Wallingford Seattle KinderCare

Apr 5th, 2024

We miss this daycare! We recently moved and transferred our kiddo to another facility close to where we live but it is nothing like the experience we had at Wallingford Kindercare. The teachers were all so friendly and our kid loved being here all the time, he always had a smile on his face coming into the center in the morning and couldn't wait to get to his classroom because he was having so much fun and clearly loved the teachers. Amanda, the center director, was always responsive, friendly, welcoming, and took time to get to know everyone. She was an integral part of our experience in Wallingford and you can tell she truly has a passion for what she does.
Mar 20th, 2024

Kindercare Wallingford struggles to fulfill basic responsibilities and the quality of care is inconsistent. Parents here recognize that childcare is a hard job and are reluctant to post honest reviews publicly because it might further destabilize the situation- but here are some things I wish I knew before sending two children here for over a year: (1) staff turnover is a systemic problem, not a temporary one. My kids have had so many teachers we have lost count. At first, management would notify parents when there were changes, but it became such a frequent issue that they no longer bother to even tell us the names of the people who will be caring for our kids each day. (2) Parents are asked to accommodate inadequate staffing. Operating hours were significantly cut back for months and parents had to leave work at 4:30pm to pick up by 5pm. The parking lot became less safe and traffic around the Center was a mess as families rushed to pick their kids up at the same time. Parents were also asked to keep their kids home on days when employees didnt show up, sometimes multiple times a week or month. Further, if you arrive at your childs assigned classroom in the morning and they dont have enough teachers there, it is your responsibility to wander the hallways knocking on doors until you find another class to accept your child. When you pick up, you may also find your child in another class as they consolidate, and this location may or may not be communicated to you. (3) There are some great people who work here but they may not stay long and there are others who do not have the skills, interest, or support to do this work appropriately. Most parents want their kids to be engaged in a healthy and loving way by their teachers while having their basic needs met. I have witnessed angry and unsafe behavior by teachers. I have also frequently seen children crying alone in the corners of classrooms without any adult attempting to comfort them. I have picked my children up at 5pm to find them in the same diaper I put them in before dropping them off for the day. I have entered classrooms where teachers chat socially with one another while 3 year olds fist fight on the floor or 2 year olds struggle beneath an overturned tricycle. There is minimal effort to reduce the spread of illnesses. (4) Communication with management is unproductive. I appreciated the former Directors knowledge of early child development and her capacity to have honest conversations about concerns. She acknowledged missteps and she focused on problem solving together. The current management will only deny and dismiss parent concerns before pivoting to their positive spin. Its remarkably unconvincing and disrespectful. (5) Its expensive, feels profit-driven, and the price is out of step with the low quality and inconsistency of services actually provided. The sales pitches about curriculum and fun decorations in the front lobby are a distraction from the fact that Kindercare cannot ensure a consistent, nurturing, healthy environment for the kids that are left behind their doors each day.
Feb 6th, 2024

Feb 4th, 2024

Incredibly efficient, accredited daycare with staff who love my kids just as much as I do, develop them, and give me true peace-of-mind so that I can do my job during the workday. The recent change in management has been super positive for staff and families alike. These people really love what they do and they are really good at it. I also love that their playground is covered so that my kids can play outside even on rainy Seattle days.
Jan 28th, 2024