Kiddie Academy of Gurnee

"My son attended this location for just under two months. In that short time, I was harassed by center’s director, Linda, via email or phone, nearly every week. The “issues” began immediately and ranged from: his crying for me the first week, wanting to go home the first week, not lying still for the mandatory nap period of two hours (yes, TWO HOURS), or it was what I sent for his lunch. I submitted a doctor’s note to the school, which allowed me to pack his food. Before then, he was going hungry all day and would not eat the food provided by the center. Per state guidelines, the note was sufficient. To Linda, however, this was not acceptable. Instead, she regularly argued with me about a mental health diagnosis that my son does not have. Several times, she told me to get him evaluated for one thing or another. She talked as though my son was a stain on the school; one which it must be cleansed of swiftly, by way of a multitude of accusations and bullying, which ultimately lead to our departure. The last straw for me, was when I dropped my son off late, due to a doctor’s appointment. Linda aggressively followed me down the hallway. She said “it was nap time and my son doesn’t nap, so there is nothing for him to do here." Really? A preschool/daycare has nothing for a 3 year old to do? I inquired if they’d then reduce his tuition, since she refused care. To that, she had nothing to say. All I heard from the director is what a problem my son was, yet I only heard from his teacher that he’s adjusting well and enjoying his time. This has been the first and WORST experience for our family. Everything that others told me is typical of a child new to daycare, was entirely blown out of proportion and portrayed as serious behavioral or social issues. Issues such as: he wanted to go home the first day, he cried, he opened the classroom door, he can’t consistently remain still for the aforementioned two hour mandatory nap, etc. If your child isn’t all smiles and giggles from the start, and/or won’t nap/remain still for the required daily two-hour slot everyday, and eat whatever the school serves without question, this is not the place for your child. I know it’s not the place for mine. My son feels unwanted. No parent or person should ever have to deal with this."

"This place is rather weird to discuss. My wife and I did a tour because we were about to return to work and our son would need childcare. During the tour I noticed a staff member using an odd approach to dealing with a group of 3 year olds by being loud and sarcastic when telling them to come away from the door. Cleaning was also conducted in the presence of several children. I witnessed a staff member spraying a substance from a bottle on a table in front of a little boy (I’m talking about a foot away) that was maybe 2 years old and the child’s face was completely exposed. Many childcare centers that I toured resorted more to wipes in the presence of children then spraying while children were outside in their play yard. To add while passing by the kitchen the floor seemed rather dirty and made me question even more the maintenance of the establishment. Be sure to read the contract as well before enrolling your child because the deposit is non-refundable even though the fund is “intended to be for the first week’s payment and supplies for your child” per the director. Makes no sense. If a two week notice is provided then a deposit should be returned considering another family will be taking that availability but food for thought. Enjoy Disneyland with that money I guess."

"We cannot say enough how much we love Kiddie Academy! My baby is always so happy to be dropped off and is so loved and cared for by his teachers. All of the staff is so kind and welcoming everyday and the facility is always clean. I love how the curriculum they offer benefits all children, no matter the age! They always have so many fun activities with an educational goal/purpose behind them. 10/10 recommend, would give more than 5 stars if it was possible!"

"We highly recommend Kiddie Academy! Our children have attended for over a year. A few reasons why we love them so much: - educators and staff feel like they are extended family - genuinely interested in your child (education/emotional/Ect, very welcoming and responsive. - prepared meals on site - sense of community (family events to meet other families at the school) - facility is always clean"

"I’m very satisfied with the quality of professional service the staff provides. The cleanliness and keeping safety first is very important to me as a parent for my child and the staff far exceeds my expectation. My daughter has been with Kiddie Academy of Gurnee for over a year now and I can already see a major improvement in her motor skills along with critical thinking. As a parent, I’m happy I choose to have my daughter backed up with this academy. I would highly highly recommend anyone that is looking for a safe, clean, reliable and professional environment that is provided by Kiddie Academy of Gurnee!"