Kids R Kids

Recommends

Dave R.

Joined 5 months ago

Great School ...Over the past 7 years I have had 3 children go thru Kids R Kids in Valrico. Ms. Kim has cared for all our babies in the infant room. That’s how long she is there. Also, their 1 and 2 year old classrooms are excellent. When my kids went to the pre-k program, they were more than ready for kindergarten. My kids went off to Bevis which is the top rated A school in Lithia. All my 3 KG teachers were so impressed with their knowledge and commented that most children coming from Kids R Kids come in at a higher level. I recently recommended KRK to a friend who commented about the bad review on yahoo. I have to tell you the review is totally not what happens at Kids R Kids. Roaches? Not true. It’s the only preschool that I came across that has a nightly cleaning service contract. I typically pick up my kids at 6:25 and the cleaning staff are outside waiting for the building to empty. My kids still attend and the owners Ben and Keith are awesome. Stacy the Director is also so accommodating, caring and has a true passion for the families. Good job guys.... Keep up the good work.

Recommends

PJ S.

Joined 10 months ago

I have 3 children who attended this school for 5 years. From the infant room to the after school program. The owners knew their names, and we were greeted with warmth every day. If I had a question or concern, I was given information immediately and experienced very professional follow through. The policies of the school were very thorough and designed to ensure smooth operation from administration to curriculum.

Every teacher was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and loving with my children. The infant teacher and preschool teachers my children had, are still with the school today. At the end of the day, the children shared stories of interactions with the teachers as well as their friends. The classrooms were stimulating and cheerful, and the school clean and organized. Family events were scheduled to include parents and relatives in the classrooms and education.

There are not enough positive words to describe Kids R Kids. They truly raised the standard for early childhood education in our community.

Doesn't Recommend

Rosebud

Joined 4 years ago

Not for us. I agree with Natalie, this is not a good facility. The 2 male owners are on-site, giving the illusion that they are involved, however they are not. They did not bother to get to know my child name or even say hello. The director is a snob & also completely uninvolved. Picks & chooses when she says hello to parents or greet the child. The 2 main teachers in the infant room are burnt out & unhappy, esp Ms. K. Sure, they will make sure the baby is fed & changed on time but there is no love in that room. I had many of the teachers complain to me that they wished they worked somewhere else due to low pay. The only genuine teacher I came across there was Ms. Maria, a Grandmother type who only worked occassionally. She told me she couldn't bear letting the babies cry. Like Natalie, I was deceived by the clean new facility, fancy cameras & high price. It all made me think my baby would be getting the best care possible. I was very wrong. I have struggled about whether or not to post a review for quite some time. I just could not live with myself for not doing so any longer. I want to warn other new parents, do not bring your baby here. They let them cry. They would leave my baby in one spot for over an hour at a time & then deny it when I complained. Cameras don't lie. There are many other day care centers in the area (less espensive too). Do your research & visit many of them. Get to know the teachers, directors & owners. Follow your gut feeling.

Recommends

Ben F.

Joined 11 months ago

This is the owners response to Natalieb931:

The enrollment process at Kids R Kids includes collecting an escrow amount equivalent to one week’s tuition and an electronic back up payment method to address any delinquent accounts. This is a customary policy within the Kids R Kids International organization. This policy is intended to provide a measure of financial security for the families and teachers of Kids R Kids to protect against those few who may choose to be less than honest or responsible. We are in the business of education and quality childcare and not collections, disenrollment procedure involves a two week notice where in the escrow funds are applied to the student’s final week. This family retracted their two week disenroll notice after finding a new job. One of the owners, present on a daily basis, confirmed the families continued enrollment personally congratulating them on the new job. The mother stated that she” loved our school” and was “happy to stay.” The management team were all rather perplexed when the communication drastically changed following discussion of a past due balance.

Unfortunately, the toddling age group is prone to bruises as they learn to walk and be independent in their play and learning. Boo Boos are documented and parents called during the day for additional courtesy and to share any concerns. Close communication with our families is a hallmark of the school. Additionally, the quality of staff hired to work at Kids R Kids is among the highest. The teachers are consistently trained, supervised, and guided after a rigorous orientation. Staff issues, as described in the previous review, are unrealistic to the nature of our facility and practices.

In twelve years of operation, our licensing inspections, health inspections and corporate inspections are flawless. Reports can be viewed on line and we are very proud to offer this consistent quality to the families and children in our community. We have maintained the Platinum status with Kids R Kids International offices since opening. This status is only awarded to top 10% of the franchisees. There are 170 Kids R Kids nationally and we are recognized as a top school, frequently opening the school to distinguished guests and training opportunities for other Kids R Kids across the Southeast region.

Our schools are operated with owners on site. Our management team includes two owners and two administrators, and curriculum and management specialists. Our daily involvement and love for the kids speaks for itself. So many families have experienced difficulties in the past few years, and we strive to provide a safe and loving atmosphere in support of all of them.

Doesn't Recommend

Natalie b.

Joined 11 months ago

Do not let the cameras and expensive tuition /escrow fool you!

This company does the whole escrow thing so that after you leave they can still rip you off after you leave.

I put in my two week notice with stacy on a form that she provided. Even after signing the two week notice and using the escrow in my accoun they decided to take out the money for an extra week.

I called and discussed the two week notice and they stated that they thought that I was staying and so the two week notice was void. I then had a meeting with the owners and they all stated that they had no idea what I was talking about with the two week notice after having multiple conversations about it.( they were basically saying that I couldnt prove it and I was not getting my money back)

The Friday that was my childrens last day, my son came home with a HUGE purple and red knot on his head and a black eye.

My son has came home with multiple bruises and bite marks on him at different times but they always had an excuse for it , blamed it on other one year olds and I passed them off because of the character of the childcare. I was fooled by the cameras. You cannot hear what is going on and you cannot see everything either. At one point my one year old son was being yelled at by a teacher to "stop crying" while he was rolling around in the dirt crying and upset.Luckily I walked up on this to her surprise and I went to the owner.

I heard on a few occasion the preschool teachers yelling when they didn't think anyone was around.

It seems their concept is to hire innocent looking people and tp be sweet as can be when the parents are around but when they leave to treat the kids how they want.

The staff has a high turnover because they are not happy. The owners are not fair people and do not really care about the children just after money. That sjould be shown by the huge amount of escrow.

The roaches are out first thing in the morning which my sister was a witness of and swatted them with my shoes that she borrowed. I made a complaint to dcf and also passed this off.

I really thought it was a good daycare until recently just too many things have happened. I would not recommend this childcare to anyone who wants their children to be happy. THE OWNERS DO NOT CARE!!

My children have not learned anything from there and my baby stilled cried when I dropped him off.

As soon as i called to complain about the bump on my childs head they charged my card and extra week of tuition so that I wouldnt make a compaint to dcf if i wanted mymoney back. EVEN though I put in my 2 week notice. They didnt care that I am a single mom and that was my rent money. They would not give it back. HORRIBLE PEOPLE! and Liars and I feel bad for ever trusting my children with them.

HORRIBLE!!!

Recommends

simply spanish

Joined 2 years ago

Simply Spanish speaks out. Kids R Kids in Valrico is a top notch school. As owner of Simply Spanish for Kids, I have expererienced the staff in many capacities. From embracing multi-cultural learning to discipline to fun Kids R Kids Valrico does an excellent job. For over 6 years I have taught Spanish to their children ages 3-5.

Whenever I enter the school I'm greeted warmly. All of the teachers have been wonderful by having encouraging attitudes and positive demeanors. I really can't remember a time in all of these years where I didn't feel welcome.

Very importantly, I have witnessed FIRST HAND how the teachers treat the children. They are MORE than patient and I haven't ever seen a hand laid on child in a rough way. IF there are issues in the classroom they are handled swiftly with patience and with care.

I am in many schools teaching Spanish. I can honestly say I would HIGHLY recommend Kids R Kids in Valrico. I have full faith and confidence that the new school managed by Mr. Keith and Mr. Ben (in Fishhawk behind the Mosaic building) will be brimming with children well cared for!

Recommends

chefofbrandon

Joined 2 years ago

Hands on School. Since enrolling our 2 children in july of 2009, our experience has been nothing but positive. We toured many schools in the area and nothing compares to Kids R Kids. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by their management team and owners. Both Ben and Keith are very involved in day to day operations, even going out on summer camp field trips! We were concerned about our daughter, with language development and walking. Their guidance and support at Kids R Kids got her moving and groving along with her friends. Our children are 2 and 8 years old now and love coming. They have made some amazing friends. As parents, it is great to walk out the door and know your children are in the "best" hands possible. Thank you!!

Recommends

workingmom15

Joined 2 years ago

Our Kids Are Happy (and so are we). All I can say is my husband and I are so happy we found Kids R Kids. Not only is the center beautiful and clean, the directors and staff are loving and nurturing. We also like the idea the owners are always there. That there not "absentee owners" like some places we visited and their always there to talk to if we need. Most important is our kids are happy and have made great friends and their learning. It gives both myself and my husband great peace of mind when we drop off our kids and have to go to work.

Doesn't Recommend

ProudDad180

Joined 2 years ago

Was told to "grow up" after my son's arm was dislocated.. My 18 mo old son had been bitten once or twice a week for almost 2 months straight; then he came home with a dislocated elbow the doctors said he could only have gotten from a caregiver pulling his arm too hard. There were 3 caregivers in the room at the time, and none of them could explain his injury. While they had been taking measures to protect my son, they hadn't been successful. The last straw was during my conversation with the owner Ben. He told me a few things; that I needed to "grow up as a parent, and learn that these things happen to kids"; that I needed to "stop micromanaging his directors" when I asked what measures his school was doing to ensure my son's safety; And finally that I needed to "step back and let the professionals do their jobs" after several months of letting them do just that.We had been happy as parents with the other rooms before he turned a year old, but it is unconscionable for an owner to be as unconcerned and disrespectful to a parent at his daycare. More importantly, if his attitude about a child having his arm dislocated by a caregiver at his daycare is any indication, you would do well to find another option for daycare.

While they definitely did attempt to change my son's room and keep safe, in the end my only regret is not pulling my son out earlier. He still has a scar on his back from one the bites 6 months later.

Recommends

Mommy3850

Joined 4 years ago

I love this daycare. The staff is very good and they are professional. The owners and Director are always there and available. They know every child by name and welcome them and tell them good-night when they leave. There are cameras so I can monitor from work and they are always gentle with the kids and you dont have to hope your child is okay because you can watch and see that they are doing great. They teach the kids and the staff seems to enjoy their job. Low turn over with teachers which tells me a lot. I am very protective as most mothers and I really enjoy this center. My daughter looks forward to going to school and the other kids there are wonderful too.