Valley Child Care & Learning Center – Paradise Valley

Was the 2^nd child/​parent to go there and I had to put in my 2 weeks last Friday. I first was scouted on a babysitting website about Mercedes childcare and at the time I had a part time nanny watching my son. I felt then my son was at a good age to start interacting with other children. When signing up, of course I was told how much they care about children, how much the owner (Mercedes) loves kids, etc. IT’S ALL A LIE. I felt she was more concerned about receiving a payment from me than anything. The day after I signed up, she told me she had to close the daycare because her grandfather died, two weeks it was closed then, and then her main caretaker quit. She then found someone who I was a bit uncomfortable with and expressed to Mercedes about, still I figured if this person is in the business of taking care of children, then I should be ok and just wait and see. One thing after another kept happening with my child. He would come home hungry and thirsty every day, red marks would be on his face and she would say, not sure where those came from. I would get feedback everyday when I checked it and requested photos everyday. Little by little I started noticing texts that were bothersome and then if something little happened I would have to come pick my son up. One example him having a running nose. Another time, apparently my son was sick and throwing up but here they had given him food that was left out all day. I paid her for full time, and then she creates excuses to not have my child be watched. She had once told me my son is costing her more money when he is there because she has to pay someone 11 dollars a hour until I pick my son up, which I felt was very unprofessional and that shouldn’t be something I need to work around if her hours are open for business from 7 – 6. One time, no one was there when I wanted to drop my son off. Today was the last I had of that place. So this past Thursday that passed I had gotten a late notice that I could not take my son to daycare the next day because my son had a runny nose. I was so upset that I went online and did research on clear runny nose policy. Again a excuse to take my money and not provide the proper time I am paying for. So I told her I was not happy that something was constantly always happening and that it was going to be our final week. I was then told I need to give a two week notice and that last payment was due and the following was covered from payiand I said fine. I dropped my child off Monday, got bombarded with nonsense from the caretakers about my son wanting to eat another’s food when I had brought more than plenty of food for him. I cooked a hearty stew the night before and my son loves it. I’m always feeling very uncomfortable and stressed, waiting for news that something happened when I’m at work. The things they were asking were shocking to me considering the qualifications that they have to be in child care. I felt something was off. The next day, I wrote a check out for last payment and found out hours later it was CASHED, which made me think that she was going to cause something and I would not be able to put a hold on check. So then today I get a nasty text about my child and how he had to take off his poopy diaper, and how he was aggressive to a child there. One, if both caretakers were there properly monitoring and taking care of my child he wouldn’t feel the need to remove his dirty diaper. I have also text after text and photos of how gentle and loving my child was to other infants there. Now mind you, my son isn’t even two and I am getting nasty texts from Mercedes about my child and that he should know better. This woman should not be in child care, let alone own a business taking care of children. When bringing up my issues and concerns with the other caretaker who had watched my son more, Mercedes told me I was harassing her, which I clearly was not. I was asking for a refund to get the remaining things of my sons clothes, diapers, wipes, etc. and mentioning to the caretaker that I would be returning to see Mercedes the next day because she was not there when I arrived to pick up my son. She then told me she would call the police for trespassing if I showed up for a refund or remaining of items. She is out of line, disrespectful and not to be trusted with your child. You know that gut feeling you get when something is off? I got that more and more and it got stronger until I couldn’t handle anymore. I requested a refund many times. I had also been asked to bring toys from my own home so he could have things to play with!!! There is no set schedule and they do nothing of what they preach on their site. I am so disappointed that I had to write a review. I don’t waste my time with negative energy but this place effected my child and his wellbeing and caused a lot of stress for me as a parent, and I will not stand for that. If this can help a parent searching for the right place for your child, this is not the place.

Great facility! Clean, and very nice. The staff is very nice and great with our kids!