Fort Daniel Children'S Academy

I’m posting here because nothing has been done, and surely my children are not the only ones to have gone through emotional abuse with Kerry as their teacher in the Dogwood classroom. Starting out at FDCA, everything was great. We all loved and trusted them. I never in my wildest dreams thought my children would be put in the situation they became part of. When my older son started the 4 year old Dogwood class, he started to become very overstimulated and overwhelmed. He was forced to participate in music time despite repeatedly expressing his discomfort and asking not to as it was too loud for him. This led to him becoming aggressive and pushing his friends, becoming much more reliant on me as his mom to help calm and regulate his emotions as he was not receiving that help in the classroom. I had many conversations with Kerry discussing his need to body double and coregulate with an adult, and this was never put into practice for him. This went so far as Kerry repeatedly texting me when she knew I was at work and unable to make it to a class party - “he’s so upset you’re not here”, “he’s not calming down”, “he won’t stop crying”. When I was finally able to get there an hour later, I found him sitting outside, red faced and still crying. Nothing had been done. No one had helped him. This was the worst incident for him. For my younger son, the situation was so much worse. From starting the Dogwood class at the beginning of August to mid-September, he turned into a different child. He loved going to school until he didn’t. By mid-September, school was the worst. He was screaming, crying, kicking, begging, pleading not to go back. I already knew it had to be happening again, so I watched Kerry interact with him. I watched her refuse to acknowledge him every time he spoke to her, pretend he hadn’t spoken, and continue on with what she’d been doing beforehand. She did this for weeks, months. By November, after I attempted to speak to her about her treatment of him and was given the silent treatment by both Kerry and her co-teacher Erica, I was more than ready to finally be able to pull him out permanently. Thank God I did. It took 4 months for him to tell me what all was really going on in the Dogwood classroom. Not only was Kerry ignoring all his attempts at communication with her, she was intentionally making him cry. He had what he called his “crying corner” where he was told to go stand and cry. Y’all, my child was suffering at the hands of someone we trusted. They both did to varying degrees. I have reached out to Lanita, and nothing has been done. This is not ok. This is lasting emotional abuse, and I will not stay silent. For reference: Emotional abuse is when someone repeatedly tries to make you feel bad, unloved or worthless. It includes insults and threats, restricting your freedom, embarrassing you in public and bullying. Kerry did all these things to my children. Do not let her do them to yours.

I called to get information on the pre-k program and felt like I was discouraged from even coming in to register. I was told that registration was at 6AM on a Wednesday and that if I arrive at 6AM I will likely be 800th in line for a spot. I was told parents spend the night in the parking lot just to get their kids in. Seems like a big exaggeration to me. I see they have good reviews but I found this to be a bit ridiculous.

One of the nicest, most professional and caring group of people you will come across. Felt very safe with our child there each and every single day. There is a reason this place has been in business as long as they have. Lanita and her staff are hands down the best option for child care!! They truly are like family.

If i could give it a 10 i would, honestly couldn’t ask for a better school for my kid. He loved every moment at fort daniel & we still talk about it on a weekly basis because of how much he learned in his prek year. The owner is an amazing lady and deserves a award at how she runs her school! She has such an amazing heart & it shows! I recommend daycare/prek/kk anything They offer if you want your child in good hands!

I Can't say enough good things about Fort Daniel Academy. My brother went there over 20 years ago and now my daughter is attending and loves it. They take such good care of my baby, I never have to worry!