Bluegrass Academy Childcare Center Jeffersontown

One of the worst daycare facilities. We were a family there for about 4 years. Up until about a year ago, things were okay. Bluegrass Academy is an an early head start center with OVEC (not sure why OVEC keeps the partnership when they truly do not care about kids who could have trauma or other things going on - going against their whole mission and vision of EHS…). We started with them because of this though as my children were experiencing foster care (I was the foster parent and now their adoptive parent) and we needed a facility who could have spots on short notice when we received placements. The owner of this facility, Rebecca Hoffman, does not care about kids or her facility/staff. We were terminated immediately from the daycare when I asked to have a sit down meeting with the owners and let them know that I had filed a CPS case against on of their employees. Here’s the back story to that: Last week I walked into pick up my kids and I witnessed an incident of a staff member carrying my child out of the room by his arms, SCREAMING in his face “I can not handle you anymore”. I got my child (and my other children in that class) and walked to the office to let the director know about the incident. Then my other child in that class told me that same teacher had “thrown” the child that was screamed at (maybe thrown, maybe tossed, maybe put down aggressively; we won’t know because cameras “weren’t working” and they refuse to let me see statements about it). I wrote the owners immediately and was told they would get back to me. There are two owners (one over my location and one over other locations). I only heard back from the owner of the OTHER location never Rebecca. That staff member that did that was released (maybe, never confirmed that). The more I thought about the incident the more upset I got, because 3-4 other adults saw the incident and didn’t choose to step in to help or report what was going on. I asked for an in person meeting to talk about everything going on with the owners. The meeting started okay, then I told the owners I filed a CPS case against the employee that did that to my child. After that the owner started yelling at me that my kid was “so bad” and she doesn’t know what I expect of daycare. Let it be known they had not called me about any behavior incidents or that my child was “out of control”. The owner also told me “you don’t do anything to try to help your kid, you only expect us too”, which is far from the truth. Once I mentioned CPS, the owner immediately told me my whole family was kicked out as of today. And I know from other families this isn’t the first time that families have been kicked out when CPS was mentioned. So what are you hiding if you are that scared of CPS coming in? A staff member did finally reach out to me to let me know she did see my child get thrown and she did try to get him to come to her but she was in her own classroom and couldn’t leave. This staff member also told me there is another foster child in the center who “all staff treat bad”. I do not want to share screen shots as I’m sure the owner will become vindictive against that employee as well. I left my kids at this daycare far too long and it’s my biggest regret. I have had many more issues before this where I met and talked with the whole team at daycare to try to help solve. Like the directors son restraining my child multiple times and trying to hide It from me (not the child in question here) even though everyone knew that child had extensive physically trauma triggers. My heart does hurt for my child who does not get to participate in preschool graduation now (not the child in question) but I know for my children’s safety and well being getting them out of there is probably the best thing to ever happen to them. I would not recommend this facility to ANYONE and if you have kids here, I would really start questioning and figuring out what’s happening without you knowing.

My children had been going to Bluegrass Academy childcare for almost 5 years. Everything was fine until my son was diagnosed with a disability in November 2024 (ADHD). The owner of this daycare, who I maybe spoke to 3 times previous to this, Rebecca Hoffman, denied any accommodation I asked for for my son. He was denied medication once daily. He was then placed in a terribly planned, poorly executed sensory room with children much younger than him. I requested multiple times for him to be moved and every time was denied. I received weekly texts in a group message with other parents stating how terrible our children were acting. Two separate times I was called mid day to pick up my child because the whole class was being violent. Still my requests to move him to another room was denied by Rebecca. This daycare will randomly close at Rebecca’s choosing with less than 24 hours notice for “deep cleaning”. Rebecca will then deny any discount for the next week as “JCPS closes for deep cleaning”. JCPS, does not charge 230/week PER CHILD. Rebecca got very upset that I stated my opinion on their Facebook page. She then texted me the next day to tell me my children were not welcome back and I had 2 weeks to find other child care. Her official reason for this? She blamed it on my son and his “multiple needs” (her words for my disabled child that she denied accommodation for) and the safety of other staff and students. Then allow him to come back for 2 full weeks. Seems as though my child isn’t too much of a safety issue and more of her using her “power” to punish me for a Facebook comment. In their last 2 weeks at BGA, I received a call that my son had a fever of 100.8. I had my mother take him to the doctor as I truly believed he was sick. Unfortunately it turns out, Rebecca was just using it as another punishment. He had no fever and tested negative for everything (which I provided to the daycare) and my son was still denied the next day of daycare. After 5 very loyal years, Rebecca Hoffman showed her true colors. She is absolutely one of the most unprofessional, vindictive, bully of a business owner I’ve ever encountered. I know this is not the first time this has happened, but I will not be silent about her mistreatment of my family, and blatant discrimination against my son. Do not trust Rebecca Hoffman with your children and DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO BLUEGRASS ACADEMY CHILDCARE. I fully expect Rebecca to find a way to retaliate against my family from this review. Hopefully her “business person” can give her some advice on how to properly handle situations like these without being an unethical, immoral tyrant.

I can't stress how good this academy was to my son. They really do try to make your kiddo(s) not only have a safe and healthy learning environment, but its also a very fun and inclusive setting. They had tons of outdoor talent shows and festivities throughout his attendance. They immediately call you with any injuries- even little rug burns. They aren't overly expensive, and they have a key pad with fingerprint verification for all visitors to enter the building. Mrs. Julie is the foundation of that whole place. She is patient, knowledgeable, and has guided me on things I need to do to get my kiddo prepped for his new kindergarten life. Mrs. Shannon was amazing. She hosted muffins with mom, and donuts with dad- and really tried to provide the littles with tools to keep them calm throughout the day. Kids are kids- loud, active, and temperamental. So she created a calming box for each child to have to use when they are feeling sad or upset. She and many others threw a graduation ceremony for the kids and provided the parents with gifts, which was all the drawings and projects that my son had done during that year. This place is special to me. Thank you for being so good to my son and so many of the other littles. You will be missed.

Called as a prospective parent and when someone answered they phone, there was silence and then "hello?" I asked if I was talking to Bluegrass Academy and they said "yeah." I was interested in rates and availability for a toddler understanding that there would likely be a waitlist as many childcare facilities have one. The person I spoke with said, "Rates are $240 but we're looking to increase in August, there is a waitlist but we haven't finalized our fall roster so honestly I have no idea when we could take your child." While I understand that there are factors that could prevent a clear response in the moment regarding a wait list, but there should still be interest shown by saying "we're not accepting new children right now" or "we'd be happy to find out and contact you back with a better answer." It was obvious that this person was not interested in dealing with me on the phone and that speaks volumes to me about the potential care my child would receive. This was so close to home and really a place we hoped would work but we will definitely seek elsewhere.

Our 21 month old twins have been going here for 6 months now. We are absolutely pleased with the care our boys get. Might i add that they have not been sick one time. Praise the Lord!! They also teach them the importance of handwashing and brushing their teeth. The teachers have a program planned daily. They are always coming home with another word they have learned..😎❤