OC Playschool

I was so, so excited to find this place. Play-based learning is exactly what I want and the director, Terri, talked about how they focus on the emotional and interpersonal side if development. Sounded perfect. BUT, it turned into one of the rudest and most unprofessional experiences of my life.

A little background, apparently they only take kids 2+ but, when I called about my 18-month-old she said he was welcome as long as he could play well with other and obey simple commands. Cool. I let her know that he had never been in care as I am a work-at-home mom so I was a little worried about the adjustment; she didn't seem to think it was a huge deal.

We went a total of six visits over two weeks before he was "let go" because of completely age-normal behavior. The first day went great, although with a short nap. He caught a cold so the next few days were a little rough. But, both Terri and the other teacher, B, kept telling me how much better he was doing at each subsequent visit.

On Friday, I picked him up and was told by B that he slept great, was super sweet and played a ton throughout the whole yard, but he was having a bit of separation anxiety. She didn't seem worried, just let me know that she was going to work with him to say her name/verbal cue for her attention so that he wouldn't revert to whining at her. Again, she stressed how sweet he was and how he went right down for his nap.

On Monday, my husband dropped him off and I texted Terri in the afternoon to let her know I was on a flight home and would be there in a couple hours to pick him up. I told her if he needed to go home before I got there, (we were still getting him used to full days) she could text my mom. She said he would be fine. Well, my plane lands and I get a long text telling me that they have decided Bennett is too young for the program, he is having problems napping, and the separation anxiety is stressing everyone out. No notice. No warning. She dumped my kid via text when she knew I was on my way to get him. I was fuming.

When I showed up, I just wanted to grab my boy and get out. I gathered all my stuff and tried to avoid conversation. Terri mentioned that it was Bennett's crying during naptime that woke all the other kids up so now their day was messed up. Real nice.

I totally get if a kid is not a good fit. BUT you do not ditch a kid with no notice, especially when I would have to give 2 weeks if I were leaving. I got no warning that things were so bad that he might get kicked out; on the contrary, I was constantly told how sweet my son is. You don't text a mother that she can pick up her kid and never come back. And, anyone with any idea of child development knows kids need more than 2 weeks to get acquainted with a new routine and 18 months is prime-time for separation anxiety. If he was too young for the program, don't accept him!

I am still so angry about the whole thing. She made me feel as if something is wrong with my son. After talking to several other parents, they are equally as appalled and reassured me that everything that happened with my son is completely age appropriate. Unless you have a perfectly-behaved kid, do NOT send them here lest they get labeled a nuisance.

My son had been with Teri and Beverly since he was 6 months old. We love this school. Thank you for being such a big part of my sons life. Very play base learning and fun activities always.