Great New Beginnings

"I wish the daily reports weren't just copy and pasted from a lesson plan. I wish they contained information about my kid specifically, "he really enjoyed the {insert activity here} that we did today, he's doing a great job using scissors" etc. Instead the reports are copy and pasted lesson plans and I honestly have no idea if he's done the activity or not. I ask him and I don't really get a clear answer. Occasionally I see a photo on Facebook that shows said fun activities but not often at the center my children attend. Also really wish they would incorporate photos of any fun things they've done that day. Outside of that, my kids are thrilled to go here, they love it. I have zero complaints about their happiness. I know they are being taken care of and safe throughout the day. That's extremely comforting. Consistent staffing seems to be an issue, but that is clear everywhere right now so I'm being as patient as I can with the changes. I do really really really wish they had a way to set up payments online or an automatic withdrawal situation. We've been delinquent on payments due to being absent minded and that has become an inconvenience. Truly it's been a great experience overall. Only 3 stars due to the copy and pasted lesson plans and lack of personal information. Not thrilled with the tadpole app, but it's better than nothing. My kid's safety and happiness outrank any cons. I'd highly recommend this daycare."

"My overall review of Great New Beginnings in Newark is unsatisfactory. My opinions and comparisons are based on my experience with Kindercare. The only reason I left to go to GNB was due to the cost for two children, but I know now that with less cost it’s less quality of service. I want to preface that GNB is currently struggling with staffing issues, like most in the education industry. I acknowledge that they are trying to do what they can with what they have. However, it still does not sit well with me when I expressed my concerns that my child is not learning the educational activities written in the lesson plans and curriculum. They listened but I was not heard. They acknowledged and knew that the lesson plans were not being followed in our conversation, but I did not see much change after that. There was lots of potential but very disappointing. Pros • Clean and tidy, very new building. • Classroom setting, like public schools. • Live video feed you can access. Timed access. • Well written curriculum with themeves. But not followed. • Teacher’s licensing and most of the classroom information is posted at the front door. • Great security • Uses Tadpole app. • Breakfast and snack provided. BYO Lunch Cons • There is a written lesson plan, but it is not followed. Other than circle time, it looks like it’s mostly free play. • Teachers didn’t even know my son was arriving for his first day. There was no cubby set up for him. • There is no artwork to take home, again reiterating motor skills lessons are probably not being taught. • The bathrooms are adult sized, with only one stool for washing their hands and for the toilet. Most of the time I was there to pick up or drop my child, I did not see a teacher monitoring the children use the bathroom. • Minimal update on the app. I guess as they get older there are less updates. My prior daycare had loves of videos and photos to share. If you are not watching the feed you don’t know what your child is doing. • The teach used her mouth to open some of the kid’s food packages. • My son wanted to get comfortable for his nap and took off his shows, which he put next to him. However, the teacher put them back on him for his nap. I don’t understand the reasoning behind this. It didn’t happen with the new teacher. • The handicap door does not operate as intended. • My child has told me multiple times that other kids are hitting him. The teachers did say that they are working on it in passing when my son was telling me who hit him in class. He still talks about it after we have left GNB. He still names the kids that hits and pushes him. • Most of the front desk staff are not friendly. 90% of the time you are not greeted. No smiles, just feels cold and uninviting. • No automatic payment set up."

"I am writing this honest review about the center. Its been 6 months since we located this early learning center and I have been truly bless to have found it. The center is very well maintained and fully secure. The hiring process must be intense because all the staff thus far is beyond awesome! Even with complaints, the staff has always remained calm, empathic and pleasant. My sons milestones have been advanced with the educational games, songs, activities and human interactions at the center. I really appreciate Ms. Kyara & Ms. Janae at the front desk they are both level headed, professional, and welcoming everyday ( which is hard to do). Every interaction has been pleasant, even with the other parents. I would 100% refer anyone to this branch due to the team effort the staff shows day in and day out. Thank you"

"My SUN went to this daycare for maybe 2 months. He is four. The staff knew this was his first time attending daycare. Everyday I got a call in regards to something my sun did as if the staff were not equipped to deal with a child. It would be for the smallest thing. For example pulling a teachers finger. And not only did they call but always requested for him to be picked up as well. It was very stressful to my son who didn’t feel he was “liked” and it was even more bothersome that the staff did not have anything in place to TEACH my sun right from wrong instead of just sending him home. Finally we took him out of the school and got the reply “PERFECT” when speaking to the director about him no longer attending. Very rude staff and uncompromising. If you have a child who acts like a child I strongly suggest you look elsewhere because these people DO NOT know how to deal with CHILDREN."

"Our daughter has been at Great New Beginnings since she was 8 weeks old and will be going off to Kindergarten next fall. The administration has always been very helpful and does a great job of communicating any changes, upcoming special dates/events, and keeping us in the loop as to our daughter's development. We have been happy with all of our teachers and can appreciate all they do to keep the kids safe, engaged, and learning every day. I would recommend Great New Beginnings to anyone and would encourage you to visit to see for yourself."