Kiddie Academy of Gurnee, Gurnee | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

My son attended this location for just under two months. In that short time, I was harassed by center’s director, Linda, via email or phone, nearly every week. The “issues” began immediately and ranged from: his crying for me the first week, wanting to go home the first week, not lying still for the mandatory nap period of two hours (yes, TWO HOURS), or it was what I sent for his lunch. I submitted a doctor’s note to the school, which allowed me to pack his food. Before then, he was going hungry all day and would not eat the food provided by the center. Per state guidelines, the note was sufficient. To Linda, however, this was not acceptable. Instead, she regularly argued with me about a mental health diagnosis that my son does not have. Several times, she told me to get him evaluated for one thing or another. She talked as though my son was a stain on the school; one which it must be cleansed of swiftly, by way of a multitude of accusations and bullying, which ultimately lead to our departure. The last straw for me, was when I dropped my son off late, due to a doctor’s appointment. Linda aggressively followed me down the hallway. She said “it was nap time and my son doesn’t nap, so there is nothing for him to do here.” Really? A preschool/daycare has nothing for a 3 year old to do? I inquired if they’d then reduce his tuition, since she refused care. To that, she had nothing to say. All I heard from the director is what a problem my son was, yet I only heard from his teacher that he’s adjusting well and enjoying his time. This has been the first and WORST experience for our family. Everything that others told me is typical of a child new to daycare, was entirely blown out of proportion and portrayed as serious behavioral or social issues. Issues such as: he wanted to go home the first day, he cried, he opened the classroom door, he can’t consistently remain still for the aforementioned two hour mandatory nap, etc. If your child isn’t all smiles and giggles from the start, and/or won’t nap/remain still for the required daily two-hour slot everyday, and eat whatever the school serves without question, this is not the place for your child. I know it’s not the place for mine. My son feels unwanted. No parent or person should ever have to deal with this.

This place is rather weird to discuss. My wife and I did a tour because we were about to return to work and our son would need childcare. During the tour I noticed a staff member using an odd approach to dealing with a group of 3 year olds by being loud and sarcastic when telling them to come away from the door. Cleaning was also conducted in the presence of several children. I witnessed a staff member spraying a substance from a bottle on a table in front of a little boy (I’m talking about a foot away) that was maybe 2 years old and the child’s face was completely exposed. Many childcare centers that I toured resorted more to wipes in the presence of children then spraying while children were outside in their play yard. To add while passing by the kitchen the floor seemed rather dirty and made me question even more the maintenance of the establishment. Be sure to read the contract as well before enrolling your child because the deposit is non-refundable even though the fund is “intended to be for the first week’s payment and supplies for your child” per the director. Makes no sense. If a two week notice is provided then a deposit should be returned considering another family will be taking that availability but food for thought. Enjoy Disneyland with that money I guess.

My 1-year-old son started attending Kiddie Academy this year, during the pandemic. Suffice it to say, I was nervous sending him out into the world for the first time. From our first meeting with the director, we felt that Kiddie Academy was the right place for our boy. The staff genuinely seems to know what is going on with every child and the security is great. I feel safe leaving my child in their care and trust they are taking necessary precautions for COVID, etc. The team is so responsive and helpful (especially for a first time mom who likes to be very prepared 😉 )! My son, who before starting, had only ever known his parents and doctor, is now waving and smiling at everyone when I pick him up like a little social butterfly. Highly recommend Kiddie Academy for your kiddos!