I am very surprised to hear that each year Stepping Stones in ranked ""best daycare"" in Austin. Really?
I can only speculate it is because they provide a small
kick back off your tuition if you print your review and turn it in when the Austin Readers Poll comes out.
I transferred to this facility because of its location and hours this past summer, big mistake. My child was in one of their toddler rooms. I realize that can be a difficult group so I tried to stay open minded. Right away it got off to a bad start when on the first day I walked my toddler out to the playground where the kids were gathered only to find 2 little ones in a corner with one little boy saying ""Look at my pee pee"" The teachers were completely oblivious to their location and obviously their behavior. I found them out of ratio often...I'm talking 21 kids to one person on one particular morning! Of coarse, the director tried to smooth things out and I felt ok with her concern but the problem continued and I eventually threatened to call the State and report them if I continued to see it. Upon
picking up my toddler in the late afternoon, I would usually find them outside. Most of the toddlers gathered at the door crying for their parents. I imagine
pick up time is difficult when your not the one being picked up so I can empathize with the reaction. I suggested that perhaps they should try a game or activity to keep the kids involved until their parents came. It was heart breaking to see all those tots gathered by the door in hopes that their parent would soon arrive.
The place is dirty. They still have carpet in the rooms which is completely unsanitary when your talking toddlers and all the mess they make. One morning the room reeked of vomit! The teacher informed me a child had vomited on the carpet the day before. I asked where and she pointed to the area. GROSS! It still had evidence of the vomit. I called the director inside and she claims it was cleaned with disinfectant spray. I pointed out the paper
towel fragments that were still there and that someone did not even bother to vacuum. I suggested it be steam cleaned and by the end of the day, it was. Seriously, if still stinks that bad the next day obviously the vomit is still in carpet. This was right around all the H1N1 stuff so I was particularly bothered by their lack of concern to create a healthy environment. Most of the teachers were very nice. They are obviously overworked and doubt they get the breaks they need. A few (not all) seemed to care less about kids and feel confidently they just need the paycheck. My first born was at another Stepping Stone facility on Riverside and it seemed fine.
She was there for 3 years. Again, for older kids I am sure its fine but for the toddler group....run!
Pros: Hours, schedule, hot lunch
Cons: Dirty, overcrowded, chaotic, unhappy tots!
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