JellyBean Island Learning Academy

"First, I would like it known, my only reason for writing this is to prevent another family from going through what me and my son experienced while dealing with this establishment. I was only in need of 2 days since my son will be joining the school district when he turns 3 in October. He was a premie and has developmental delays along with a G-tube(feeding port in his stomach) where he receives the majority of his nutrition at night. As we were given a tour, I informed her about the port in his stomach. I reassured her he eats soft foods orally all day long, and that I intended to provide such foods. Could they handle that? Is that a problem? She reassured me that she was in nursing school and she's very familiar with all that. I was impressed and decided I had found the one. I immediately started filling out paperwork, turned in tuition and application fee for the first week and had my pediatrician fax over health records. Then family services faxed over the approval letter for state assistance. My first red flag should have been no response to emails or phone calls. Their phone line rings and then turns in a fax machine. I was informed none of my documents had come. After checking with the right people I was told all the documents were sent and received days ago.Its then they realized the fax machine wasn't plugged in! I ignored my gut instinct and went ahead with scheduling his first day. I offered to demonstrate a tube feed in case one was ever needed and so that they felt comfortable. Again I was told it's fine. Ok cool! The day before he was supposed to start, less than 24 hours, I called the daycare to make sure everything was in order, we were good to. That's when I was told my son is now a liability to the center. They needed someone other than me to do the demonstration. When I offered my son's licensed advocate, she stuttered something about the whole staff needed to be present, and how they all had conflicting availability blah blah blah AND how my son was a insurance LIABILITY! So I desperately reached out to an inclusion specialists who advocates for the disabled. She had no problem going to the daycare and assisting with their concerns. What a surprise! They didn't answer the! Now very confused to as why all these conflicts were occurring the day before he was supposed to start, I called the office manager who initially accepted him. She herself was very confused because my son had been approved and had a start date. Getting frustrated myself, my advocate reach out again. She spoke with the owner, Dana.That's when the whole story changed AGAIN! Now it was due to staffing issues as to why my son was being rejected. To quote my son's degree certified disability advocate "The director seemed shady and knew that if she told me they were on an enrollment freeze I legally didn't have much of a fight" If my son was a "neurotypical" child, I guarantee he would be starting, no questions asked. Instead of just being honest and saying we are unequipped to deal with children like yours, they made up nonsense excuses. My son deserves to be included and treated like every other child out there. It'd 2023, get it together! And maybe refresh yourselves on the Missouri disability act! Absolutely disgusting behavior! I have no reason to lie about my experience. No family/child should be made to feel less then! Do Better!!"

"I do not recommend this facility after what has just happened to my family and I. Our 2 year old baby girl was just kicked out for “safety concerns” with zero notification from owner or staff. Her mother showed up Monday morning to drop her off and they notified her then that she no longer is enrolled there at 8am. I called to get an explanation and the owner told me one of her employees gave me a letter 2 weeks ago stating the “safety concerns” because she was climbing on tables while her teacher was changing other diapers. The problem is though I in fact did not receive any letter!! I pick up my daughter everyday and not once did any staff notify me or talk to me about these “safety concerns” about my 2 year old daughter!! If things were so unsafe I would think the adults running this daycare would discuss with her father at pick up? But they didn’t and in fact all I have ever received is great comments how good she is from her teacher!! Still after long discussions with the owner she cannot give me a reason why I was never informed about the “safety concerns” for my daughter when she attended daycare there for 2 weeks after the supposed letter that was given to me!! 2 weeks my daughter was in their hands when they knew it was a safety concern without ever letting me know at pickup to discuss!! No apologies nor does the owner think they need to talk to the parents in person about “safety concerns” just a letter is needed they say!! Scary to think about but glad her safety is not a concern there anymore!!"

"My sons been here for almost 2 years now and I’ve loved every second of it. The staff is amazing and so patient with the kids and they have so much fun and learn so much. I’d highly recommend this preschool, they take security, safety and learning very seriously! So much love for this place!!"

"My son went here for about a year and the only reason we left was the commute. I went well out of my way daily to bring him here and we were very sad when he left. The director is extremely dedicated to the kids and I always received a detailed daily sheet. My son doesn't eat very well, so they were great about telling me his food intake for the day. He was constantly bringing home work and telling me about his day. The staff always seemed attentive and friendly. I recommend all my local mamas to here!"

"I would not recommend this daycare to anyone ever again. They do not listen to your about your child's care. There is no communication, my son has had 7 or more "teachers" since we started there. The turn over rate is very high. And every time there is a change, I was not notified. When I asked questions about his care, I was lied to, or ignored. I was forced into staying longer than I intended because I got no response from the director or manager. I gave over a months notice and still had to stay, and pay. Do not sign your child up here."