WeVillage Flexible Childcare

Whenever I am in town, I always take my kids WeVillage. They have a few locations which makes things super convenient. The kids have a blast every time… and if they are happy, I am happy. Its a great place!

Terrible experience. Staff seemed uninterested in children. No one knew who my son was when I went to pick him up or if he had been fed. As well, all the adults charged with watching the children were all lounging in the break room off to the side while 10 – 15 children were screaming, playing, crying, over to the side. I was in tears when I left as it was the worst experience I could ever imagine for my child. He was around 6 months old when I gave WeVillage a try.

Update: This review is from 8÷2013− They were in the process of moving at the time and my review got put on their old location. I keep seeing them pop up as a place to take your kids and I wanted to share my experience. After I wrote this review Karen emailed me and called me. I believe she swore on the phone (can we just say super unprofessional). I know she’s a small business owner, as am I, but the model she has set up is not sustainable. I wanted to move my review over though, because it was of the new location AND it still really bothers me!
I wouldn’t give a star if I could! I’m going to try to get everything in, and excuse me if it doesn’t all flow perfectly… I’m still a little worked up I guess.
I have been thinking about this review for several days as I mulled over how to write it so that I can prevent other parents and their children from having as negative experience as I did. Let me start by saying that I was a teacher for five years. I own my own business now where I deal with customers.
This was my daughter’s second day out of our home for care… she is 13 months old. She’s had a nanny for the past 7 months the two days a week that I work out of the home. She’s starting at co op next month even.
I thought that We Village was going to be the answer to all my in between and date night problems. I hate asking friends for help and my nanny started a full time job.
I have NEVER been treated so poorly by an owner of a business in my life. I have NEVER treated anyone the way I was treated. I don’t know how my daughter was treated while she was there and that is what really disturbs me. Leaving my child alone at a new location was already anxiety enough, she’s in a new space with people she and I don’t know.
The second I walked in the door (I could hear my daughter crying in the background) the owner greeted me (if you can call it that) with a «your daughter can’t come back here» she’s been like this all day, she had to have someone holding her the whole time. All I could think was give me my daughter, I want my daughter. My reaction was my daughter isn’t normally like this, (why the heck didn’t you call me if that’s how she was), I don’t understand why your talking to me this way. The owner backtracked, well I didn’t mean she couldn’t come back, I meant maybe only for one hour at a time (their policy is 2 minimum), you’ve already lost me lady. The staff member told me, no your daughter was fine (who do I believe), and the owner contradicted her by saying no she was like this yesterday too, I replied that no one had told me, but again, where was the phone call. I told them to cancel all my future reservations and that I’d never been spoken to like that before. The owner tried covering her tracks with it’s only our 3^rd day (at our new location), I’ve been working 18 hour days, etc, that doesn’t matter to me as a mom, you shouldn’t be up front greeting people then. Don’t you know about a sandwich (a sandwich is teacher lingo when you want to communicate something to a parent… you give a positive, then a constructive, then a positive). And, was my daughter really crying all day, I’ll never know.
I was seriously floored. I left shaking and crying. My poor baby! It was her 2^nd day, she’s 13 months old! For crying out loud.
I don’t think they were staffed properly. They said 1:4, but I don’t think that’s what they had. It also didn’t seem like the infant/​toddlers were separate from the big kids.
On top of this, the day I came to visit the owners dog was there, running around, my daughter loves dogs, but then it was on the table and then the owner had a child eating off the same table… I don’t know how they passed health inspection.
Maybe this is good for older kids who can advocate for themselves. I don’t know, but it really is not set up for under 2s. I don’t know how anyone can talk to another person the way I was, nor be loving to a child if that is how you feel. It’s scary!
I got a reply email from the one I sent apologizing and saying that she (the owner) had also broken her foot, she made a huge mistake, my daughter is a doll, they are capable of watching her, even though she understood if I didn’t want them to and how could she make it right. Well the fact is nothing can make it right, I am so distraught that I left my daughter in a situation like that. I’m also distraught that I now have to scramble to find back up care until our co op starts in September. I just really hope that this can prevent a few others from making the mistake that I made. Leaving our babies is stressful enough as it is… good luck!

I took my niece in here a few weeks ago I was sitting since I had a last minute meeting there in the Pearl and they do have drop in (at a minimum of $ 30).
My niece said the girls there are nice but their phones are glued to their hands!
Can the staff dispute this claim? Are you all constantly on your phones out there on the floor?

Overpriced childcare. For children four and older this is a horrible childcare service. There is no interaction between caregivers and kids, no activities, nothing to make it an enjoyable experience. My 5 year old and 7 year old absolutely loathe this place– it’s a jail sentence. Will never recommend to anyone ever or use again. They charged me 90.00 for three hours of childcare for two kids! What a rip off!

I was very hesitant to even try this place after reading a lot of negative reviews on here. But I had an appointment I’d been waiting a month to get, and my babysitter got sick & canceled on me. I am SO glad I gave it a chance.
I am here «vacationing» for half a year while my husband is on deployment. I love Portland, but I have no friends or family here whatsoever. It’s just me and a toddler. I have been taking my son here for several months now, and it has been a lifesaver. Any time I need to go to the doctor, or get my hair cut, or do Christmas shopping, or just need a few hours to myself.
My son LOVES it here! I’m not kidding when I tell you that several different times I’ve come to pick him up, and he has cried because it was time to go. He has told me «No, I need to stay and play more!» He tells me everything that goes on. The food they eat, the games they teach him, the toys they have. He goes on and on about it. We’ve never had a bad experience. In fact, I’ve been impressed with how they’ve handled some situations.
In one instance, I wanted to work on my writing at Powell’s during one of their «date night» parties. 6 – 9 pm on a weekend, and there’s usually a theme, like Thanksgiving or pajama party. I had put him in an overnight diaper because he usually passes out on the way home. I didn’t bring any extra diapers. Well, he did a number 2, and they called me because they didn’t have anything in his size. But while I was on the phone with them, another parent came in & offered a diaper big enough for him. Crisis averted, but they really cared about him being clean and comfortable during the party.
Another time, he was repeatedly hitting another child with a ball and threw a temper tantrum when they told him to stop. So they had him on time out up at the front desk until I got there (this happened like 5 minutes before I was due to return). I was able to calm him down & have him go back with them to apologize to the child. They seemed very calm and professional in both situations. I told my son he had to behave the next time we went there, or they wouldn’t let him come back. He looks forward to going, so he was on his best behavior the next time lol.
He just went to their Christmas party last night and told me all about how they decorated a gingerbread house, watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and saw Santa (who did stop by!). I had a great few hours to myself at nearby Teardrop Lounge. So yeah, definitely check this place out and form your own opinion, don’t be too frightened by some negative (and vague) reviews.

Please know that I dropped my beautiful child off for a couple hours and when I returned the ratio appeared to be over 15 to 1 care provider. There was an infant in that group. Horrified I asked what was happening and the provider said that the other person was down the street picking up a child from a school.
I would never, ever, ever ever send my child bear this place and really hope you read this review.
Later I read that they’ve been caught doing practices like this by the state many times and that a staff was a whistleblower.
I’m shocked they are allowed to be in business.

Over priced.
Understaffed.
Disgruntled employees.
Rude.
Unsafe combo of toddlers and older children.
Poor security.
If you enjoy paying an arm and a leg for your child to be truly uninspired then this is your place.
I’ve seen dog boarding businesses run in a more professional manner.

I have always had great experiences at WeVillage! I have been taking my kids there on a regular basis for over a year and the staff is always so helpful and nice. I love taking my kids there! WeVillage is a true lifesaver when I have last minute plans, and my kids always have the best time there. I love you WeVillage! :D

I won’t give my opinion, just the facts. My son, 8, and another boy, 6, both attended WeVillage after school on a regular basis.
Today, I received a phone call from their school. No one from WeVillage was there to meet the bus, so the bus driver brought them back to school. I later found out the person who lost track of time was Karen, the owner.
What do you think about this? Is this responsible? Good business practice?
Just some information before you make up your mind. Both boys have been going there for over two months.

I recently had a great experience at WeVillage! The staff was super friendly and helpful determining the best childcare plan for my intermittent needs.
I’ve toured several facilities and I love how fresh and modern WeVillage’s space feels. Most importantly, I felt like my son was in a place where the staff cared. I was surprised how many staff members were present.
Not all childcare has to be dull and boring. WeVillage stands out as alternative to humdrum childcare. Better yet, my son actually enjoys his visits.

Really think about how much you need this.
I had a 15 minute meeting around the block from Wevillage and had to make childcare happen last minute. I love my babysitter but really hate to bother her unless she has 24 hours notice (she’s a mother herself). So I check this place out online and am already having trouble. I can’t seem to get through the checkin process. If I try to make an account it tells me I need to login first. I don’t have an account to login with to get an account! Add that to the fact the site would not size properly on my iPad and I was chasing resized boxes all over the screen.
I give up and just drop in. I know they allow it. The woman at the front desk seemed very… Out there… I told her I was just doing a drop off for an hour. «Oh we have a 2 hour minimum». I could not find anything that says that on their site and I’m kinda in a rough situation here. I begrudgingly accept the 2 hours. She asks for my name 4 times misspelling it every single time before asking if I have the reservation confirmation. I never made one. I told you this was a drop in. «Oh, that’s why this isn’t working!». She then proceeds to try to enter my name in another page another 3 times. I need to spell it out for her every time and still it is wrong. The last time she tells me that they are spelled correct but she put my last name as my first name in the system and vice versa. Are you kidding me? I am now late for my meeting because this takes 15 minutes. I leave fearing for my girls care with this woman who can’t even read which name box is which. I do my meeting and it runs a little long. That’s ok. Apparently I’m there for 2 hours against my will.
The meeting ends and I rush back. I’m saving my kids from this woman. I arrive 65 minutes after dropping them off and am greeted by the same woman. She works the computer slowly and then asks me for $ 54 for just over the hour. I’m stunned. No meals, no special care, just letting them play in a toy kitchen for 60 minutes. I don’t want to talk to this woman, pay my way and leave feeling cheated.
I should have just offered my babysitter $ 30 for her last minute trouble. At least they like her.

I was so pleasantly surprised by my experience here at We Village… walked in and was met by friendly staff. My daughter felt instantly comfortable and at ease. When I said I was leaving she didn’t even make a fuss! I was also taken with the cool environment — it was clean and very inviting. When I came back, my daughter didn’t even care I was there, she just wanted to stay longer… she said they did all these fun and educational activities– I wasn’t expecting that! It was such great value and so flexible, I’d go again in a heartbeat!

I have been taking my kids here for over 6 months, 1 – 2 times a week while I work out. My youngest was apprehensive at first but the staff did such a great job making him feel at ease that now he lights up with excitement when we walk in.
Karen and her crew create a safe, nurturing and fun environment for my kiddos to play and learn in. When I pick them up they provide a «report card» that lets me know what they ate, drank, if they had diaper changes, and any other pertinent info.
I love WeVillage and the peace of mind it gives me to take a little time out for myself!

Wonderful place.

Karen and her staff are amazing with children.
I’ve watched WeVillage grow over the years and I think this is a wonderful model for parents who just need a few precious moments over the course of a busy day.

I was very excited to try wevillage for the first time. The owner was very cold at the front desk when I dropped my daughter off.
When I picked her up another staff member was at the desk and was very sweet. She seemed to have actually bonded with my daughter. I find it understaffed and not a very safe place for kids. Anyone could just unlatch the lock and walk right in. I’ve heard a lot of things about this place from people in the area but was willing to give it a try. Sucks I didn’t get to experience it the right way.
Also don’t all the reviews look a little fake. Weird that a whole bunch of people decided to review the place in the same hour. Hmm

As a small business owner and mama of two, I run a tight schedule. One day my daughter’s regular babysitter was sick, and I had a meeting I had to attend but absolutely could not take her with me. we had not been to WeVillage before, but had heard good things from other moms I knew.
Let me tell you, my daughter had SO much fun her first day! When i picked her up she couldn’t stop talking about it. So we went back the next day!
The only area that could use improvement was the check in/​out process, which was on the slow side. We are, however, excited to meet the new staff and baby girl can play again!

Awesome!!! I trust my firstborn to WeVillage! I did not want to write a review, until I went to them for a second time, and yes this place is totally legit. Bring your children here. They are in good hands. Date night was wonderful downtown. We had a blast, no fuss no muss. Everyone is welcoming and kind. No qualms from this mama! Thank you!!!

I cannot tell you how happy we are with with WeVillage. I began using them at their Orenco Station (Hillsboro) location when it first opened up. My kid was about one at the time, and just loved it! Now that he’s 3, he loves going to play care when we have to go to work — they have everything he likes doing. We especially love the toys and crafts selection they have as well, since my son loves to draw and read books, as well as run and climb around with other kids.
Having a good (and healthy) food selection is also really important to us. My son has an egg allergy, and the staff always makes sure what they are serving is ok for him. I really can’t say enough how great Karen and her staff at WeVillage is — especially for my wife and I who are also small business owners and many times have to change our schedules last minute to accommodate clients and work. It’s really wonderful to have a nice, safe and consistent place to drop our child off knowing he will have a good time and will be taking care of really well. Thank you!

if I can put Zero star, I will do that.
First, About the Payment issue.
I made an reservation for 1 child for 2 hours. I paid online with paypal.
They charged again when I picked up my child, I told them that I already paid, and showed my email comfirmation receipt, and they refunded me. but not nice attitude. They don’t even check for statues for online payment??(without paying, I could not make online reservation on the website)
Second, Charging Rate is awuful.
I droped my child at 10:05am and picked up 12:36pm. At that time, there was two adults infront of me to pick up their child. it takes 10 mins each adult. I waited my turn come patiently with my child because the staff called my child that mom is here. When my turn comes, she caculated hour all including waiting time. and My child was with me for 15 – 17 mins, but she still charged everything on me.
Third, lunch menu??? really truth?
when I droped off, I asked what is lunch menu for the day, and how much.
She said, Saseges, fruits apple, veggi carrot etc, at least 5 different food. $ 7
I throught it is reasonable, but I asked my child what did you have for lunch, «Hamburger, and Apple Sauce» nothing else.
I don’t know why she just changed menu or why she lied
apple and apple sauce is different. don’t you think? sugar and fruit is different.
totally, different food they feed.
Fouth, Watch TV
when I arrived, they were watching TV. I was really shocked.
I am paying for 15 dollors per hours. only staying 2 hours and Watching TV!
She said that is Halloween Special Curious Gorge.
Are you Kidding me!!! Do that on Halloween day Please!
Fifth, Staff attitude
I was not comfortable with work staff attitude to me. basically, rude and bossy, and disrespectful.
Overall,
I am not going back there again.
I guess Depends on who work there each the day and shift, it can be so different or worst or little better than what I experienced.
Good Luck.

We tried this place for the first time yesterday. It was the first time my son had been to a day care, since my daughter was born 7 months ago. I explained this to the woman in front, and that I wanted her to phone me if my son (3 yrs old) got upset, that we were just trying to ease into things. She reassured me that she would call me, and I let her know I was only two blocks away.
I returned to find my son sitting at the «crying table,» (as my husband later called it because there was another little girl sitting there, crying, and completely ignored as well), and he was eating a lollipop! The woman who had reassured me that she’d call if my son was upset, told me that it was good for him to cry it out and that they just gave him a lollipop! I can’t explain how appalled I am at this place, or this woman to completely disregard my parental wishes. Needless to say, my son, refused to go back there because, «he was crying and they wouldn’t let him have his mommy.»
I understand kids may cry when in a new place. But I had asked to be called if that happened. My heart sunk, when I saw my son sitting there, crying, alone. Who knows how long he was there, and how much longer he would have been left to «cry it out,» had I not returned when I did.

Maybe a good fit for others, but not for us. Last-​minute scheduling is obviously great. But poor communication about lunch and interactions with owner at check-​in left me with an overall bad impression.
Lunch: I left some snacks for my daughter in her backpack, but asked for her to be fed lunch (since I knew she’d be hungry and others would be eating). My daughter was there a total of 45 minutes, they did NOT feed her lunch (though the other kids ate), so she was hungry in the car, and when I checked her backpack, all the snacks were gone (I’m certain she didn’t eat three applesauce packets in 45 minutes, plus they charged me for one snack, the one I saw her eating when I picked her up). I feel like communication was just off… probably a mix-​up, but that mix-​up didn’t make me feel like they were paying attention. (I even circled lunch on the sign-​in form).
Drop off: A dog greeted us as we entered, and while my daughter is mostly fine with small dogs, many other kids I know are not, so just a fair warning. Check-​in felt rushed (maybe they were trying to help me keep on schedule?), kids there were sitting around a table when I arrived and in nearly the same place when I returned less than an hour later. I didn’t ask for a tour, but later it seemed odd to just arrive and drop off without an introduction. But again, it may have just been an «off» day, not sure what vibe I was sending out. At any rate, I think I’ll look for someplace else.