Kiddie Academy of Darien

"If you are in need of urgent childcare and are out of options, this is a good option to use in a pinch while you look for something better. They tend to have much shorter wait lists and with good reason. Just know that there are much better options available for a comparable price without extra fees for summer activities and extra curriculars. We experienced: - High rates of staffing turnover - Inconsistent floaters/staffing - Having to drop-off in another classroom since teachers aren’t available - Camera displays often not on at drop off time - When raising concerns to director, hearing “Per DCFS guidelines” to justify anything mentioned - When director does ‘coach’ teachers, feels awkward and not well addressed. Staff noticeably colder after raising concerns - Exceptionally frequent diaper changes - seemed a teacher was changing a child’s diapers at all times of the day - Inaccurate information logged in app and difficulty with teachers pairing the right supplies w/ children. We came home in someone else’s diaper - Overall lack of information logged and shared between staff - director had to review tapes to see if a child ate or napped when parents asked since no one at pickup knew and nothing was logged - Overall lack of care and willingness to learn and invest in the interests and concerns of children and families Writing this to help current or future families know you don’t have to settle for the standard of care this facility offers. There are much better local and price comparable options available. Our child has been in a new facility for 6 months and is happy, well cared for, and thriving in all areas. We couldn’t be happier."

"I have both of my children enrolled at Kiddie Academy of Darien and have been thrilled with the care that they receive there. All of the teachers have been wonderful with working with my children on age appropriate skills and I enjoy the curriculum they use. The front desk staff is amazing, especially when we are having a rough time with morning drop off. I love the updates I receive during the day along with the pictures. I am so thankful that I found Kiddie Academy to help my children grow!"

"We first enrolled our 2 kids in Kiddie Academy of Darien in Spring 2017. One has gone on to grade school and the other is about to enter Kindergarten. Both kids are/were well prepared for Kindergarten, they were always very well cared for and the staff has always been very attentive. While 2020 did bring about some changes in management and policies (pandemic-related), the new Director has been proactive about sending out updates and information to parents, including surveys requesting feedback on how they can improve. We have been very happy with Kiddie Academy and our kids have loved it there!"

"We just love Kiddie Academy of Darien. The principal and teachers truly care about the children and give them the confidence they need to excel. I'm grateful for the individualized lesson planning my daughter receive and the values that are being instilled. My daughter has created such a strong connection with the teachers and the classmates that every morning she can't wait to meet them and play with them. It's a really great place to learn and have fun. I feel so happy knowing that she is safe there and so loved, they treat the kids like a family! Thank you so much for what are you doing for my daughter! You are amazing!"

"My family is so happy with Kiddie Academy. My daughter needs some extra TLC and the kiddie academy staff has always been very supportive of her needs. They are very communicative and include me in strategies that will work for her. I can tell that she is very loved and well taken care of while she’s there. My son wakes up every morning asking if “it’s a daycare day” and is always learning something new! I feel that he is very prepared for kindergarten and I am so thankful for that! We are so grateful to have found Kiddie Academy!"