Sheltering Arms - Elaine P. Draeger Model Teaching Center

Heartbroken and Frustrated Parent I’m honestly heartbroken by how things are being handled at Sheltering Arms. When I first chose this daycare, I trusted it would be a safe, caring place for my child — but that trust is gone. The management is terrible, and upper management never returns calls or takes responsibility. It feels like all they care about is money, not the children or the families. The director, Shannon Novak, and her supervisor, Steve White, don’t seem to listen to parents or staff. You can feel the tension in the building — the teachers are clearly upset and overwhelmed because of poor leadership. And that makes me scared to leave my child there. This place could be amazing if the people in charge actually cared. The teachers are doing their best, but the management has completely failed them and the families who depend on this program. I truly hope someone higher up steps in before more parents lose faith.

i have ongoing concerns about the classroom ratios and overall supervision. Too often, the teacher is left alone with too many children, which is not safe or fair to her or the students. It affects her ability to give each child the attention they deserve. Also, there have been multiple situations where other classrooms were delayed in opening because staff arrived late, and instead of helping, the admin staff stood by and asked teachers to cover extra classes — even pulling them from their own students. This isn’t just a staffing issue — it’s a safety concern that I hope the school takes seriously. The teachers are doing their best, but they need more support. I really hope the administration starts prioritizing proper classroom coverage and support for their hardworking staff.

I am extremely disappointed and heartbroken by the experience my family has had with Sheltering Arms Model Center. What was once a trusted and safe place for children has completely deteriorated under the current leadership and staff. One of the most disturbing incidents involved a one-year-old child suffering a *broken leg* while in the care of a teacher at this center. Even more alarming, the staff attempted to **cover it up** and failed to inform the other parents or take any accountability. That is not only unethical it’s dangerous. The center is poorly managed. The current site director, Miss Shannon, is consistently late, unresponsive, and lacks the leadership this center desperately needs. Under her supervision, the student-to-teacher ratio is often out of compliance creating an unsafe and chaotic environment for all the children. Teachers are constantly calling out or arriving late, and there’s no consistency in care. It truly feels like no one is watching or holding anyone accountable anymore. Since the original staff was replaced, the center has gone downhill fast. There is no longer a focus on quality care, learning, or even basic safety. If you're looking for a place that values your child's well-being, this is not it. Children deserve to be treated as individuals, not just a number in a system that’s failing them. If you care about your child’s safety, development, and being treated with dignity, I strongly urge you to look elsewhere. This center is no longer a safe or trustworthy place for any child.

Everyone here is rude!!! They barely update you on what happens with your kids, if your kid is hurt they will take forever to send an updated accident report. Save your peace of mind.

I love the experience my child has had at Sheltren Arms. Seeing her smile everyday and learn so much at her age of 2 is something I can’t put into words. My daughter loves school, knows all her colors, can count, and use a napkin lmbooo. My sister and I attend here years ago and I can’t believe the curriculum is still amazing. The love my daughter feels from even the office staff first thing in the morning is impeccable. Best decision I could have made!