Southgate Franklin KinderCare

Reviews

• CB

  Cassie Bishop

  Aug 6, 2025
  5.0
  My child has been attending this daycare for over a year, starting in the early toddler classroom, and we've had a consistently positive experience. The teachers are attentive, caring, and engaged—I've seen multiple staff members support my child’s needs and help her build new skills in a nurturing environment. The leadership team is also very involved, frequently introducing fun and educational activities like a foam party to celebrate the end of summer, which made a lasting impression. One feature that sets this location apart is the indoor playroom for younger children, which is especially helpful during bad weather. The Director and Assistant Director are present and approachable, managing both day-to-day operations and creating a warm, supportive atmosphere. I feel confident that my child is safe, happy, and thriving here.
• AM

  Amanda Mitchell

  Mar 20, 2019
  5.0
  Our son has been attending Southgate for about 6 months and is thriving! He loves going to school each day and is learning so much. We are so thankful we made the decision to send him there. The teachers, the environment, the curriculum, the extracurricular activities, the food - they all are wonderful! We can't say enough good things.
• SW

  S. Lynn Whitney

  Aug 21, 2015
  1.0
  So it has taken me a little while to write this review because honestly I had such a horrible experience with this place and the owner that I did not know where to begin, nor did I know if it was worth it. I decided to go ahead and share just because my conscious would not allow me to just "let it go." I picked Southgate because of all of the five star reviews that I am now convinced must be written by people close with the owners or Directors. During my child's time at Southgate I witnessed many unsettling things, beginning with them letting my child get picked up by someone without checking their ID, asking their name or anything of the sort. That is a HUGE security issue to me and I was pretty upset about it and expressed my concerns with the Director Laura and she stated that that sort of thing never happens there . She said she was sorry it happened to me. She also she would pass my concerns along to the other Director (Dana) and also speak with the owner and someone would get back to me. Long story short no one ever got back to me. I wish I would have left at that time but I decided to stick it out because my son did seem to be learning a lot while there (he was in the 2 year old class). The icing on the cake is when a new teacher started named Wendy B. I initially thought she was great and she communicated well with me about how my child was doing in her class. One day when I went to pick up my child another teacher pulled me to the side and said she wanted to let me know that Wendy was treating my child differently and "singling" him out, possibly due to the color of his skin. Let me just point out and say there is virtually NO diversity at Southgate so if that is an important factor for you please look elsewhere. To be honest I knew and saw that when I initially toured the place and thought nothing of it at the time- especially because I saw teachers there of all different ethnic backgrounds. I ended up writing a long email to the owner (I bypassed speaking with the do-nothing Director Laura this time). She basically agreed to let me out of my contract and apologized but said there was no way that Wendy did such a thing (from my understanding they are friends). She also said she had no idea about the ID mishap that happened nor about me speaking with Laura about it. Instead of being a professional owner that takes responsibility for her staff's actions and at least tell me she would investigate this very serious accusation (made by one of HER staff members- not ME), this was her response. I could go on and on but honestly I was and still am so disgusted by this entire establishment I just wanted my child gone from it. I pulled him out the same day and Laura said I would still be responsible for 30 days worth of tuition (ha!) After the little email I sent to Jamie she was smart enough to agree that I owned them no such thing given the circumstances. I still thank God to this day that the one staff member had enough courage to speak up! Shame on the owner Jamie Dooley for her unprofessional attitude and incompetent staff!
• MC

  Michelle Chianese

  Mar 15, 2012
  5.0
  This is the best school in the area! After many disappointing experiences at other local centers we finally found Southgate. We are beyond thrilled with the school. We finally feel comfortable with having to leave her somewhere. We never have to worry that she is being stimulated and cared for while there. Other schools didn't even pretend to care about the kids. Each and every member of the staff at Southgate is amazing and makes you feel welcome. We are so grateful to have found this place and have referred a few friends so far. We will continue to sing the praises of Southgate!

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