Playdate

I have used this drop-​in care a couple of times over the last 2 years, and with an unpleasant experience every time. When my child was 1, they went the whole 4 hours without feeding her. When I brought this up with the owner, Cheryl, she tried to blame it on me asking if I put my child’s name on her food/​drinks (I used THEIR sharpie.) My most recent visit, with my child being almost 3 years old, I decided to give it another shot since some time had passed. I dropped in without a reservation and there were only two adults there and at least 10 children. One of the girls was at the computer trying to determine how long my child can stay and another was trying to check someone else in. During this time, nobody was watching the 10 other kids, of different ages, running around behind them. The woman that was checking her child in beside me, was telling one of the girls how when she picked her child up last time, he had a different brand diaper on with someone else’s name. I immediately remembered a friend of mine telling me months ago of the same situation happening. This could be a huge problem if a child had reactions to certain brands or chemicals. But, the girl made up an excuse about how the person had a similar last name as theirs and that was the reason (yet first names are written on the diapers.) My daughter is really attached to me, so leaving her anywhere can be hard sometimes. So, I always try to explain things to her thoroughly because that works best. As my daughter was on the other side of the gate crying, I am explaining to her how I would be back soon after I do some mommy things… But then, one of the girls basically tried to shoo me off and tell me that she’s crying because she can still see me. Since I was late, I went ahead and told her mommy would be right back and left. I came back three hours later and my daughter was clearly upset. She usually runs to me with open arms but this onetime, I got a look of resentment. One of the girls told her she had to go and my daughter took off (which she has never done to an adult), the girl caught her and scooped her up, and my daughter was kicking and screaming, «get off me!!!» She was TOTALLY out of character. Well, when I got her back in the foyer, I bent down to talk to her and calm her down, I noticed her lip was busted. I tried to ask her but she was already too hysterical to tell me. As I’m trying to calm her down, I hear Cheryl asking one of the girls what happened to «that one.» The girl then responded, «that’s the one that was spinning and fell.» Cheryl then goes «oh,» and continues what she was doing without talking to me about it. Had I not overheard the conversation or asked them, «so she was spinning and fell?» I wouldn’t have known what the incident was that caused it. So, after I got her situated in the chair and calmed down a bit, I was at the counter paying for the stay, I asked Cheryl was she acting up like this the entire time, her response was, «Nope. Just for you.» I honestly tried to give this place a chance, but I would never recommend it to anyone. My friend has also had an incident where their children weren’t fed and I just feel like that’s a really simple thing to do when it is already packed for you. For someone I know to have similar experiences (scratches on the face and all) as me is more than a coincidence. I think something as simple as a dry erase board could solve the feeding problem. I also think children should be divided by slightly broad age groups for the safety of the younger toddlers who aren’t as quick. The staff also needs some more training, stricter rules about eyes on kids at all times, as well as a customer service refresher. It’s a shame because it’s a really great business idea, but poorly run. Wish I had enough faith and trust in the establishment to take advantage of it. I feel like the nature of the business is more in and out rather establishing a warm relationship with the families. That’s not where I want to leave my children, even for an hour or two.

My kiddos love this place. The ladies here are always friendly. My kids have never complained, so I’m a happy momma!

Playdate is absolutely great! My kids love going there and have a great time. It’s very secured and clean and these measures are extremely important when it comes to my children. They have activities planned on certain dates besides a great playroom. The «Back to School» event included face painting, arts & crafts, and a goodie bag. The face painting was very creative and many people were amazed with the details. My son couldn’t stop looking in the mirror and daughter loved the glitter and stars! If you need a safe and fun place at last minute or well planned ahead to run an errand or etc; this is the place to take your children!