Heads Up Child Development Ctr

My son started in bilingual program last August, he did not adapt every well and developed some temper tantrum (I think the teachers did okay, most likely it is because of his age, and the large and noisy classroom doesn't help either). And in November the teachers called a meeting for this. What shocked us is that even before the meeting, they already decided to terminate my son's enrollment. During the meeting, Tracy, the director, spent about almost an hour to explain that my son needs a lot of attention and he may need a special care, but they are a private business and don't have capacity for that..., which we understand and felt sorry that my son caused so much trouble for them although we surprised that they didn't call any meeting before. So we asked since my son created such burden for them, if they refund us the deposit and the rest of tuition, we can take our son home that day, Tracy agreed, but two weeks later, they only sent the tuition part, my wife sent them an email to check, Tracy replied and agreed that they should return us the deposit too. But an hour later, the vice president Chuck came in, said that they won't do that and Tracy made an mistake and she doesn't have authority... and the verbal agreement doesn't count (literal said so in email), then Tracy just kept silent after that. We were very surprised by what Chuck said. We are planning to file a small claim for this. Overall we felt that most teachers are fine, but the management team are horrible, they are dishonest and with no principle, they care much more about money than child's development. As I mentioned earlier we also don't like how the room is config, it's like some big cubicles in an open space, it's very noisy, especially the bilingual room, it has 30 kids there, very crowded. If you ever have to deal with the management team, make sure everything is in written and have them signed. more

we sent our first child from 6mo through pre-K. it is a montessori-based program, and is a full-day daycare facility. through age 3 the program is play-based, but once in preschool/pre-k program (3+ yr olds), it becomes highly academic. Good for 4+ year olds, but I felt that it was way too academic for a 3-4 year old. Otherwise, the teaching staff is excellent (especially the infant and the toddler program), materials updated and affluent. it is also one of the most expensive programs. The experience here would have been excellent if it weren't marred by its president/founder's (Chuck Bernstein) unreasonable and unapologetic demeanors. If you ever have to work with him (making major material donations that would greatly enhance the school and what the instructors would love to have but that may go against his doctrine, or have issues with a last-minute drastic policy or procedural changes, etc), be ready to be shocked by his unforgiving and unreasonable responses with abrupt ""take it or leave it"" attitude. You will never hear any apologetic word from this person even amidst group angry/fuming parents at a meeting. We have tried to ignore him during our first child's tenure, but after many frustrating and infuriating dealings with him, with regret we have opted to send our second child elsewhere. Children loved it there, but the frustrations took a toll on the parents after 5+ years. Very disappointing. So, if you can deal with his antics, you'll be happy, as the instructors and the working staff make up for a lot of the frustrations, and for that, the place deserves 4 stars. But if you are ever in a position to counter the president, be prepared to be shocked and disappointed. If judging by the leader, the place deserves a 1-star. Pros: Teaching staff, materials, Cons: crowded interior rooms, high cost, unreasonable president more