Lakeshore Children's Center

User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

First, let me say that I hate to give negative reviews unless it's absolutely necessary.

In this case, especially as it involves kids, I feel it's necessary. I am not a current parent there, but had my kid on their waiting list for a while. I decided to do an unscheduled visit. I had loved the place, and was excited that my child would be attending there at some point. (Read: Very Excited, so I have no reason to speak negatively if not for the truth).

I observed circle time. I was informed that the kids had been sitting there for about an hour, and you could tell they were a bit restless. (I can deal with that). What I couldn't deal with was the demeanor of the teacher. She came off as harsh. I observed her use her finger to poke 3 kids on their heads, separately, while telling them they were not being good. I also observed her use her foot to shove the a little boy's feet to the side. He was sitting on the floor, and she was standing. She was telling him that he was not being good. This to me is demeaning, and completely unacceptable. (Mind you, these kids were restless from sitting for an hour in circle time, they were not unruly by any means).

When she finally dismissed the kids to go to the yard, she did so one at a time, in kind of an intimdating fashion by pausing between names, calling out the ones who were being totally still. She said to about three of the kids "You're last. You're not being good." Honestly, I felt a bit deflated by the time the last kid was excused.

A couple of other issues with this particular teacher is that her tone was harsh at times. She wasn't the cheerful type that you'd hope to have around your kid all day. Not once did she say "please" or "thank you" when talking to the kids. Kids learn respect by being respected. She was definitely not a good example of this.

The crazy thing is that I was standing there in plain sight while observing her. So if she was doing this with me standing there, I couldn't help but wonder what does she do or say when no one is watching?

I sent an e-mail to the school asking that I be withdrawn from the waiting list and explained my observation. I don't know how the other teachers are, but from what I observed, this is not a positive, confidence-building environment. The response I got back from the school was that they were indeed sorry for my observation and would address it with the teacher, that she had been there for 30 years, and that none of the parents had ever complained.

In addition to her, there are a couple of safety issues that I feel are of concern with the school as well. I won't go into detail as this is the internet and I don't want to expose the kids in any way. But, I feel it's too easy to gain access to the children, and they should consider addressing that issue.

Again, I was there to observe and make a final decision about having my child attend the school. I have no reason to say anything negative about this place. My child was on the list and due to start soon. I wanted her to be there, for it to be a match. Unfortunately, it's not.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A very fun, safe environment for growing toddlers.

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User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

do not go here! this is the worst place to take children, period! its ran by a man who doesnt know what he is doing and they pay no attention to the children! its unfortunate for the children who have high energy, they attack toddlers self esteem and make them feel like they are wortheless!! PLEASE if you love your children i would recommeend you take them somewhere that they will feel loved and accepted

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