spirit, dedication, and joy in every classroom is so meaningful. It feels like everything has come full circle, and I am so thankful that kids get to grow up in the same nurturing environment that shaped me. The staff go above and beyond every single day. You can see how much they care about each child as an individual, creating a space where kids feel safe to learn, play, and be themselves. They also care deeply about families, keeping us connected and reassured with open communication and genuine partnership. It’s clear that the well being of both children and employees is a top priority, which makes such a difference in the quality of care. Most importantly, this is a place where you know your child is safe, loved, and encouraged to grow. As a sister, peace of mind is priceless. I always leave with a full heart knowing my sibling is surrounded by people who see them, value them, and truly care for them. This daycare is more than just a childcare center—it’s a home away from home, a place filled with compassion, learning, and love. I couldn’t imagine a better place for children and families, and I feel so lucky to be part of it both as a former student and now as someone who’s family attends this location. ❤️
• FV

  Francesca Vasquez

  Jul 18, 2025
  5.0
  I love the how they decorated the rooms and everything is so colorful everything greeted each other loved it
• BH

  Ben Hardin

  May 31, 2025
  5.0
  The center director is super helpful, and my kids love going here!

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