Harbour Pointe Kids leaves much to be desired when it comes to prioritizing the well-being of children, and what appears on the surface often doesn't align with the reality behind closed doors. Initially, our experience was positive, with friendly staff and a seemingly clean environment. While there were occasional minor issues, nothing was particularly alarming.
Unfortunately, the quality of care took a nosedive. Some of the more competent teachers left, and newcomers seemed to be hired based on connections rather than qualifications or experience. Many displayed a lack of enthusiasm, which was evident in their interactions with both us and our children. Some teachers were so temporary that our kids couldn't even recall their names. As time went on, even the more seasoned teachers appeared disinterested.
Disturbingly, we would occasionally pick up our child to find them in soiled diapers that had been neglected for an extended period. There were instances where we discovered dry feces on our child's back at home.
Attempting to get any information about our child's day was often an exercise in futility. Responses like "I don't know, I just work in the afternoon" or "I just fill in" were commonplace. Meaningful communication with primary caregivers during pickup was virtually nonexistent, leaving us to rely on second or third-hand accounts with minimal detail.
Frequently, we observed staff engrossed in their phones or idly sitting across the room, paying little attention to the children. On one occasion, we walked into a room housing one-year-olds to find both teachers glued to their phones by the window, only snapping to attention when they noticed us. Shockingly, the director defended this behavior.
During non-peak hours, we witnessed the smallest toddlers left unattended outside, while teachers congregated elsewhere, out of sight and earshot.
One of our children endured distress when a teacher displayed aggressive behavior, slamming a fist on a table and yelling at our child and other children. We also overheard teachers shouting at children, only to abruptly change their tone when they realized we were present. Incomplete stories about various incidents left us in the dark, forcing us to piece together information from different sources.
Then came the day when one of our children returned home with visible marks on their neck, attributed to a teacher. The daycare's response to this disturbing incident did not prioritize the safety or best interests of the children.
Perhaps some have had better experiences, but we cannot in good conscience recommend placing a beloved child in the care of Harbour Pointe Kids.