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January 2024 by Sarah Moseley
I wish the daily reports weren't just copy and pasted from a lesson plan. I wish they contained information about my kid specifically, "he really enjoyed the {insert activity here} that we did today, he's doing a great job using scissors" etc. Instead the reports are copy and pasted lesson plans and I honestly have no idea if he's done the activity or not. I ask him and I don't really get a clear answer. Occasionally I see a photo on Facebook that shows said fun activities but not often at the center my children attend. Also really wish they would incorporate photos of any fun things they've done that day. Outside of that, my kids are thrilled to go here, they love it. I have zero complaints about their happiness. I know they are being taken care of and safe throughout the day. That's extremely comforting. Consistent staffing seems to be an issue, but that is clear everywhere right now so I'm being as patient as I can with the changes. I do really really really wish they had a way to set up payments online or an automatic withdrawal situation. We've been delinquent on payments due to being absent minded and that has become an inconvenience. Truly it's been a great experience overall. Only 3 stars due to the copy and pasted lesson plans and lack of personal information. Not thrilled with the tadpole app, but it's better than nothing. My kid's safety and happiness outrank any cons. I'd highly recommend this daycare.
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December 2023 by Scarlet Embers-Moseley
I wish the daily reports weren't just copy and pasted from a lesson plan. I wish they contained information about my kid specifically, "he really enjoyed the {insert activity here} that we did today, he's doing a great job using scissors" etc. Instead the reports are copy and pasted lesson plans and I honestly have no idea if he's done the activity or not. I ask him and I don't really get a clear answer. Occasionally I see a photo on Facebook that shows said fun activities but not often at the center my children attend. Also really wish they would incorporate photos of any fun things they've done that day. Outside of that, my kids are thrilled to go here, they love it. I have zero complaints about their happiness. I know they are being taken care of and safe throughout the day. That's extremely comforting. Consistent staffing seems to be an issue, but that is clear everywhere right now so I'm being as patient as I can with the changes. I do really really really wish they had a way to set up payments online or an automatic withdrawal situation. We've been delinquent on payments due to being absent minded and that has become an inconvenience. Truly it's been a great experience overall. Only 3 stars due to the copy and pasted lesson plans and lack of personal information. Not thrilled with the tadpole app, but it's better than nothing. My kid's safety and happiness outrank any cons. I'd highly recommend this daycare.
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March 2023 by Annie DiGregorio
My overall review of Great New Beginnings in Newark is unsatisfactory. My opinions and comparisons are based on my experience with Kindercare. The only reason I left to go to GNB was due to the cost for two children, but I know now that with less cost it’s less quality of service. I want to preface that GNB is currently struggling with staffing issues, like most in the education industry. I acknowledge that they are trying to do what they can with what they have. However, it still does not sit well with me when I expressed my concerns that my child is not learning the educational activities written in the lesson plans and curriculum. They listened but I was not heard. They acknowledged and knew that the lesson plans were not being followed in our conversation, but I did not see much change after that. There was lots of potential but very disappointing.Pros• Clean and tidy, very new building.• Classroom setting, like public schools.• Live video feed you can access. Timed access.• Well written curriculum with themeves. But not followed.• Teacher’s licensing and most of the classroom information is posted at the front door.• Great security• Uses Tadpole app.• Breakfast and snack provided. BYO LunchCons• There is a written lesson plan, but it is not followed. Other than circle time, it looks like it’s mostly free play.• Teachers didn’t even know my son was arriving for his first day. There was no cubby set up for him.• There is no artwork to take home, again reiterating motor skills lessons are probably not being taught.• The bathrooms are adult sized, with only one stool for washing their hands and for the toilet. Most of the time I was there to pick up or drop my child, I did not see a teacher monitoring the children use the bathroom.• Minimal update on the app. I guess as they get older there are less updates. My prior daycare had loves of videos and photos to share. If you are not watching the feed you don’t know what your child is doing.• The teach used her mouth to open some of the kid’s food packages.• My son wanted to get comfortable for his nap and took off his shows, which he put next to him. However, the teacher put them back on him for his nap. I don’t understand the reasoning behind this. It didn’t happen with the new teacher.• The handicap door does not operate as intended.• My child has told me multiple times that other kids are hitting him. The teachers did say that they are working on it in passing when my son was telling me who hit him in class. He still talks about it after we have left GNB. He still names the kids that hits and pushes him.• Most of the front desk staff are not friendly. 90% of the time you are not greeted. No smiles, just feels cold and uninviting.• No automatic payment set up.
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February 2023 by Juliette W.
Don't Send your child here. You only communication with the front desk workers. As a parent I would like to meet the director and this has never happened. Any issues that occurs if you want to speak to the director, they say she's not available at the moment. Every week they would have an incorrect tuition balance and i would have to correct them so they could fix it. Very money hungry and don't care about the children. Now the teachers in my child's class were great, but the office and directors not so much. I had a issue every week, incorrect balance, my child getting hurt, fee for my child being 5 minutes past the total day hours. It was getting to the point that some of the issues were just ridiculous. My husband and I wish we never put our child in this school. The director/ owner you need to do better and communicate with parents. Stop having your office just send emails and taking on the problems, while you sit back and call yourself running a daycare. Terrible.
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February 2023 by John Garden
I am writing this honest review about the center. Its been 6 months since we located this early learning center and I have been truly bless to have found it. The center is very well maintained and fully secure. The hiring process must be intense because all the staff thus far is beyond awesome! Even with complaints, the staff has always remained calm, empathic and pleasant. My sons milestones have been advanced with the educational games, songs, activities and human interactions at the center. I really appreciate Ms. Kyara & Ms. Janae at the front desk they are both level headed, professional, and welcoming everyday ( which is hard to do). Every interaction has been pleasant, even with the other parents. I would 100% refer anyone to this branch due to the team effort the staff shows day in and day out. Thank you
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December 2022 by C M
I am shocked to read any negative feedback for GNB. My husband, son and I had an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING experience! Should we have any more children I know this is where we would bring our child. My review is long over due as my child is now 7 but he attended GNB from 4 months old. I chose GNB because of the ability to livestream and a good interview/observation however, as a 1st time mom I was TERRIFIED to leave my child. I had a ton of questions and concerns but they were always addressed with care and understanding. Lin, Kristin and Janae always humored my requests and never made me feel like a bother. Although I was one of many parents, they always made me feel like my child was a priority, and that they were equally concerned for my child's well being. When there was an incident in the classroom between my child and a teacher, that teacher was reprimanded immediately even before I could review the tape and comment! They treated my child as if he was their own. The level of care and concern that was put into rectifying this situation truly blew me away. They heard my 4 year old sons concerns, took it seriously and did not hesitate to show him...not just tell him...that he was seen, heard, cared for and would be protected! Lin is truly a jewel she is so accessible and involved in what happens at GNB. Not like many owners who don't know whats going on...Lin gives you her cell phone number and will answer and respond almost immediately to texts and calls. She even allowed this panicked mom to retrieve her sons nebulizer after hours! I have so many wonderful things I could share...so many amazing teachers, Ms. Amanda, Ms. Jessica, Ms. Jess....they offered advice when needed, were always open to discuss my child's progress, and even differentiated instruction to challenge my child when they realized how smart he was. Differentiating instruction for a 2 year old!! Can you imagine a daycare that would go that extra mile??? GNB is a great place that truly desires partnership with its parents! They are GREAT partners to have!! They listen and truly look out for the best interests of your child in all aspects! This is overdue because I knew it would be long! But SO deserving!! Thanks GNB!
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November 2022 by Deesh H
My SUN went to this daycare for maybe 2 months. He is four. The staff knew this was his first time attending daycare. Everyday I got a call in regards to something my sun did as if the staff were not equipped to deal with a child. It would be for the smallest thing. For example pulling a teachers finger. And not only did they call but always requested for him to be picked up as well. It was very stressful to my son who didn’t feel he was “liked” and it was even more bothersome that the staff did not have anything in place to TEACH my sun right from wrong instead of just sending him home. Finally we took him out of the school and got the reply “PERFECT” when speaking to the director about him no longer attending. Very rude staff and uncompromising. If you have a child who acts like a child I strongly suggest you look elsewhere because these people DO NOT know how to deal with CHILDREN.
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August 2022 by Markira T.
Their "trained" teachers always seem to send kids home when their having a "bad day". Which is crying and wanting to be held. As if that's not something a CHILD does. Instead of finding a way to soothe my child they rather call me while I'm at work and make me come pick my child up or ask ME what THEY should do. I at least expect them to know how to care for my child while I'm away for a couple hours a day.
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November 2021 by Bayley Clifford
My child attends Great New Beginnings and I feel comfortable and safe knowing that my child is being well cared for each day. The teachers treat each child as if they were their own children. I would not want my child anywhere else
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November 2021 by Carolee Cowder
Very happy and pleased with the quality of care my grandson receives at Great New Beginnings! He comes home happy and thriving each day. Staff is very friendly and polite. And the facility is clean and safe. Thank you for all you do!
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November 2021 by Ky denise
LOVE Great New Beginnings! I love working at GNB! My bosses are THE best. The teachers are great as well. Always making sure the children are well cared for.GNB is a great work environment overall. I also have a child that attends GNB and the teachers do an amazing job taking care of him. The teachers communicate well with the parents and myself about each child’s day! LOVE GNB !! ?
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November 2021 by Jennifer Howard
Kristin at the front desk is so helpful and always a pleasure to deal with. My child loves going to “school” as he calls it and seeing his teachers and friends. The staff is caring and courteous and have become like family. We have had a wonderful experience at this center.
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November 2020 by Marissa Stewart
My daughter has gone here since she was 8 weeks old. I have to say every parent has their own scares with daycares especially with incidents in the news. I know I am very overprotective of my daughter but I can’t say I’ve had any worries here at GNB. Ms. Olivia and Ms. Michele were her first teachers and they were nothing below excellence. Sometimes I even forgot to check the cameras while I had breaks at work to spy on her. She is now in Room 2 and I can definitely see a difference in her development in comparison to other babies her age I’ve met. Any questions or concerns I’ve had have been answered. The women in the office are friendly even when I forget to bring my sensor key in every. single. day. and they have to let me in themselves. I honestly wouldn’t even consider her going to another daycare.
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November 2020 by Brandin Hudson
We have been a part of the GNB family for almost 2 years. We had an awful experience at a completely different center and due to the level of neglect and unprofessionalism we pulled our sons (now 4 and 1) out after only 1 week of attendance. At GNB (Bear), we have never felt anxious about leaving our boys under their care. From the moment you walk in, you are immediately greeted by the administrators and each teacher is very welcoming and pleasant as you walk down the halls. There is constant communication and any concerns you may have are always addressed promptly. They perform routine developmental screenings, and offer regular parent teacher conferences. Policy and safety are two things that the owners practice and display regularly. Our children run into the building each morning and we love it!
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November 2020 by Kristin D
A staff member actually tried to accuse me, a parent, of being a bully for asking for an incident report to be written accurately. Never had I been rude in fact I was always kind and appreciative of the teachers. You shouldn’t make up a lie of being bullied just because you were caught having done something wrong. When I found out my daughter hit her head and this was not in the report I was alarmed. All I asked is that the reports be accurate. Linda tried to play lawyer for the young daycare worker, but it was a very poor bullying session that took place instead. Needless to say I would never allow my child to attend such a daycare where the owner has no empathy. She feels the need to get on here and defend every review because she is guilty. I should have known from the first time I stepped foot in that establishment. She was never a nice woman—extremely arrogant. I have a new baby now and still I would never consider this daycare simply because of the owner. She has such a smug attitude and the feeling she left me with is just disgust. Everyone who gave this daycare 1-star is being honest and it’s all because of the poor leadership. You’re only as good as your weakest link and Linda is that link.
