The Learning Experience - Graduate Hospital

"I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the positive changes at The Learning Academy of Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia. Under new leadership and management, this daycare has truly blossomed into an exceptional learning environment for my son. The changes implemented have resulted in exciting new plans and a vibrant atmosphere. The staff is dedicated, the facility itself is clean and organized, and the commitment to nurturing child development is apparent. I highly recommend The Learning Academy for parents seeking a nurturing and enriching daycare experience for their children in the heart of GH."

"There aren't many good teachers here. While a couple of exceptional educators kept my daughter enrolled in this daycare, numerous others seemed indifferent to the well-being of the children. I observed instances where children were crying, and the teachers did not offer any comfort. Once, I even witnessed a baby lying on top of another one, both crying, with two teachers present in the room, yet neither addressed the situation. During pick-up times, I received minimal information about how my daughter's day went; one teacher was even sitting in the corner, not engaging or acknowledging my presence. I often found myself packing her belongings without assistance. In the mornings, there was a lack of warmth or greetings for both kids and parents. After six months, we made the decision to relocate her to another facility. The frequent incidents of my child getting bitten and hit by other kids were met with inadequate responses – just a paper to sign acknowledging I was informed. The director was not helpful either about this matter. Overall, it was a rather disheartening experience."

"We sent our son here when the school first opened up. Some of the teachers we have met were great and seem like they really loved being around the kids. Unfortunately, the turnover rate from staff is extremely high. Office staff is all over the place. It became very unorganized and messy, and there was not enough communication about our child’s progress. Sadly had to pull my son out of school. But shoutout to Miss Tamika she’s great!"

"Review - TLE Our son was almost 6 months when we started TLE at Grad Hospital in the beginning of January 2023. This week was our last at the center because after months of being told “things will get better” and they never did. We’re happy that we made the decision to switch daycares and leaving this review for other potential parents that are touring / interested in TLE. We hope that the center can live up to the potential they sell you on, but at this time it is not where it needs to be, nor do we feel like it’s meeting daycare expectations - especially in the infant rooms. Below are some of the key things that we were very upset and discouraged about. We urge parents to ask the appropriate questions during their tour. Owners / management - please do not remove this post as it’s crucial for other parents. Also feel free to contact me directly - as all of our concerns during our time at center were documented and voiced to you on multiple occasions. - Director turnover: constant turnover for directors and administrators. This is funnel down issue as it caused turnover with teachers. When we started the center was on their 3rd director, who resigned a few months in. Following their departure there has been no consistent director. Directors coming in and out without communication so most times we did not even know who was in charge (there were at least 3 other people in charge in that time span). Directors are also in charge of approving pictures so many times there was no one approving the pictures the teachers took so you had no idea what your child ate for the day or any activites they may have done. We would call the daycare if we werent receiving updates and often times no one was at the front desk to even answer your calls. - Teacher turnover - in infant rooms / along with other classes it’s crucial for kids to have consistency. Teachers quit constantly. We would only find out when his teacher was gone if we asked a floating teachrt where the primary teacher was only to find out they quit. Multiple times we were informed of teachers quitting this way. We went through almost 5 teachers before we had to have a parent melt down to get him into a class which a constant two teachers. - Cleanliness- we were told all the rooms get professionally cleaned nightly and all the toys daily. After almost 5 months at the center, we don’t believe there is a daily cleaning staff. It appears that all the teachers have to clean their own rooms and toys, meaning some do and some don’t. This causes issues with hygiene illness etc. Ex: we were told in a Friday that his infant room will be moved to another room starting Monday morning. When we got to the new room on Monday morning, it was a complete disaster and not acceptable for any child to be left in the room. We had to run around and urge for the room to be cleaned and organized - No order or scheduling: since there is no order to teachers, who is in what room, or structure coming down from administration, this has caused issues with the teachers not knowing the children’s schedules and needs. For example, multiple feeds were missed since teachers were in and out of the room. Bottles were not given in the child’s preferred way - Curriculum - outside each room there is a curriculum chart for activiities and learnings to be accomplished in the classroom and each month has a specific theme. These are good in theory but are not implemented on a consistent basis nor a focus in the infant rooms, just a selling point to the parents. Overall, the teachers are sweet and do what they can but it seems like they are not being provided the structure to properly implement what is needed in their classrooms. This is an expensive school ($2000+ monthly) and most days it felt like we were dropping our son off to a babysitter that was trying to juggle and make it through the day. It’s unfortunate and we hope that the administrators takes the steps needed to facilitate change as these children deserve better."

"TLE - Graduate Hospital is absolutely amazing. My 2-year-old was in another daycare for over a year, prior to starting TLE. He would cry everyday for drop off and literally run out at pick up. The first day at TLE, he didn’t even want to leave. I was so shocked. He was excited every morning when I told him it was time for school. All the staff are absolutely amazing! They loved my son like he was their own. The curriculum is hands down the best, and they work on facilitating those important social interactions at such a young age. Special shout-out to Ms. Wells, Ms. Gomez, Ms. Lana, Ms. Aniya, Ms. Cindy, and Ms. T ♥️ Cyrus will absolutely miss you all."