YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center - University of Minnesota

"I love the Y!"

"If this was just a rating for the teachers, this would be 5 stars. The other benefits are this place is new, is relatively clean, and (selfishly) it's convenient this place is hardly ever closed for holidays or staff training days. Although I'm sure everyone would accept an adjustment to the schedule if it was for the good of the center. Our child was cared for at the same center for years before they moved locations, causing us to pivot to this YMCA childcare location. It seemed right away that there were changes in administration of some kind and the environment was suffering for it. Coming from an establishment where all my emails would be returned promptly (while at this YMCA location for 8 months I probably emailed with questions five times and would maybe receive a response), I would frequently see the director, etc- I was disappointed this place cost slightly more and the managerial staff was pretty unwelcoming. It's wild they have the office at the front of the building when it's clear the occupants wish they were in the basement somewhere they were less likely to be addressed. And I just had no idea what my child was up to when he was there unless I sought someone out to ask at the end of the day- they have an app with updates but hardly ever would it be updated to inform me what he had for lunch, bathroom breaks, activities, etc. One may say only unhappy families speak out against this center, but I didn't feel comfortable sharing my experience until I felt confident I was able to leave. I'm sure I'm not alone. Additionally, my husband had multiple experiences over the months where he witnessed children being improperly chastised by staff, including one of the front office staff, who would sometimes step in to work with the children. Also I think it's straight up creepy that three of the 5 star reviews for this location are from the staff that work there. I certainly don't turn to Google reviews for self reflection. TLDR I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone."

"My grandson attends and is in one of the baby rooms- the staff are super attentive to his needs and his development. Other family members have also attended the center in the past and have absolutely loved their experience."

"The YMCA has been such a blessing to my family, and my special needs child. The director has been so kind and compassionate. We would not want to be anywhere else. Form your own opinion!"

"Not a safe place for special needs children. Sounds like there may have been some turn over in leadership, hopefully that’s for the best. My special needs child was singled out and discriminated against, the behavioral therapist used cruel forms of therapy that we specifically asked her not use. I would never recommend this center to anyone."