-
November 2018 by Kristen Witbeck
We have loved Open Arms for our daughter. This was her first daycare experience when she started at 2.5, and she was a little timid at first, but she loves it and looks forward to going now. She has learned her colors in spanish and sign language, she is more outgoing, and loves playing with the other kids. The teachers have all been wonderful and the director is great. We would highly recommend this preschool. We also have appreciated the proximity to UF's campus. This preschool has been a big blessing in our lives!
-
November 2017 by Mickey Ebert
Open Arms and their staff have been excellent with my little girl. She was kept at home for the first two years and I was timid about sending her to school as I knew she was very shy. The staff embraced her and she is thriving as a student there. The teachers there are knowledgeable and treat my daughter as well as the other students with great respect. They care about these kids and the director is amazing with keeping in touch with the parents.
-
November 2017 by Dessie Carriger
Open Arms Is a wonderful Childcare Facility. Upon Walking in each morning I am always met with a greeting. Children seem to be excited to return to school each day eager to learn. The school is always clean and teachers and Directors are willing to answer questions and reply promptly. Open Arms I would give a 10 star rating overall. I personally believe that this is the only childcare facility that I would bring my children.
-
November 2017 by Julie McGriff
If you are looking for compassionate care in a safe, impeccably clean environment with an incredible staff for your little ones, Open Arms is the BEST choice. Open Arms is a melting pot of people from all ages, races, colors, nationalities, religions, cultures, and family dynamics and all are treated equally with the same devotion to care, safety, compassion and education. My second son started when he was two and continued through VPK. He still misses it! Currently I have an infant at Open Arms and I wouldn't trust his safety and well being (and my peace of mind) anywhere else. Over the years I've gotten to know the Director, Assistant Director and many teachers. Open Arms doesn't have the turnover in staff that I've seen at other daycares with my first son.. The same staff has been there for quite some time. I trust them implicitly to care for my son but also to teach him as he grows. They also have wonderful activities throughout the year for the whole family to enjoy and come together. Kids aren't perfect and sometimes they need redirection and education of how to share, be kind to one another, respect each other and themselves. Open Arms accomplishes all of this in a beautifully nurturing and gentle manner. I only wish I had known about them with my first son!!
-
November 2017 by Kait Smith
Open Arms has given me more than any other job has ever given me in my past 6 years of working. In fact, I wouldn't even call it a job anymore. Open arms is family to me, with loving co workers and caring directors who show compassion towards the staff, parents, and children everyday. I can finally say I have a job that I wake up happy to arise for everyday. Not many other people can probably say that about their jobs.
-
November 2017 by Allison Bryan
I have been working at Open Arms for four years now and I have had a wonderful experience. All of the staff is super friendly and extremely helpful. My boss is welcoming and the atmosphere around the work place is safe and inviting. I have learned a lot working here and continue to grow in this amazing work environment.
-
November 2017 by Kshama Green
I have had the pleasure of working at Open Arms for a few years now, and I have nothing but good things to say about it here. The faculty are extremely caring, welcoming, and diverse. I love watching these kids grow and become a part of my everyday, as well as creating a family out of the staff here. I'd send my child here
-
November 2017 by Ingrid Dioses
Amazing facility, I've had the pleasure of working for this great school for several years and have been very happy during my time here. The staff is vey friendly, very diverse and hardworking. The directors are always so helpful and understanding. The reward from working there is indescribable, I've gotten the opportunity to see children grow throughout the years and have become very close to some of our families. 10/10 would bring my children here!
-
November 2017 by Sara McNair
Hands down best childcare center in Alachua county. All aspects are great. From a consistently clean facility, solid curriculum, loving teachers, engaged administration, low ratios and the family activities that they offer throughout the year. Our first child attended through transition to kindergarten and he was very well prepped due to their curriculum and teachers. Our second child has attended since birth. They have become our second family and home away from home.
-
November 2017 by Jenni Van Hart
Both our girls attended Open Arms and thrived. This preschool welcomes children of all race, religion, and gender identification. They embrace diversity. Situated near UF means many UF employees use this preschool which results in many languages being spoken during the day. This is wonderful for little ones as they are sponges and come home with snippets of phrases in Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, etc. The teachers are universally loved by the children and the administration are responsive to any concerns a parent may have. The school supports families in ways beyond that of a usual preschool and for that we will always be grateful. I highly recommend Open Arms. It is a special place in Gainesville. You will not regret sending your child there.
-
November 2017 by Chrystal Simmons
My Child Has Been A Student At Open Arms Since He Was 3 Months Old. I Have Never Had ANY Issues With The Care He Has Been Provided. The Staff Are The Most Caring And Loving I Have Ever Met, They Go Above And Beyond To Make The Parents Feel Secure. The Director Personally Addresses ALL Issues And Works With The Parents To Ensure They Have The Best Child Care Experience Possible. Thank You So Much For All You Do.
-
November 2017 by T. Laann
I recently moved to Gainesville and was recommended this place by a colleague. I was first on the waiting list for about 2 months but I didn't mind that ( I was actually excited to get in there); however once I started it was a nightmare. First off, everyday I would get a call or report that my 2year old has been biting/aggressive and was told each occurrence it would happen out of no where (which later I found out was a lie due to video evidence). Her dad and I thought it was strange (especially since she never bite at home) so after the last occurrence I asked to watch the video to see what provoke this reaction. The director was very harsh and almost upset that I asked to see the video. Well, after viewing the tape I saw that my daughter was playing and another girl walked up to her, slapped her in the face and they were fighting for about 5secs before a teacher broke it up. I was mortified. After viewing, I asked the director a simple question as to why my child was reprehended and what actions were they taking to prevent this in the future. She got very hostile and said "your family and I don't mesh well and I don't think this is the daycare for you" I was taken aback because any concerned parent would be worried by what I witness. We were never offered a refund, (we did not finish the month) just told to not return. I warn any mother of color to not bring your child to this daycare.
-
November 2017 by A MB
Open Arms is one of the best preschools in Gainesville and its very loving, caring childcare center. This child care center has excellent staff and administration.
-
November 2017 by Shelby Finley
Its a great school. They have a friendly staff who is always caring for the children in their care. It's very well kept and clean.
-
November 2017 by Sean McCauley
Have worked with this facility going on 4 years. Love how considerate the staff is and how diverse the students are. Provides excellent care!