When my children first enrolled at Little Reasons, I was hopeful that we had found a great place for them. For the first couple of months, things seemed to be going well, and I genuinely wanted this center to work for our family. Unfortunately, our experience changed dramatically over time and ultimately left me feeling frustrated, unsupported, and disappointed.
Around the middle of the school year, I began receiving phone calls almost daily regarding my 3-year-old daughter’s behavior. As a parent, I understand that communication is important, and I was actually the one who initially encouraged staff to contact me if concerns arose because I wanted to work together as a team. However, what started as communication quickly became excessive. It reached a point where it felt like nearly every challenge or behavioral issue resulted in another phone call rather than being addressed through classroom management and redirection techniques.
Because I wanted to understand exactly what was happening, I spent an entire week observing the classroom myself. During that time, I witnessed what I considered to be normal preschool behavior from multiple children. Like any 3-year-old, my daughter had moments where she needed guidance and redirection, but I also observed other children displaying many of the same behaviors that I was constantly being called about. What was difficult for me was feeling as though my daughter was being singled out while similar behaviors from other children appeared to be handled differently.
I repeatedly tried to work with the staff and find solutions. Instead of feeling supported, I increasingly felt like the responsibility for every behavioral challenge was being placed solely on me as the parent. Rather than feeling like we were working together to help my child succeed, I often felt as though I was being made to feel responsible for issues that are fairly common among preschool-aged children who are still learning emotional regulation and social skills.
One of the most upsetting moments was when a teacher suggested that we should consider removing my daughter from the school. As a parent, hearing that was heartbreaking. Instead of discussing additional strategies, accommodations, or ways to help her succeed in the classroom, it felt as though the solution being presented was simply for us to leave. No parent wants to feel like their child is unwanted, especially when that child is only three years old and still developing emotionally and socially.
What makes this even more disappointing is that I truly wanted this center to work. I gave it every opportunity to succeed. I communicated openly, responded to concerns, observed the classroom personally, and remained involved throughout the process. Despite all of that, I never felt like I was being met halfway. I left feeling that my daughter’s challenges were viewed as a burden rather than an opportunity for teachers and parents to work together.
I understand that every family’s experience may be different, and I recognize that some parents have had positive experiences here. However, based on my family’s experience, I cannot recommend this center. Parents deserve to feel supported, respected, and included in finding solutions for their children. Unfortunately, that was not our experience. Instead, we left feeling discouraged, unwelcome, and as though our child had been labeled rather than helped. For those reasons, I am leaving a one star review.