Early Learning Center

This is your friendly reminder that YMCA does NOT provide inclusive childcare at all. On Thursday July 31, 2025 my kiddo was terminated from YMCA Early Learning Center without any warning. I received this call during the work day, out of the blue. Of course I question where this is coming from, the current director Stephanie May and the “classroom behavior support teacher” Stephanie Alward reported there was a meeting earlier in the day. Of course I question why there would be a meeting regarding my kiddo if I was unaware of this and not invited. Stephanie May reported that the meeting was not pertaining to my kid, but ongoing issues within the preschool room that the staff cannot handle. The words that came out my mouth “so because you guys are struggling with issues within the whole room, your solution is to terminate one child”. Keep in mind I have two kids in that same room. There was a pause of silence and Stephanie Alward spoke about a meeting that occurred 9 months prior, well in October (2024) we spoke regarding issues with kiddo (Alward spoke about my child like they were a devil). YES absolutely my kiddo struggled, I did everything they asked of me as a parent, evaluation, medication and services. And since then we have had three/four directors and each one NEVER addressed any issues or concerns to me. I question again, why if there was an issue was I not spoken with or called, Stephanie May said you weren’t spoken with, I said you as the director never called me, and none of the classroom staff has spoken with me. Nothing was said. I asked for the person in charge of them, Monica. I ask if all these issues were documented, yes they were they reported. I ask for days of issues, “we have to look in the computer”. Great I will grab them later on today, we will have them ready. I leave Monica a voicemail asking for a callback. Go to daycare get “documentation”. They try to hand me a book bag that was not my kiddos nor was the stuff inside. I look over “documentation” they report having to correct him and call home July 29th, 30th and 31st (I was never called). Looking again, July 31st 830-9am had to teach him how to correctly do something and spoke with pap at pick up…..My kid was not in attendance on July 31st at all, not morning and not afternoon. Monica(she is great) calls me back, I express frustration on the whole situation especially never being made aware, she apologizes and reports she thought they told me. Again I explain I was never spoken with in person, over the phone or email. I explained to her I asked for documentation, and explained it was clearly done today to cover them, and explained they reported speaking with pap at pick up, again I reminded her they were never there today. She reports being speechless and not even knowing what to say and apologizes. She reports will look into this and see what was given to me. I expressed it is what it is but what is not acceptable is the false documentation to cover there mistakes. Listen don’t get me wrong my kid is far from perfect, but the way YMCA program and especially STEPHANIE ALWARD speaks and treats kids with any type of disability is very poor. My kids have been attending this location for two years, I have never once seen her inside of the classroom EVER. For someone who is “classroom behavior support” who is never in any of the classrooms at this location she needs better education on special needs. I’m not hear to bash the whole daycare as we had some great teachers, the frustration with this place is LACK OF COMMUNICATION, revolving door for staff (we had close to 6 directors in the last 2 years and so many teachers come and go). I get it childcare does not pay well, kids are rough and management can suck. But out of this whole thing I hope someone can change things, better help teachers with education on special needs or give better supports.

My daughter has been going to the Early Learning Center since she was 6 weeks old and she is now 4 years old. I have never had a problem in all those years. She has no complaints ever to go, she enjoys going. She loves her teachers and friends there. I feel extremely comfortable to leave her there everyday, I know she is in good hands. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. The staff there is very caring and friendly!!!! I cant express enough how pleased I am with them.

My 18 month old son has been going to this daycare since he was 8 weeks old, and we have nothing but fantastic things to say about it. The entire staff is so nurturing and caring. They do a great job of resolving any issues that have come up in a timely and professional manner. The teachers always have fun activities and crafts for the kids. I feel very connected with their new app, so I can see what my son is doing every day. I would recommend this facility to anyone looking for a daycare their child actually wants to go to!

My daughters teachers are amazing and let me know as soon as anything happens. The director Cori is very easy to talk to and helps me with any concerns I have. The staff is very friendly and I know that my daughter is in good hands no matter which staff member helps me with her. They also use the procare app which is great because I get to see her throughout the day and am notified with all of her activities of the day.

My daughter who is two can’t wait to go every day, and I can tell they adore her which is super important to me. I love all the activities they keep her engaged in during the day. Walks, crafts, music! Plus around the holidays they sent little handmade gifts home for me and it’s the sweetest thing. Very professional and reliable daycare. They always keep me in the loop with whatever is going on. Love this daycare!