Pros:
honest, friendly,reliable,accommodating,trusting
Cons:
too far away from where I live to use on a regular basis
Me and my friends were on vacation and had a slow leak in the tire, we saw this small repair shop and stopped. At first we were skeptical about a small town repair shop, I've heard many horror stories about these places and how they take advantage of people traveling. Well, not in this case...Joey the owner was very nice, he quickly put us at ease, they sat and talked to us while our tire was being repaired. Gave us words of wisdom about tires, and shocks. Our tire was fixed quickly and we were on our way without any hassels. Prices were excellent and services was above expectations.
Pros:
Honestly? I haven't found a "pro" yet.
Cons:
I can barely afford to put food on my table because of the maintanence of my rental!
I have been renting a home from this company for five months. When I moved into the property, I ended up having to dump $1200 of my own money into the house because they would not make the appropriate repairs. When I moved in, the locks were not changed, but were re-keyed. Three months later, the deadbolt had to be drilled out and replaced by a locksmith -- which I had to pay for because their maintenance ignored my calls (even though I was locked out of my home with small children inside). I had to eat the $125 I was charged.
All American Property Management is horrible at returning phone calls. If you have to deal with this company, maintain meticulous records of all calls -- whom the conversation was with, the date, time, etc.. The office staff (primarily Yolanda) is absolutely lacking in professional regard, insulting, and belligerent. The lease is drafted by a law firm and it is very well-written, but All American does not adhere to their portion of the lease, yet they hold you firmly to yours.
I have leased in three different states over the years and I have NEVER encountered such a blatant disregard for the property (e.g. maintenance) or for the renter. Having had rental properties of my own in the past, I would not recommend this company to manage your rentals (unless, of course, you want your property poorly maintained).
Just my two cents.
Pros:
He's takes a wholistic and naturalistic approach to health
Cons:
Only open a few hours on Saturday.
I used to have annoying back pain and headaches. When I first started seeing doctor Cohen, he scheduled my appointments for twice a week. I must say that I was a bit concerned with the frequency. I questioned in my mind whether twice a week was really necessary. Well after about a month, the back pain and headaches had subsided substantially. Once the pain decreased, my appointments decreased to once a week. Now that I have no pain, I see Dr. Cohen once every month or two just for a maintenance adjustment.
Dr. Cohen is a person centered doctor. He is truly concerned about the overall health of his patients. I definitely don't feel like just another number as I do when at my primary physician's office. Dr. Cohen is a great doctor who knows what he's doing. If you follow his instructions, you will get better.
What a nightmare!!!! I'm a home-owner and signed a contract with AAM last year, ever since then every month I've had problems with them. My house is near UCF, great location, brand new. The first problem was they said, they can't find renters and they had to drop the price. According to them there were too many houses on the market. So desperately, I agreed to drop the rental price, just to find out later on, we're renting out for $100-$150 less than the market price. We've had problems come up with them every single month, with unexpected, surprises charges/fees. The staff is unprofessional and rude. Now that we've found a better management company and want to cancel our contract, they won't allow us. Apparently there's a loop-hole in their contract that if the renters stay, they're allowed to renew the lease up to 5!!! years! unless the owner is willing to pay one month's rent in 'charges' to break the lease, that's almost a $1000. We've complied with their contract and have notified them about cancelling 60-days prior to our 1-year contract agreement. But there seems to be problems no matter what. If you're a home-owner DO NOT sign a contract with them!!!
Pros:
Lounge is beautiful and the music was really good.
Cons:
Limited room for dancing; They don't tell you that the cover charge includes the club next door.
Pangea is a site to see. When you walk in from the outside, you walk through this outdoor garden seating with is pretty cool. Once inside, the decor does not disappoint. It's a mixture of Asian, African, and European elements. Their web site has some really cool pictures. The music on Friday night was great. They played all the current hot tracks and the crowd was lively.
Despite all the good things, Pangea only gets two stars because there is hardly in room for dancing and there is the possibility of being double charged for the club. First the dance space. There are huge round cushions in the middle of the floor for almost two-thirds of Pangea's length. As a result, the only play you can dance is in the walk path that circles the outside of the cushions. Not cool. Secondly, Pangea is connected to the club next door, Gryphon. You can walk in between Gryphon and Pangea once inside either club. However, it's not obvious that you can do this and I didn't see any signs telling you this. Plus, they both have different external entrances with their own cash registers and they don't tell you at the door that your admission is for both clubs. I only learned about this because I asked the security guy if there were multiple dance rooms and he told me about the one admission fee. Of course it was too late, I had already given my credit card and the manager told me there were no refunds, even though I had the Pangea stamp on my wrist. he gave me two complimentary drink stickers he said were worth $10 a piece, but of course that wasn't the case. So, I'm not a fan when it appears like you are trying to get over on your patrons.
Pros:
Huge main dance floor, Carribean dance floor was jammin!
Cons:
Latin room was practically empty. Speakers appeared a bit muffled on the main dance floor.
Spirits is a great spot for carribean, hip hop and R &B with a touch of old school mixed in. There are three dance floors, one for carribean music, the other for latin music and the main dance floor has hip hop and R & B. Each dance floor has at least one huge bar. It's definitely an upscale establishment with elevated VIP seating on the sides and in the front of the club. This place is HUGE! I can definitely see this being a major destination for new years as it is the largest of the four night clubs at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel.
The carribean dance floor was on fire. I would say about 85% of the people were dancing. There was a lot of energy here and in the main dance floor. There was hardly anyone in the latin dance floor as most of the latin folks appear to choose the latin dance floor at Passions next door. This and the seemingly muffled speakers in the main room are the only reason Spirits gets 4 stars. All in all, it you want great music with a good urban crowd, you won't be dissapointed with Spirits.
Pros:
Meghan, the property inspector.
Cons:
EVERYTHING else.
Let me start by saying that the home I rented in was beautiful, and in a fantastic neighborhood (Avalon Park). I really wanted to purchase, but was relocated by my company to Orlando and had to be there quickly. I never met my original property manager. After telling me she probably couldn't turn over the home on the start date of my lease (with movers, et al already on the way), she ended up leaving the keys in a lockbox and giving me the code. I never did meet her. Over the course of my lease, I had to call them infrequently...never receiving a call back. I think the person assigned to my property has changed 3-4 times over the year and a half I lived there. Hopefully, they're leaving at such an alarming rate due to acquiring consciences...but I digress. At the end of the first year, they sent a letter stating that if I was planning on moving to let them know, otherwise they would just assume you were staying. The letter also stated that my rent would increase $50, which was fine. A few months later, my company relocated me again and this is when the trouble started . I tried calling several times to have the lease termination process explained to me...again, no return calls. Finally, received a letter with two choices: 1) pay two months rent, 1 month "penalty," and lose my deposit, or 2) continue to pay for the home and maintenance (through remainder of lease), while they can still rent it to another party (tough choice). They said my not responding to the letter (that they said not to respond to) assumed another year lease, and I believed it to be month to month. I received this letter 21 days after I made my intentions clear. They said they tried to e-mail, but that the e-mail address they had was incorrect and the messages were sent back (though it hadn't been changed in five years AND they had numerous contact numbers for me). I wrote the date I intended to move on the letter, and sent back. The relocation company requested that I give them a copy of the lease and an itemized list of charges incurred by breaking the lease. I called and e-mailed 20+ times before receiving any reply. I got a list understating the rent that I was paying and the deposit I originally paid. On the day I turned in the keys, they explained that I had been over paying the rent each month since the lease renewal (though the letter specifically said what the increase would be). Again, they had five different ways to inform me of this seven months earlier, but seemingly chose not to. I had to keep hounding them for the lease, and the few brief responses I got were inquiries as to why the relo company needed a copy of the lease. They finally sent ONE PAGE of the lease, and it wasn't even the page with my full signature. I moved out a week early, though I was paid through the month. Received letter today stating that I owe them another $1600 (in addition to the $5800 I've already paid to get out of lease)...including charges for removing items from the garage. Trouble is, anything left in the garage was from the owner. I only removed what was mine. I called a few more times for an explanation...guess where that got me. I am seriously considering legal action. One person there worth any oxygen is Meghan (annual home inspector)...super friendly on the few occasions I've dealt with her (i'm certain her days are numbered). Now keep in mind...I'm sure people disappear out of rentals all the time, or trash the houses. I left the home in better shape (especially the lawn) than when I moved in. I'm an executive with a major corporation and relocations happen...and All American penalizes you for it. Oddly enough, the poor people that owned the house had been relocated only four months after moving in. I hope they treat the owners better than the tenants (though this doesn't seem to be the case from other posts I've read). They treat their tenants like garbage! They used to have the staff names and contacts on their website, but the info was removed and its been 'under construction' for months. Steer clear of renting any of their properties, or having them manage your's!!!
Pros:
The owner, Gale Moncia, personally called me after I emailed her.
Cons:
Everything, I didn't get anything that I hired them for.
My experience with All American Management has been a complete nightmare. They have not accomplished anything with my property since I hired them in Oct. of '07. When I hired AAM I gave them a $3000 furniture allowance to give to a renter, to help them find a renter ASAP. That was in Oct. of '07. Months went by and nothing. Though, like clock work, AAM sent me a monthly bill. The bill could be for anything, advertising, property expenses, or their own expenses, whatever. I was very unhappy because this is my first investment and I was paying all of the mortgage, and additional expenses by myself.
Finally, someone signed a lease on Feb. 19, '08, 5 months after I hired them. I thought the nightmare was over, but the truth was it was actually just beginning.
My property manager decided, without my permission, to include water with the lease. So instead of trying to make money for me from my property, she takes the liberty to give them free water at my expense and didn't ask me if I was okay with that.
When the tenant moved in he paid for the remainder of Feb., a security deposit, and for the month of March. AAM leased my property for $850 even though others in the neighborhood were collecting $950-$1000 for their property. Most property management companies charge 10% of the monthly rents as their compensation. AAM charges that 10% plus an additional 6% of the annual projected rent.
So, out of the first payment, AAM took 10% of the monthly rent plus and additional 6% of the total amount of expected rent for the 12 month lease. Not to mention their policy is to keep the security deposit in some account.
How much was my first check from my investment property after 5 months of the AAM managing it? A whopping $228!
Remember the tenant moved in, in late Feb. I didn't receive a payment in February. I didn't receive a payment in March. Halfway through April, I still hadn't recieved a payment. I called and they kept telling me I should have received the payment. I am telling them I have not. We went back and forth until I had to really act up and one lady finally figured out that the direct deposit didn't go through. So if I had not of continued pursuing, AAM would have just kept my payments instead of giving me a 5 minute phone call to correct my info so I could receive my payments.
After all of this, imagine how I felt when I finally received the payment, but it was $162. Instead of sending me the $228 I should have been paid 2 months earlier, they deducted a plumbing expense that has happened since. So after paying AAM and all the expenses that go along with owning a condo since Oct of 2007, I had made a whopping $162 after 7 months!!
Today is June 14th, I have never received another payment. Again, I am calling and emailing trying to find out why I am not receiving payments. Well the tenant that it took AAM 5 months to find, never made another rent payment. They were in the process of evicting the tenant and never bothered to even tell me!!! I thought a management company would know how to screen the guy?
I hired AAM for their professionalism and expertise in managing properties. I could have done what they have done, for free! What am I paying them for? I have not received anything for my money, not to mention the position they have put me in. I am out of money, and am working with the bank not to foreclose on my property.
After 9 months of AAM managing my property, I don't have a tenant, my $3000 furniture allowance is gone, I am out of about $12,000 I started with, and all I have to show for it is one payment of $162. Not to mention they will not let me out of my contract with them, so I am stuck with them contractually until the end of 12 months. Which by then, finding another property manager to produce income from my property will not matter, because I probably will not still own the property.
I can honestly say choosing AAM to manage my property is the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life.
Pros:
Dr. Barreras really cares about his patients and his nurse Joan is amazing!
Cons:
I haven't had any bad experiences.
I have been going to Dr. Barreras for a few years now and refuse to go anywhere else (even though he is now an hour away from me). He is fantastic! He has a nurse, Joan, who runs the 'chemo cafe' and she makes it extremely comfortable to get infusions or chemotherapy.
Pros:
They are the best in their field and really care about their customers.
Cons:
I haven't had any bad experiences.
It's difficult to find a clean, quality place to get Electrolysis, Facials and Massages. I found Caterina (the owner of Skin Boutique) five years ago and refuse to go anywhere else (even after moving 45 minutes away from her)!
Pappadeuxs Restaurant in San Antonio, Texas is absolutely the best meal in town. The menu items reflect a Louisiana style of Cajun unlike no other restaurant in San Antonio. The management and staff are very personable. This is the restaurant to take your friends and family to if you want to stay on the north side of San Antonio. You really can't find a better dining experience -- expect a crowd and small wait on weekends.
We are doing a full review of Pappadeux's in the next issue of River Walk Magazine...You can see the full-story by going to http://www.RiverWalkMagazine.com.
My heating unit went out on the coldest day of Charlotte. I called several companies and got placed on hold for several minutes and very expensive service rates. I was getting very discouraged until I called Andy Lewis Heating and Air company. They were very compasssionate towards my desire to repair the job quickly. When I explained that I have a young son in my house. He had the job completed within an hour.
In addition, he didnt charge me all the additional service fees like the other big companies. I was proud to support this family owned and operated business. I am planning on getting a annual service contract because I sincerely trust their level of integrity.
Pros:
There is so much functionality it isn't even funny, and Stephen is extremely responsive.
Cons:
The software is is a little hard for a newbie like me.
Really...this is a great package for the money. Very cool.
Pros:
The staff is very loving and caring
Cons:
Can't think of any (except for - sometimes the toddler room stinks becoz of the soiled clothes :))
I moved my child from a very renowned daycare 'coz I felt a lack of attachment of teachers with the kids. There is no dearth of attachment here. As a parent of a 2 yr old, I am more concerned about the love and care he receives rather than academics (at this stage). I am soooooooooo happy with this center. Every morning, as my child enters the school, the teachers call out his name and say 'hi!' - I love to see his face brighten up -- this is what 'matters'.
My child has a few food allergies which bar him from eating a lot of regular foods. The kitchen staff and the director work with me on the menu every week to make sure that my child is getting the right food - they are genuinely concerned. I can't thank Stacy, Keisha, Rebecca and Ingrid enough for taking such great care of my child. Guys, you are wonderful!
Pros:
Loved Meet The Fire Chief Article!
Cons:
N/A
I just wanted to THANK YOU for the great interview with San Antonio's new Fire Chief! I am visiting my family here for the Thanksgiving Holidays and picked up your magazine. It's so nice to see one of the most important city leaders featured. I am a SA native and I sell fire trucks in S. Alabama; I represent the company that bought out Quailty Fire Apparatus; I'm curious as to where the fire truck in the photo is located. My company is still closely involved with Quality. I like to visit departments and see what they've got for equipment, so this photo caught my eye.
Again, thanks for introducing us to the new chief and keep up the great magazine!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
Gretchen P*****,
Southeastern Apparatus Sales,
Talladega, Alabama
Pros:
It encompasses all culture, entertainment, sights and attractions accurately and attractively for SA
Cons:
Needs a wider distribution; should be on more newstands, store locations, more tourism ads
The Riverwalk Magazine is an excellent source for staying abreast of what is current, exciting and entertaining about the city of San Antonio. It encompasses all cultural aspects of the city including where to eat, shop, go sight-seeing, who's who in San Antonio, a great review of businesses, all within a quality print product. I especially enjoy the cultural events, theater and music, restaurants and travel and recreation sections. This is San Antonio's first quality, progressive print magazine and one of the finest I've seen in Texas. My only complaint is that it should have a wider distribution including more doctors offices and especially in various locations along the River Walk. Its basically the new eyes and ears of San Antonio. Hopefully in the coming months we will literally see it every and anywhere we go.
Pros:
Top notch staff, clean and safe environment.
Cons:
None
I can't say enough with how pleased we have been with this facility! It is wonderful to have a safe and loving environment in which to leave my children.
Pros:
Super Articles, Photos & Website!
Cons:
Some minor typos
I really loved the premier edition of River Walk Magazine. I will talk to my broker about advertising with them because this magazine reflects the true essence of San Antonio. This is encouraging to see people like me profiled. Recommend converting to spanish as this magazine is a keeper. A+ Grade in my book...really a high quality publication!
Pros:
Diversity of San Antonio leaders, Layout with Bold Colors; Cover is a piece of Art; Informative
Cons:
I didn't win the contest on RiverWalkMagazine.com
As a Latino living in San Antonio I really felt good reading each of the stories contained in River Walk Magazine.
The article on Gilberto Ramon was inspiring especially all of his gifts as a Harvard and Yale Graduate. Most magazines in San Antonio portray San Antonio absent of black people, Mexicans, and Asians. I think the magazine is a one of a kind -- hopefully advertisers see the value of marketing with River Walk Magazine because it hits the bulls-eye of minority inclusion.
I would also comment on the forward thinking for creating a digital download of the magazine and the great smooth music selection on the website RiverWalkMagazine.com.
Keep it going in the same direction and you will have the Hispanic market on your side forever. We need more positive stories about the Latinos who lead San Antonio. I'm proud we can read River Walk and see the balance. The Dora and Go, Diego, Go at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens was encouraging to the kids.
Gerald Givens, you are doing a great job...congratulations on your future success! This is definitely the new official magazine of San Antonio.
Pros:
Clean Facility
Cons:
Stylist Didn't Listen...I asked for a do over!
I went to the Regis on 1604 and found myself asking the hair stylist for a hair style that I felt comfortable wearing. She really was not interested and it showed. At the end of my appointment I was dissappointed and asked her to fix my hair the way I had requested. Even though she was able to accomplish this, she fixed my hair with attitude and I swore never to return there again. I found a much better person at Style America in the same mall.
Pros:
Andrea my hair Sylist; Clean Facility in the Rolling Oak Mall
Cons:
N/A
I went to Style America after a bad visit at Regis. My stylist was Andrea and she has continued to be my hair stylist since August 2006.
I am very impressed with her ability to cut my hair -- I have curly locks. She was the only person who could also french braid my hair. Andrea has recommended hair colors that compliment my skin tones. Lastly she has cut my hair short and made me feel really sexy.
I have recommended Andrea to my brother and a girl friend -- both of them were very pleased. Bottomline Andrea listens well and she is not afraid to try something new.
Pros:
Meeting space in kitchen area seats 20-30 for small meetings; decor; easy access to River Walk
Cons:
N/A
The Inn on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas is still one of the best secrets. The rates are great and the rooms and atmosphere are absolutely superior to many of the bed and breakfast establishments in the area. We did a photo shoot recently -- the views are perfect for a small wedding. If you haven't paid a visit to the Inn on the Riverwalk, I stongly suggest you do before the 2008 season is totally booked up. Johanna & Scott, the Innskeepers, are so pleasant and professional!
Pros:
Customer Service is great...the staff makes sure you are taken care.
Cons:
N/A
I went to the salon and was in and out with a very nice hair trimming. The ladies all were very nice and made my visit first rate. They were voted hair salon of the year by some hair authority I can see why they earned these positive reviews. Highly recommend this salon. Parking is good, a few good Asian restaurants are nearby as well. :laugh:
Pros:
This Dr. truly bonds with his patients in a sincere and caring fashion to make sure you get well!
Cons:
He never stops smiling...& all of his nurses are GORGEOUS...LOL
It's a comfortable atmosphere & everyone there from the Dr to the staff are fabulous. He'll make sure to get you better in every aspect from diet & supplements to getting your back & neck pain free. He'll even help to get your animals back in shape....been there & saw it & couldn't believe it. All around great experience & I hope he stays here in south Florida for a long time!
Pros:
Atmosphere is very caring/loving and teachers are always willing to go above and beyond.
Cons:
None
My daughter currently attends Busy Bees and she loves it. We can tell she enjoys it just from dropping her off and seeing how eager she is to jump into her teachers arms. Ms. Maria and Ms. Rebecca are excellent and stop at nothing to ensure our daughter is well taken care of. They expand the children’s minds and always have little projects for them to do. They are conveniently located just just 5 minutes from where both my wife and I work which makes it very easy to go visit her from time to time. Prices are very competitive and reasonable. This is definitely a place where I would want my children to attend. Two thumbs up!
Pros:
Excellent hair cuts, great customer service in a familial environment and good products
Cons:
Can be a bit pricey
The salon is owned by Nat Lewis, who is interested in healthy hair. The salon sells Nat's own products, which are incredible. The salon is small and the appointments fill up fast. If you want healthy hair and you can afford the investment, Decade is a good place to visit.
Pros:
Quick service, decent price, great location
Cons:
Gets crowded and they occasionally to overbook to meet the needs of regulars
I had a wet set and was happy with the results, price and time. I was in and out in a short period of time. The seats were comfortable and the staff was professional and friendly. The price is good, but they get you with add-on's such as deep conditioning treatments and products at the register. If you're a product junkie, pay from your seat and stay away from the counter.
Pros:
Great customer service, clean shop, good work
Cons:
It's located in a mall, so it can get crowded
I was pleased with the service, price and clean environment. The price is fairly competitive with other day spas in the area. They offer facial treatments, waxings, and manicures and pedicures.
Pros:
Good java and baked goods for great prices
Cons:
location
This is a really cute spot for meeting with friends, study groups or just enjoying a cup of java. The staff is warm and friendly and the atmosphere is cozy. In addition to coffee, tea and other beverages, they also serve homemade baked goods. Try the low fat strawberry pastry is delicious! The location is not great and they close fairly early.
Pros:
Great doctor and good staff
Cons:
Small practice so you may have to wait for an appointment
Dr. Williams is located in downtown Silver Spring. Her office staff is friendly and work well with Dr. Williams to meet the needs of her patients. The office is shared with a bariatric physician who also has exercise programs, located in the same facility. Because of Dr. William's attention to her patients, it may be hard to get a quick appointment. If there is an emergency, they will fit you in to the schedule. Dr. Williams sees children on Wednesdays.
Pros:
Amazing dishes for great prices, with good customer service.
Cons:
Parking is limited.
Dusit offers great Thai dishes at reasonable prices. This is a family owned business and the customer service is excellent. If you have questions about the dishes, they will glady answer them for you. The atmosphere is comfortable. If you're in the MD area and you're looking for good Thai food at a great price, visit Dusit. They also deliver through Take Out Taxi.
Pros:
Unique, ecclectic, fun global art from local artists.
Cons:
Some of the items can be pricey. Parking is a bit tricky.
Alchemy is a unique boutique gallery/studio showcasing the works of local artists in the DC/MD area. You will find wearable art, greeting cards, paintings, and jewelry with a global appeal. The shop is small which makes it difficult to browse around at the many interesting items for sale. The sales associate is great about giving information about the works and the artists. This is a great shop to find unique gifts.
Pros:
The stability of the staff
Cons:
Pricing for after school children
The staff is reliable and great with kids. The hours are great for work schedules. The weekly rates are comprable and fair. The facility is clean, and I always see the toys being cleaned at the end of the night. I would highly recommend this facility to other families moving to this area. The director is caring, and always remembers what's going on with my other kids who are not even participating at this facility. I'm very satisified here, and most importantly my child is happy coming here everyday.
Pros:
On the intercoastal and very cool decor
Cons:
a little pricey for a hamburger
Le Tub is located on the intracoastal and has a very interesting decor (of what else but bath TUBS and toilets).. the burgers are a little $$$ but it is still kind of fun to hang outside by the water eating and drinking with your friends. It can get super busy and parking is sometimes difficult.
Pros:
something different from the "usual" commercial breakfast places
Cons:
the food was ok, but i expected a little more.
If you want eat somewhere different than the usual IHOP then this is a good place to try. The outside is a little deceiving, it is located in a strip mall, but once you enter it is pretty cozy.
They are know for their "Breakfast in a Pot" consisting of two buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy and your choice of a western, three meat or veggie scramble with cheese.
Pros:
great cuban food at a reasonable price
Cons:
only 3 locations
Padrino's food is full of flavor..you get a good amount of (good- tasting) food at a reasonable price. Their wait staff is very friendly and welcoming. My husband and i go to Padrino's at least once every other week and anytime our family/friends are in town visiting we take them there.
Pros:
Can be busy and you can have to wait. Some doctors are not a tolerant with kids than others
Cons:
Sometimes the "well" side is full and you have to sit on the "sick" side
Pros:
Clean, Quick Service and Friendly Staff
Cons:
none
I love this place!! There are very few things that I actually do for myself. However, I make time for getting a pedicure every other week for ME. The staff at Victoria's nails treat you like royality with massenge chairs and a staff that it always availabe to give you bottled water or juice. It is a great place to pamper yourself!
Pros:
Love.
Cons:
I just wish they had the web cam so I could see my children during the day.
You know when you first walk into a house or apartment that feeling you get when you just know that it's THE ONE.... That's how my wife and I felt after taking the day off of work and looking at daycares - once we stepped into La Petite, we knew. The layout of the facility is open, because it was originally designed as a Montessori school. So the children benefit from that without the high cost. Because La Petite is a strong corporation, there are standards they stick to - which one one hand is great, for example with the curriculum, which is outstanding. On the other hand, they'll ride you if you have trouble with tuition. But that's okay, they still really understand that we all work and try their best to accomodate. Right now turnover has been a little concern, but there is a core group of super star teachers that are highly visible to parents and children because of the floor layout I mentioned above. My children really love it there, and I feel that. Thanks Stacee, Raana, Rita, Ingrid, Yvonne, Alyssa, Kita, Gloria, Ebony, Karen, Keisha, Cindy for loving and caring so much. You are special. I'll leave off with a story you should know: My 3 y/o daughter and I were in the backyard and she asked me who the man was next door. It was our neighbor who was out grilling something on his deck. Anyway, I said "That's our neighbor, Mr. Dan." My daughter said, "I love you, neighbor." I know she had to have been taught a La Petitie that "we are to love our neighbors," and that must be why she said that so adorably.
Pros:
They know their clients personally.
Cons:
Nothing.
I am very happy that I found La Petite Academy. I feel that my children are cared for and that they are learning things to better prepare them for school.
My 12 year old son was very nervous about getting braces. However, The staff reassured him in a very compassionate matter that everything would be fine. After the braces, the staff handed my son a gift bag with all the necessary care items to help keep his braces in good condition. They took the time to explain every item.
Pros:
Great Director and a well rounded staff Great facility love the new toys and cots!
Cons:
Can't think of any
My daughter absolutely loves her school. Which brings me peace of mind. I do not have to worry about her during the day because I know that she is well taken care of. She is in Pre-K and doing quite well. We found LaPetite Academy because of a terrible experience at another center close by. LaPetite also offers discounts to major employers across the country. They are also one of the few daycare centers in the area that offers breakfast and lunch. The director over this particular center is very child centered and child focused. She is a mother herself and knows every child and parent that walks into that center by name. I believe that any business has a tone that is set by upper management and there is definitely a trickle down effect here. The teachers and assistants know each childs likes and dislikes and they definitely know how to keep a steady and orderly flow to the days activities. We have been there now about close to a year and the turnover in staff has been very minimal at best. So, the children get used to the teachers and their styles and know what to look for day in and out. Consistency at this age is very key in helping your child grow and learn. My daughter is counting to 70 with number recognition along those same lines and is sounding out letters and is excited about learning how to read. She loves her friends and teachers. I hope her kindergarten experience is just as pleasing. Definitly stop by and meet the director and take a tour. I hope you will love it like I do.
Pros:
Location
Cons:
Unattentive teachers and assistants and uncaring school directors
We moved here from the midwest and my daughter was 2 1/2. I was moving her from a very small and private daycare experience to a large institution experience. It was very scary for all of us involved. My daughter was very excited to go to a new school. I searched and visited several daycare centers in the area. I decided on the Sunshine House because of the teacher and her assistant that my daughter would have. It was 2 months before my daughter would actually start at the center. By the time my daughter started there, the teacher that I was glad my daughter was going to have had left the center and the assistant to that teacher moved to another classroom. I was very disappointed but allowed my excited daughter to stay. The first day I stayed 1/2 day with her class to help her get adjusted. There was never a formal introduction to the class from her new teacher to the other children. There was never a tour of the classroom for my newly potty-trained daughter. Remember we had not visited the center in 2 months. My daughter was just thrown in a was supposed to have the emotional maturity to fit in on her on. I left that afternoon at lunch. When I picked her up that afternoon at 4:30 she had on her accident clothes. She was in tears! She could not remember where the potty was when she was playing on the playground and could not find anyone to help her. She managed to finally make it to the potty but couldn't manage to get her pants down. Where were the teachers and the assistants, I asked myself and them? The next day my daughter went hesitantly back to school. By the time that I picked her up that afternoon she informed me that she no longer liked the big school and that she did not want to come back. We talked and we returned the next day and she cried when I left. She cried when she saw me coming to pick her up. She was so happy to see me. The next day more of the same. She cried at drop off and pick up. But as time went on the crying became more dramatic. At dropoff she started holding onto my legs and not letting go. I started to get worried that she was not transitioning well. So, I started doing drop-in's at different times of the day to see what was going on in her particular classroom and school. I noticed that she had some very undisciplined kids in her classroom some I even thought were severe. One child during a tempertantrum threw chairs and toys and even tried to lift a table. The lunch lady had to come physically remove him from the classroom. I made the comment that he was having a bad day and she said that she had to come and get him everyday! On the playground I noticed lots of pushing and shoving with no teacher intervention probably because all of the teachers were standing in the shade gossiping. I finally thought that I had seen enough and I went with my findings to the director of the school who was a young lady with no kids of her own, not that should make a difference but when you are fresh out of college and given that much responsibility over children I think you should have a sense of maturity about yourself. She and I talked and she said that she would look into that matters that I spoke of and would talk to the teachers about them. Then one day my daughter cried from the time that I left her in the morning til I picked her up in the afternoon. I found her asleep on the playground laying across some womens lap that I did not know. Her face was tearstreaked. They then informed me that she had cried ALL DAY LONG. She was so exhausted that she just collapsed outside. No one bothered to call me or her father!!! I was hot! I then again went and spoke to the director again about her teachers behavior and now judgement. She once again told me she would look into it and would talk to her teacher. I continued on. Within the next couple of days I kept on with my drop ins and one day I saw my daughters teacher yelling and getting eye to eye with one of the children during circle time. She was yelling and pounding her fist on the floor all the while looking this child in his eye. How terrified was this 2 year old. I broke in and removed my child we went straight to the directors office for another meeting. I was at this time that I decided that my child was leaving. I quickly went up the street and found the best place ever. See my review for LaPetite Academy. Within my two weeks that we had to payout I started transistioning my daughter from this center to the next so she was only at this school for half and day and half a day at the other. During this time she was actually in a physical altercation with another student in her class. I got to the school just after it happened. She was visibly shaken. I asked what happened and of course one one saw anything but assumed it was over a toy. The little boys mother was there and walked in on the end of the scuffle. My daughter when she saw me broke down in tears and the teacher and the mother said in unison that she was only doing that because I was there. I talked to the mother and the mother told me that her children liked to fight and if mine did not that basically, Oh well. That was the last straw my daughter never returned after that day. Please be aware of where you are sending your children. There are websites out there supplied by the state that rate and house complaints on these daycare centers if I would have know that before!!!!!
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