Gentry Early Learning Academy

My child was bit/hit multiple times with little to no explanation or documentation from this daycare on multiple occasions. I pulled my son from this daycare in October of 2024, after he had been attending for over a year starting in the infant room. There were safety concerns and issues on a weekly basis as soon as he moved into the toddler rooms. My son came home various times with scratches, bruises, pinches and bite marks which only one (maybe two) were documented. There was one instance this happened where they "forgot" to send paperwork home, also an incident where they didn't tell the pickup person (his aunt) that he had even been bitten since she wasn't his legal guardian. We found most of these marks later in the day when he would come home while he was in the bath and we were cleaning him up. When we asked the daycare what happened they were "unaware" that he had bitten, nonetheless multiple times. My husband went to address all these concerns and the owner/manager apologized (still no answers), and told him we could put our son in private pay room they were trying to get set up, and joked with my husband that he would understand because its "business" or he's a "businessman". The day I went to unenroll my son the manager of the facility (Kendra McCain) only told me where I needed to sign and date for the unenrollment paperwork, then said "thanks" when I was done. Not a "so sorry this happened", or "have a good day". Additionally, GELA leads parents to believe they utilize the Procare app to keep parents updated and informed but rarely did I receive any correspondence regarding my sons schedule or activities, just a reminder to pay his monthly balance. Also, while he was in the infant room his daily paper would be filled incorrectly stating he had been given a bottle/changed at a time that hadn't even occurred (stamped for 4:30 pm but picked up prior). The turnover rate with staff here is abysmal as well. The one staff member I interacted with regularly and trusted is Laramie, she was always wonderful. The reason I've waited months after all of this happened was because I didn't have the heart to relive and type this out. Since then, we have moved our child into an in-home daycare who consistently updates me with activities, timestamps, pictures, and meals. If you're concerned about your child while in the care of GELA, know that there IS better care for them out there. I would never recommend this facility to anyone I know.

My 4 month old started daycare here yesterday, and I am so glad she did. I can already tell she loves it. She gets a more structured environment and gets to hang out with and interact with other babies. It was cool to see her light up when she entered the room. She also LOVES her caretaker. As soon as I handed her off to the lady today, my baby gave her the biggest smile and just wrapped her little arms around her for a hug. Yesterday, I stopped in to breastfeed, and I walked into a room full of 9 sleeping babies! Those ladies are seriously baby wizards! I don't know how they got all those babies down for a nap at the same time. One would stir, and the ladies would just talk to them and/or pat them on the butt and say "go back to sleep now", and they would! lol. I was definitely nervous at first, and even battled feelings of guilt for leaving my baby in the care of someone else, but I feel confident she is getting excellent care there, and I finally get to have a bit of free time to take care of myself so I can be a better mom at the end of the day.

Do not take your kid here. My daughter was abused in multiple ways. If there is anything I can do to help you keep your kid safe PLEASE I'm telling you don't take your baby here. There are so many other options in Siloam or head start. The building is full of mold. They are understaffed and the turn over is just as bad. Please look elsewhere for your child's sake.

Wonderful staff! My child comes home happy and ready to tell us about their day.