Welcome Place Child Care

It takes a lot for me to write a negative review of anything, but when young children are at stake, it's too important not to. I sent my child to WP for 10 months. We were happy enough with the administration and the care he got for the first six months. However, several questionable incidents with the staff in his last room caused me to find a new center. When I witnessed a staff member get in the face of a crying toddler and tell him in a very nasty tone to stop crying, it was the last straw. Kids deserve to be treated with love and respect, and I'm positive that is not always occurring at Welcome Place. more

I totally agree with hoosierdad and My2MyWholeWorld. I could not have picked a better place for my child. I looked at several day cares during my search and Welcome Place has exceeded my expectations. The administration and staff are wonderful. I love that Meredith and Laura seem to know every child's name and make a point to say hello and interact with them when they pass in the hallway. more

Lost Faith. My wife and I have lost faith in the administration at Welcome Place. Aside from it being an obvious safety concern, not having an administrator in the office when people come in is pretty frustrating as a parent. The office staff is whishy-washy (at best) and seldom are prepared to give you a straight answer about any legitimate concern you have. Frequently during the day the phone just rings when you try to call, which isn't surprising given the lack of presence in the office. They also have very little loyalty for families currently enrolled there, and Meredith in particular seems unapologetic when she makes blatant errors in judgement. more

I'm a dad of two with one child still at Welcome Place. This place has turned around sense my first child went here. As 'My2WorldMy Whole World' states, everything has or is being updated, painted, replaced. The administration and staff has turned around for the better in the last couple of years. Especially recently getting rid of some real depressing 'teachers' (Thank you!). The new teachers are much more friendly and academically goal oriented along with strong Christian values. We have been to other child cares and this is by far the the best we have seen. more

I have enjoyed seeing the wonderful staff with their welcoming faces each morning in the past. However, I can see even the happiest teachers at welcome place slowly getting more frustrated each day. It is obvious to parents that many of the great teachers there use what little materials they have to teach the children and allow them to make their own observations and explore. My rating is not because of the teachers at welcome place, but mostly because of the administration. I can tell that the staff is very unhappy with the administration and the lack of consistency as well as other parents. I have noticed a great increase with the turn-over at welcome place which would concern any parent. Constantly seeing new teachers who do not seem to be trained, but rather thrown into a room as an extra body worries me. I miss the safe, upbeat, and happy welcome place! I hope appropriate changes are made in the near future because I believe this daycare has potential. more

Wow, I am sad to see this preschool that used to be so WONDERFUL suddenly slip downhill! This process began about 2 years ago and I am not sure why! When my older child attended preschool here years ago the staff was consistent and really seemed to LOVE what they did with the children, You could tell because everything was so hands on, people smiled each time I was in the building, and the same smiling faces were there day and night and were happy to tell me what fun my child had that day. Now with my second child to attend the preschool I don't know who the teacher is going to be at the end of the day, sometimes it is just some lady they throw in the room who has to put a sticker with my child's name on their shirt just to know who he/she is! The administration is never accessible for me to vent frustration, ask questions, or even pay my bill but instead I have to drop a check in a little jewelry box and hope they get it! I see some of the teachers are not happy as I have lingered outside the door and heard frustration with them about limited supplies, not getting help in their rooms, and sometimes having way too many kids to be safely left with at the end of the day! more

I love to see my grandchildren happy and playing when I pick them up at daycare. The oldest calls me in the evening to tell me about her day. (The youngest is too small to tell me, but he is always smiling when I get there.) I am impressed by the quality daycare and the involvement of the staff. Pros: My grandchildren are involved and happy when at ""school"". Cons: the oldest wants to stay longer. more

We looked at eight or more childcare facilities before we were lucky enough to find and get into Welcome Place. I would not let my children attend a child care provider unless it was a five star and this is truly a five star environment. The past administrator did a good job, but sense the new one started, the place has turned completely around. In the short time she has been there I have seen new carpet, paint, ceilings and a new roof go on the building. Not to mention new cribs & bouncers that came just in time for my second child. The staff is great too. Very loving, caring and always appear sincerely happy. The Christian values that are taught are evident at every meal when our daughter reminds us to pray. I would guess the low rating is from a past disgruntled employee as she references daily activities of the staff. Anyone who rates a place two stars and still lets their children attend there, well, that speaks for itself. Pros: Great, loving environment Cons: Waiting list, hard to get in. more

I have a child who goes to the Welcome Place and I love it. My son has a special medical issue and I trust the staff to look after him if he needs any sort of assistance. The director and the teachers make sure that any new caregiver for my child know of his medical issue and how to care correctly for him. I think that speaks for the care and safety of the children at Welcome Place. Pros: Caring, Christian place Cons: Older Building more

Welcome Place has been one of the best environments for my kids. We came from a more private setting with my first 2 and so I was nervous in the beginning, however all those feelings melted away when I saw the terrific care my, now 3 receive. I have been very happy with the director/administrator and the positive changes that have been taking place. The staff love my kids and want the best for them. Any concerns I have had were addressed and always received with a listening ear. The christian values that are continuing to be nurtured in my kids while they are away from me is a great source of encouragement. And sure, it is an older building but with the fresh coat of paint and new carpeting it has definitely made a difference. Toys are always a struggle, even in my house, they get broken easily or dirty but they are cleaned continuously at Welcome Place - it would be hard pressed to change over that amount of toys on a continuous basis, the cost would be outrageous. I see new toys all the time popping up all over the building. Pros: Staff, Environment, Program/Ministry Cons: Older building more

I have to agree with the first reviewer as far as the new administration. I've had my two children in this daycare for many years and we were sad to see the former director retire. It seems likes some things get overlooked with the new administration/director, but I guess when younger people with different or less experience take over, then changes do present themselves. She seems that she cares, but it takes her a while to get some things taken care of. Pros: Teachers really care Cons: Sketchy administration more

We have had all three of our kids at Welcome Place since they were babies and now they even come back in the summer for the day camp. My kids have always been well taken care of--I can think of only one time in 8 years that we've had an issue and it was resolved. The same ladies have been rocking babies and taking care of the toddlers for years. They still see my older kids in the hall and want hugs and marvel at their growth just like a grandma would. The teachers of the 3-5 year olds follow a curriculum where they explore the world and learn self-control, respect for others, problem solving and independence. They did an excellent job of preparing my older children for kindergarten. Pros: Caring, dedicated staff with low turnover Cons: Cost--but to me its worth it. more

This daycare has seen better days. The director is scatter-brained and doesn't listen to anyone. She is hardly ever there and has to have lead teachers take her place in her office instead of staying in their own rooms. The building needs a complete renovation. Children play with dirty, old toys and there is not enough room for the children, and the hallways have an odor similar to a sewer. There isn't much in the way of safety precautions. For example, there are no red hazard bags for bloody clothing and children's parents are rarely called when teachers report that a child is ill. If you want to know your child is safe and your concerns will be heard, then do not send your children here. Pros: Close to Home Cons: Rude Staff, Unsanitary Environment, Lack of Safety more