Best After School Program South Bend Near Me

Heather: It really depends on the teachers your child has here - some are awesome and others are totally checked out. Unfortunately I've heard from their teachers that they're not paid well or given sick days/PTO and for that reason the staff with employment options tends to leave. The center director (EH) is awful to work with as a parent and a real dragon lady. She seems miserable and takes it out on everyone else which is sad to see. Growing Kids is a safe enough place if you just need somewhere to store your kid while at work but I wouldn't recommend it for anything beyond that (look elsewhere for early childhood education, gentle care or happy employees).

Marlon DeLonis Deleon: Our two kids started here when they were 2.5 and 3.5 years old and they both love it here. The schedule, the teachers, the snacks/meals. They can't stop talking about their friends and all the things they play. The staff keeps parents informed very well, through emails and the LifeCubby app which includes pictures. And they handle all things sickness and injuries and allergies very well! Definitely thankful the Build, Learn, Grow Scholarship is applicable here!

Belinda Lopez: Don't bother with getting on the waitlist. We put ourselves on the waitlist back in May of 2021 when I was still pregnant and were told there would be openings in December. November and December of 2021, I got an email AND phone call informing me that an available spot wouldn't be available until Spring of 2022 and was asked if I wanted to stay on the waitlist to which I replied that I still needed daycare. Today I get a phone call (now January 2022) informing me that there won't be an available spot until the END of this year or the beginning of 2023. When I responded I was told spring 2022 they tried to blame it on another center and then informed me that parents who already have children enrolled at the daycare have priority to enroll other children when they get pregnant again. So basically even though I reserved "my spot", it was given to someone else at the center who got pregnant after me. Not only is this place unreliable, they are also not forthcoming because even though now the new "deadline" is the end of this year, there is no guarantee I would still have my spot and would have to wait longer. 2+ years on a waitlist is ridiculous when your place on it is constantly surrendered to someone else no matter when you got on it. I ended up removing myself from the waitlist because now they have cost me my job with their games. To say I'm both upset and disappointed is an understatement.

Lauren Anderson: We were unable to enroll our son here after spending 17 months on the infant and toddler waitlists. We toured in March 2019 and were told the next opening would likely be in 6 months, which was right when we would need care. They charged $25 to go on the “Preferred Waitlist,” after which we received no updates about our spot unless we called ourselves. Over a year later, they started emailing asking if we still wanted to keep our spot on the list, but still without openings. It seemed like an adequate facility if there is an immediate spot open, but I think it’s disingenuous to charge for spots on a list that will never be available.

Tokozile Mlambo: I love this daycare center. The teachers and staff are very professional and knowledgeable about handling children. I appreciate their transparency and open communication. As a parent who is VERY particular about who I leave my child with, I am able to go to work with complete ease of mind that my little one is in great hands! They are a little pricy, but I pay their tuition happily because it is totally worth it!

Meghan Zeedyk: My daughter loves going to school there. The teachers are so friendly and everyone knows everyone. It really is like a family there. She is also learning and retaining a lot of the lessons. Growing Kids is a great place to send your children.

Andia Payne: Love this school and the staff are great would definitely recommend!

Lukas Huston: Staff was friendly and helpful. Teachers were great for my son and he learned a lot while he was there. Growing Kids was my top choice daycare provider and still is.

Jeni Prosperi-Sullivan: My kids were at Growing Kids SR23 for a total of 7 years. We still use GK for summer camp, winter camp, spring camp, and the occasional day off school. Our family loves the teachers and staff at GK. They have become like additional family to our kiddos. My kids feel safe there, and I feel like I have an open line of communication with the teachers and staff. No place is perfect, but I would recommend GK SR23 without hesitation to anyone looking for reliable and loving child care!

Linh Tran: I have to say I'm glad I didn't send my baby there. The manager lied to me. She showed me everything when I toured the place and said my son could get in at the end of August. I planned all my work and everything so he could restart daycare around that time. I called a couple of times and still I was told at the end of August. But then today I called because it's the end of August already, the manager said it will be December. I was shocked. I told her last week she promised end of August but now December. That made so confused. She apologized that she forgot to mention she would need to offer the spots to other families ahead of me on the wait list. Are you serious? I asked specifically when my son could start. Is it that difficult to know? I'm a supervisor at a big university and I have managed more than 50 people in my department. This daycare center has just a few classrooms with just 10 kids in a classroom. How difficult is it to know who's on the waiting list and who will get the spots in order? Or the manager just lied straight to me to keep me on the wait? And it's not that I didn't ask. I called at least 3 times and they didn't even know? And just one week after they tell me that? That's just absurd!I remember the manager checked the list and told me there were only a few families signed up before me and my skn would be able to start at the end of August. Now my whole plan is screwed up. I cannot start work as planned and instead have to stay at home to take care of my son. I don't understand how this daycare is accredited when management is so poor. I'm so disappointed and glad at the same time, my son won't have to stay with these people who I can't even trust in the first place.

Heather Gerlach: I absolutely love the infant room! Ms. Louise and Ms. Edel are wonderful. I feel so confident leaving my daughter with them and know that she’s in excellent hands! I was previously at another daycare in town and the difference is night and day. I know that she’s well taken care of, stimulated and in a secure environment. I recommend all new parents that I know to this location!

Shannyboo Lovelady: They are VERY helpful, caring, and VERY professional! I love it there!

Will Randerson: My wife had to move to South Bend for a 8 month period with our son (1 years old) while I had to stay in North Carolina with the military. Under these circumstances we were unable to visit the Day Care or be able to really search around. This would also be our sons first day care experience instead of spending all day with mom. Let me just say that they were extremely helpful on the phone/email and were very understanding of our situation from the start. The building is very secure and you are always greeted by someone at the front desk. They have a great system of ensuring only you (or someone you have verified) may pick up your child. They also have a great phone App to ask the parents questions or to share information to you about your child which is updated multiple times a day (i.e hes feeling sick, what he had ate that day, any sort of diaper changes etc). My wife was uneasy at first but after a short period of time she has grown to love this daycare. Within a week ALL the staff new my sons name and my wife. There are multiple teachers for each group of kids and my wife or I never felt like our son was neglected or not taken care of. They have a great scheduled with nap times, play time, fine motor skill time etc so you're child is actually developing instead of just in a room with lots of toys. The teachers are committed and really are amazing caretakers. Our son started in the infant room and had moved to the toddler room which was a huge change for him but Growing kids eased him into it over a weeks time so he could get to know the other kids and teachers. Growing Kids has been nothing but the best for our son and my wife and I are very upset that we will have to be leaving here. We wish we could take this day care with us back to NC. I never leave reviews on places but this one is so deserving of 5 stars.

Stephanie Siegert: One star is too many. Staff sent my nephew to the hospital for a week because they failed to change him out of cold wet clothing during fall/winter weather. He ended up getting pneumonia! Staff is snobby and unwelcoming. I would never recommend Growing kids.

Jessica Schmitt: I know that the center has great security. I know my daughter is safe and in good hands at day care. It is a great facility with a fantastic staff.

Monica Edwards: I like the locked entry at Growing Kids. It is important to me that not just anyone can get into the building. I also like knowing the director is there daily monitoring the operation of the daycare. It is nice to know that they aren't just being babysat all day either. There are a lot of activities that they can do throughout the day that keep them busy and happy. I am so glad that my kids go to Growing Kids. It is a great place to take them.

Amanda Hess: My experience with Growing Kids Learning Center has been great. The staff is always friendly, know each child's name, and is approachable with questions, concerns, or general information about my child. My daughter started going to Growing Kids approximately a year and a half ago. She loves her teachers and has learned 2 foreign languages. She looks forward to all the "extra activities" that are put forth by the staff like the spring fling and holiday concert. My daughter was a special needs child and the staff was polite, understanding, and caring when it came to my child's needs. The staff has worked hand-in-hand with my husband and I, along with the special education teachers (provided by SBSC) that are able to have one-on-one seasons with my child. Thanks to the kind efforts of the staff at Growing Kids Learning Center my daughter has developed out of being a special needs child. I am happy to say that my child attends Growing Kids and would highly recommend any of the staff (teachers or administrators).

Beverly Worden: Unfortuantely I have to agree. I've overheard Beth C at the US23 location in SB, IN tell a bald-faced lie just to back her argument about something to someone. But in general my biggest complaint is the noticeable difference in how they treat professionals, such as parents at Notre Dame, versus parents using assistance (daycare vouchers from state). There is major preferential treatment and attitude toward the more affluent clients. I can't help but feel like this works it way from the office to the classroom. They seem to take a little more care in noticing the progress of a student, cute thngs the kid did, aand really go out of their way to "suck up" so to speak to ND parents (just a little, but it's noticeable). My husband works at ND and my sister in law, divorced & laid off, is on vouchers. Our daughters went together to GK. It was kind of disgusting how they treated her versus me. They stop what they're doing to greet me & my kid on way in or out. My niece's mom had to wait til the front desk employees finished talking about their plans for the weekend, only after she cleared her throat did Erin pause her cell phone convo to address her, impatiently, talking slowly to her like she was a child that she'd had to repeat herself to over & over. Then quickly went back to cell phone suddenly giggly and pleasant as can be again. My sis in law complained but it's just one of many instances where they'd brush her off. I didn't forget that & it is a key reason for why my girl left w/ my niece. Our school opened up a spot for enrollmeht & i took it. I can't believe how different our schools are now compared to GK's! So much more professional and personal. We get tons of pictures, in progress folder and emails. The ball pit was the only great thing about GK. They treated me well, but seeing how they treated voucher families, esp single moms, as "welfare moms", it felt insincere. I do not recommend GK. This partic. location at least.

Isabella Jagger: 99This particular branch was extremely negative experience. I DO NOT recommend this location or any location where Beth Cauffman is director if you expect or value professionalism. My experiences (multiple) have ranged from disappointing, horrendous, to humiliating and degrading. I cant express how offensive this establishment is in their unprofessional regard for my concerns, violations of privacy, and treatment of other clients in front of me, as well as, in front of their children. The front desk personel, Erin, is rude and condescending. I truly felt my child was not safe b/c of the threat of being subject to discrimination if I said anything that might rub the director or teachers the wrong way or make them feel defensive. It's awful to see that your child had to pay for their caretaker's bad day. i'm ashamed of myself for staying as long asI did, not wanting to uproot him and not feeling like I had another option. I do not recommend 17475 Indiana 23 South Bend, IN 46635 location! There ARE BETTER CHOICES. There are 3 families, not including myself, who pulled our kids out and we couldn't be happier or more relieved. You wouldn 't believe how dramatically my child blossomed in the 1st WEEK at a different school. don't let their overzealous focus on security cams (which they brought to my attn many times in one tour) gie you a false sense of security. A facility is only as good as its director. At least in this south bend Growing Kids where Beth Cauffmen abuses her authority.

Place jamaica: So happy to have my child here

Michael Hatcher: Critical:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value

Robert white: Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Value

tamara hinds: Positive:ProfessionalismI love this daycare they are professional and my kids are comfortable and happy with the staff. I'm at ease when my kids are there.

Latavia Francis: Positive:Quality

Rasheed Wallace: Positive:Professionalism,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value

Kirina “kk”: Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value

Tifinie Benjamin: Positive:Professionalism

Sandie Douglas: Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability

Deanna Bennett: Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value

Albino Akon Akon: Worst daycare around the southbend area

ashley whyte: Positive:ReliabilityIt's one of the best daycare I have been to with my child. Tiffany is so responsive with my 8 month old daughter and the atmosphere gives my child that home away from home feeling. This institution really gives me peace of mind knowing my child is in safe hands.

zob ster: It was so hard to find a safe family like atmosphere for my son where he could learn and socialize with kids his age, after meeting Trish and the staff I was amazed.. it's now has been 6 months and I am beyond please with their service I would recommend them to any body and not be let down... keep up the good job guys zy love aunty tiffy so much!🤗

vikkia holloway: Critical:Professionalism

Jamaria Christmas: Let me first say she knows how to remove negative reviews more of the reason u see all good one's but after dealing with Tish I can honestly say this is by far the worst daycare I've ever been to i had expose everything about this daycare and how it was tagged for various reasons for safety hazards I put the proof up I was so detailed about everything and showed the proof that she actually had it flagged so I guys wouldn't see so I wanna be very careful how I put my words out cause families need to know wat my experience was and if this gets deleted I will still get the word out on every social media sites do y'all home work on this one trust me on this

Jas G: It's really nice to be able to find a daycare you trust especially when your a first time momma, I'm so at greatful and happy to have found First step 2 learning academy for my baygirl !! To feel the fulfillment of security and love when you walk in that door with her welcoming arms is a good feeling. Thank you Trish for being such a sweetheart 💕

Letrica Parker: It is extremely hard to find a daycare that you can trust. I am so thankful and lucky to have found First Step Pediatric Day Care. Trish is wonderful and is so loving with the children.My daughter absolutely adores her and her staff. She is always smiling and laughing when I pick her up and what mother wouldn't want to see that?When I started looking, I wanted to find someone that was motherly liked and Trish is wonderful and having the same ethnic background as her, I feel as if I am leaving my daughter with family.

Asia Dennard: Positive:Professionalism,Reliability,ResponsivenessThis daycare is awesome. As a first time mom it can be EXTREMELY nerve wrecking to send your little one off to daycare. The staff did everything possible to help ease me and my daughter’s fears. My daughter loves them and I couldn’t be more happy with our decision of attending.

Santanna Neal-Mumba: My kids and I love this daycare! Great staff, family oriented, and professional.Santanna Mumba

De`vion Sharp: Absolutely ❤️ this daycare and the staff are my family since 2007!

K Nicole: Safe and friendly environment. My daughter was there for a few years and was always well cared for. I don't have any daycare aged children anymore, but if I did I would gladly take them to Stephanie.

Monica Erby: My girls went to the day care when it first started and the love and care they both recieved was very soothing knowing I could leave my children with someone new. Angels Among Us has always been very informative of how your child did on a daily bases. They were just starting the pre-school program when my children left daycare, but they always great at working with them to keep them up on their skill so when they started kindergarten they were 1 step ahead. Can not say enough about how great they are.

Elizabeth Vann: Highly recommend this day care to any and all friends in the area. The owner, Stephanie, is one of the most caring people I know. She treats all the children like they are family and her staff does the same. All of the kids love Stephanie as if she is their family. She is hands down my first choice. Even with all the craziness in the world this is a home away from home for your kids to come to. Not only to learn but to be children in a safe and clean environment.

Destiny Whyte: Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,ValueThis place is so amazing‼️ It has very friendly people ❤️ I would definitely recommend this daycare!!

Dink's Tribe: Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,ResponsivenessI have had the best experiences with Angels Among Us Daycare. The staff is very loving ,caring, reliable, and I feel safe while I'm at work and my children are there. This Daycare is definitely one of the best in our city.

Dana Carmona: This is a wonderful place to bring your kids. It is more than babysitting. Angels Among Us is concerned about your child's development and education. They work with each child preparing them for Kindergarten and the academic years ahead. Don't take my word for it: ask any child that attends there and they will begin there sentence with a big smile and share how they are loved and cared for.

Patty COOK: Wonderful place. She has taken care of my grand kids nd they love her. Go check them out. They will take good care of yours too

Lorri Carlson McCarthy: A safe and loving environment for your little ones!

Jennifer McCue: My son has been going to this daycare for just over a year now. The staff treat him as one of their own. He has now transitioned into more of their preschool program and he amazes me at what he learns there the three days a week he attends. The staff is warm, friendly, accommodating and wants only the highest standard for their children. I’m so happy we ended up here! I would recommend them to any parents!

Native Whispers: Positive:Professionalism,ReliabilityVery caring, reliable, children well cared for.

Rosanna Bartlett: It's a friendly and safe environment for your children. The teachers are compassionate, loving, and also educated and trained to teach and take care of your children. And their safety is very important. They keep the lines of communication open, and keep family informed and up to date on their progress in different things. And parents are more than welcome to ask questions or discuss any concerns. They love all the children and don't show favoritism. Every child is important and special to them.

Angie Henry: This daycare and preschool taught my son so much. He was there from birth until he was 5 years old. The social, academic, and emotional skills he developed while here made his transition to kindergarten so smooth. He was well equipped and had a solid foundation for elementary school. The staff is well educated and continues to further their education yearly. Always learning the most up to date in early childhood education. I highly recommend this place for any of your childcare needs.

Joshua Phillips: Very professional and great prices. I'd suggest you enroll with auto pay. It makes a big difference. They have a fingerprint entry system for parents. That alone makes you feel quite secure about your children. On top of that they have a key card entry system to get into the building. The front office staff is extremely friendly and inviting. They know which parent belongs to each child. The assistant school administrator is phenomenal and knows what is happening in the school at all times. They have security cameras in every room to monitor all activities. The menu is great and has introduced my child to new foods. Though in a temporary space. They have made due and provided an excellent learning environment that my child craves to return to daily. Her teachers in preschool are excellent, knowledgeable and very communicative, ensuring I have the comfort of knowing how my child is doing. In contandrum with the Life Cubby app that keeps you updated throughout the day about your child it is truly comforting. I have been through various child care centers in the area that claim they are the best, but this one far exceeds all of them. The prices and the staff make this the best experience before school age that you can possibly get and I'd highly recommend it to any parent seeking high quality child care in st. Joseph county, IN.

Kelsey Malone: I absolutely love this daycare as do my children. We have been with growing kids for almost 8 years! My children have always called daycare “school” and just that it is. The children have time to play of course, but everything they do is centered on learning. They are amazing with their pre-K classes. They help our children get on the right track and prepared for school. I’m so thankful for the wonderful staff that have taken care of my children and the amazing director Jessica. Jessica is so pleasant and easy to speak to. I couldn’t picture my children being in another daycare. We know everyone there and our family is very know as well. I highly recommend them!

Mariyah B: 5 star because it was a good daycare. But, site currently CLOSED as a tornado has destroyed the building. As of 8/15/19 the building is completely torn down. They do intend to rebuild but no released timeline.

Molly Meathe: I've always been very happy taking my kids to Growing Kids. I feel like education has always been an important part of their time there and prepares them for kindergarten.

Karen Thomson: The teachers have done a great job communicating with us what my son is learning at daycare. He can be stubborn, but they continue to work with him and make sure he creates a love for learning.

Keith Bennett: Our daughter has made a lot of friends over the years. She has also learned so much from her peers and her teachers. I am happy that we started with Growing Kids because as she grows up we will be able to have her go there before and after school.

Jody Kinman: I want to thank all of my son's teachers for understanding him and working with him on learning new things. They are very patient with him. He has grown so much in the time that he has been attending Growing Kids.

Yvette Wigfall: great info

Andre Rives: This daycare has truly changed my three daughter's life. I have noticed a drastic change in their social skills. The staff treats my daughters like their own. I am so grateful to have a daycare to care for my children while I'm at work.

Markezia Booker: They took amazing care of my 3 children. The people where very a commentating. It was like my children were there children. There place again is amazing. I will most definitely be referring my friends here.

Abigail Allen: The Bright Beginnings staff has treated my kids so kindly. One of my kids took several weeks to warm up to daycare, and they were so patient. On his first day, the director herself came to his class to rock him to sleep so that he would actually get a nap. He now loves daycare, is comfortable with all of his teachers, and always has a great time. Meanwhile, my older child struggled to potty train, and they have been patient through the whole process.I love that the small size allows the whole staff to get to know all of the kids pretty well. They have fun events for families to attend, and they also had parent-teacher conferences to inform us of our children's progress and any issues.Overall, I am thankful for their intentionality with my kiddos.

Sarah Johnson: I worked here for a week and a half, and while I unfortunately did not have the ability to take the job, I will say that the staff here are the very best quality you can find. They care for the children like their very own. They also are very friendly with each other and create a beautiful atmosphere for children to be in. Ramal directs the center with warmth as well as concern for following all the best practices and procedures. If I had children in need of daytime care, I would definitely send them here.

Jaimie Bleck: Bright Beginnings is fantastic. It was my son's first daycare experience and Ramal and her staff took amazing care of him. I was constantly surprised when he'd bring up things he learned at school that I hadn't introduced to him yet. I would definitely recommend it.

Denisha Greer: My son had went to this school for 3 years and I loved the school and the field trips they took with the children. My son had good days and bad days at the daycare but it is a great place and we loved the teachers especially Mrs. Jasmine ❤️

Gail Newcomb: Our girls were so happy here! The staff was always very welcoming and excited to see them everyday. They seemed very patient with the kids and took some great field trips that they still talk about. Definitely would recommend them!

William King: They took amazing care of my kids for 2 years while we lived in South Bend. The facility was always clean and welcoming.You can tell that the staff has a passion for childcare and I would highly recommend them for your childcare needs.

Kayla Holdread: We’ve been going to Bright Beginnings for over a year now and all the staff have been kind, informative, and professional to me and my family. Even my husband told me he loves the staff there, and he has never told me that about any past daycares we’ve been in the past.

Demisha Jennings: Bright Beginnings Childcare is a well rounded business from the quality care provided to the children to the upmost care and respect shown to employees! During my employment at Bright Beginnings Ramal was extremely pleasant, professional, and was always going above and beyond to provide extra cirriuclar activities for the children as well as incintives for employees. She established personal relationships with all of the children in her care as well as her employees. Whether you are seeking childcare or employment I highly recommend Bright Beginnings Family Childcare!

Monica Brazier: I LOVE Bright Beginnings Childcare! They take excellent care of my children and the staff is so friendly.

Shane Frost: The special care they have in really looking after my child make me feel very confident. Great love and care, and happy kids.

Andy Malec: Thank you Ms White.You're right, our daughter has grown a lot in the past 8 months. I wanted to say how appreciated you are for helping us with daycare last year. Thank you again for running a class A program.

Cassandra Davis: Absolutely love both the staff and curriculum! My 1 1/2 year old son has grown so much and communicates so much better after going here and he loves the staff. It is so nice to drop him off and not a single tear because he loves the staff there so much.

Cameron Miller: Absolutely wonderful daycare! Our 2 year old son loves going here and loves the caregivers. With the early childhood development curriculum he has made tremendous progress intellectually as well as developmentally over the last 9 months.