Claude Jones Memorial Day Nursery

Three of my children have been enrolled at this daycare center. Angel, now 17, attended from 18 months old until he started kindergarten. I never had any issues with the care he received; however, Angel was often very lonely. Elijah, now 10, started around age 3. His experience was more difficult—his teachers were frequently replaced, and he never had the chance to get used to a consistent caregiver. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for him. Cristian, my youngest, started at 18 months and stayed for the next couple of years. He began as a part-time student, and we gradually increased his hours. Unfortunately, he rarely stayed a full week without issues. I was frequently asked to pick him up because he was sick or upset, and in the final few months, it became almost every week that he was disciplined or sent home for something. I often found him sitting in the principal’s office. I will say that if it had not been for Ms. Heather and one of the other ladies that always seemed to welcome Cristian, I wouldn't have kept him there so long. They were always welcoming and Cristian loved them. It took me nine months to write this review because I was very upset about the situation. I’m not frustrated that he was sent home or that I had to leave work early; what I struggle to understand is why daycares do not require staff to be better prepared to handle children who need extra attention. Kids are in daycare for 8–10 hours a day—the staff should be able to recognize when a child is acting differently or struggling. Another daycare in town suggested that I look into therapy and a psych evaluation only after 1 week of Cristian being there; obviously, they were better educated. They were right. A few months later, Cristian was diagnosed with Autism. I can’t help but wonder if this might have been noticed earlier had the caregivers paid closer attention. They conducted evaluations regularly, but nothing concerning was ever brought to my attention. I understand that, as a mother, it is ultimately my responsibility to know my child best. However, I also believe that teachers and caregivers are an important extension of a child’s upbringing. After all, children spend a significant amount of time in their care—often more than they do at home. This is a reality that affects all working parents. My advice to other parents: If you ever have doubts about why your child is struggling in a daycare setting, I strongly recommend contacting Edison ISD right away and asking to speak with their Special Education department. These are the professionals who can provide guidance and support in Gainesville, Texas.

It's been a while since we had our experience but I'm finally ready to speak on it so nobody else has to deal with it. If your child is going to have a hard time starting daycare, do NOT use this one. My son got kicked out on his FIRST DAY because he was crying all day & "kept telling the teacher not to hit him" (I know the teacher wasn't hitting him, that's not my point) they didn't give him a chance to warm up to anyone, didn't give him the chance to get comfortable, called me at noon on his first day, told me to pick him up & that it wasn't a good fit. Loads of unnecessary emotional trauma & wasted time bc they didn't want to work w him. If you want a daycare that truly cares about the kids, their comfort and are willing to help them adjust in a positive environment send them to Lil Leopards or Robins nest, we had much better luck there ❤️

Everyone is a bit apprehensive when joining new daycares, but if you’re coming here to ease your mind let me help. The director, is the sweetest lady but also makes me feel very safe and is protective of each kid. My daughters teacher is just as delightful. The facility is always immaculate. They are extremely kind and understanding. This is the most underrated daycare in Gainesville and I absolutely adore it. My baby is my only child and I am so glad I found a place where she is safe, well cared for, and loved. 10/10.

My experience with this daycare unfortunately wasn’t the best. They started off trying to lie and cover up some scratches he got up there saying our cat did it and then changed it up by saying he fell in brush…it didn’t upset me that he got scratches it was the multiple stories I was getting. Then they managed to constantly tell me all the things he did wrong instead of anything he did right. Every time time I picked him up they had an attitude with me. I’m sure my child wanted to test the waters to see what he could get away with like any toddler but I don’t think either one of us deserved the vibes we got. But I also heard wonderful things about this place… it just wasn’t for us.

My experience with this daycare was not what I expected, (if you are Latino I do not recommend it) they will always try to lie about your child always doing something wrong so they can kick them out. And if this were true, the problem was not my son but the teachers who were not doing their job as it should be .