Josiah Christian School is a child daycare & preschools daycare located at 1307 W. Alden Ave., Valdosta, Georgia GA. Find contact info, location details, and similar daycares nearby.
What Parents Say
Josiah Christian School has received mixed reviews, with one highly positive account of a child thriving academically and socially, but five overwhelmingly negative reviews citing serious concerns about staffing ratios, facility security, unprofessional management, unclear communication, and questionable hygiene practices. Multiple parents reported condescending and defensive interactions with the director, raising significant concerns about professionalism and accountability
I was recommended to use this daycare by multiple people. One of the things that sold me on it was that the handbook, and owner, stated they follow ratios lower than what the state requires. However, on MULTIPLE occasions I would go to pick up my son and there were 14-16 babies in one room with only 2 workers in sight. When I inquired about this, respectfully, I was treated the same way the other two reviewers said they were treated - snarky, condescending, rude, etc. I still thought it had to be the best place in town based on all the good recommendations, so we stayed. Once my son moved to a new room, things got a little better. Although there was no structure. I was concerned about the lack of learning taking place. It seemed to always be just free play - no matter what time of day I was there. The front door was hardly EVER locked and allowed anyone to enter the building freely. Lots of times I would walk in and there be nobody in the lobby to make sure a crazy person wasn't entering. The teachers are all typically young college girls, but we really had no issues with them. They were doing the best they could. It wasn't until a BIG issue came up that we decided it was time to leave. The parents received a very vague statement about an incident that took place with no explanation as to what actually happened. When I asked the director about it, she told me she did not have to explain anything to me, per her lawyer. Seriously? You take care of my child and can't explain further and are now referencing a lawyer? Did I mention I found out the following day from another parent who was told by the director exactly what happened? A worker at the school contacted me privately and told me in a private message that I was a "bad person", I'm "immature with an evil soul", and that "I'm truly a work of the devil." This was a Christian school, right?? She was upset I made some reference to babies sleeping in swings on social media, without mentioning her or the daycare. She brought up the fact that I didn't pay an early 2 week withdrawal fee. The director wanted me to pay for 2 weeks of tuition. I contacted her on December 28, 2015 that he would not be returning on January 7th. I did not feel that I needed to pay considering she also was not holding up her end of the deal with what she printed in her student handbook. I'm not really sure why the director was even discussing this with one of her worker girls. If the director had an issue with my refusal to pay the withdrawal fee, she shouldn't contacted me herself. Very, very unprofessional. Please steer clear of this daycare facility!!
I have never been more disgusted by a daycare in my entire life! As a kid who went there, me and my brother hated every minute of it. We had to eat on the floor which was totally gross, when we were using the bathroom, the boys door had to be open regardless and the playground had no things for older children. They left you out for hours not letting you inside unless you’re going to the bathroom. And they have favoritism for people or who have been there longer. A person the exact same age as me was able to walk around and do whatever she wanted because “she was older” I was the exact same age and didn’t get to do any of it, I will never go there again, and I encourage parents to look elsewhere for a place to put their child.
Everyday I pick my child up she has the biggest smile on her face and talks about everything that she did that day. I was very nervous about putting my child in day care. Very nervous doesn't even cover it. But as time went on, I could really see the positive effects on my child. Her social skills have improved. She is more independent. She sings songs she's learned with the teachers and she has a new found love for reading. I'm glad knowing that while I can't be with my child that she is happy learning and playing here. Thank you to everyone.
Primary concern: communication with director was a disaster. We received several condescending emails & text messages over the course of our time there. Any questions or requests for further clarification were answered with a defensive & snarky attitude. Unprofessional practices: Example: On Mother's Day (yes, a Sunday), I received a text message stating that we would have to make other arrangements for our son for 5K. Staff: She employs mostly young adults/college students & they typically do a great job. I have heard her talk down to the staff the same way she does some of the parents. Bookkeeping practices: Subpar at best. She contacted me via text one day to demand payment & a $25 fee for late payment. After reviewing my bank account, the ck for the payment demanded plus the fall registration fee was processed 10 days prior. Then, we submitted a pmt to her for Tumble Bus & she failed to submit it to them for 2 months.
We had a horrible experience with this facility. The owner was very rude about an incident we addressed. Besides that this person has always been pushy, fast talking and rude. (Of course not when enrolling though.) We were never late on tuition fees. You'll be told you need to have your children there no later than 9:30 a.m or it'll be addressed in a negative way, as if things don't come up. Concerns you or the staff have will be addressed through text and not through a call or face to face, which is unprofessional when dealing with your child. Be careful what you address or you'll be responded to with a rude attitude. Be aware of future "great" reviews as this was the first review posted of this school so I wouldn't be surprised if all of a sudden a few great reviews popped up from friends or a few satisfied parents. As with any business not everyone will be satisfied, I'm just sharing my experience.