Chesterbrook Academy

Please do not send your child here! They have only been open for roughly 10 months and, in that time, they've had a number of issues. First, they can't seem to keep any of their great teachers. The teachers that are still their have started speaking out about the poor leadership at the center. As a result of the high turnover, teachers are continuously being moved around to different rooms, causing confusion and discomfort for the children. Additionally, unlike other centers, they don't require an educational background in teaching or a related childcare program. This lack of relevant schooling, leaves teachers untrained and unprepared to effectively oversee the children in their care. I'll give you two examples, there is a teacher that both parents and fellow teachers have complained about because she isn't engaged with the children and can't give a coherent report to a parent regarding their child's day. The response of the leadership; she has great musical skills (I'm not making this response up!). Secondly, they recently hired a young man to assist in pre-k and his experience is a sports coach at summer camps.

Other issues that parents have had include: lack of appropriate supervision in the classroom (teacher leaving children alone while helping a child in the bathroom or not watching close enough while they play with sharp objects (scissors), bad diaper rashes (raw bottoms) because either diapers aren't changed when they should or the child isn't cleaned properly, yelling at children and speaking inappropriately to them ("I'm disappointed in you" or "move out of my way"), regulated teacher / child ratios not being met, and extremely poor communication regarding new teachers, teachers who quit, transitions to the next classroom for children.

I'll end with the fact that I know at least 3 parents that have gone above the director to elevate the issues they are having and several other parents are looking for other centers.

Sorry so long but hope it helps.