Alphabest- incompetent at best, negligent at worst MCPS

[Anonymous]

I want to warn you all about the aftercare program Alphabest. This program was brought in to my child’s school (one of only two in the county that have this program) nearly seven years ago. In the time that they have been in the school both of my kids have gone to the program and had dreadful experiences. While the staff varies in its ability to run the program- we had directors who were okay and those who yelled at the students for talking, the problem was the corporation. They are removed from the schools and have no concept of what is happening at the schools. When you attempt to bring something to their attention, they ignore the issue. On multiple occasions there was not even staff to receive our kids. They charge for half days. They charge extra for professional days. They charge for snow days. They charge for care they don’t provide. If this were passed on to their staff at the school, that would be okay but, when it’s a snow day, the staff isn’t paid. They lose children. They give them physical challenges and then won’t allow them to play if they don’t meet those challenges. They are verbally abusive to students with disabilities. I cannot stress enough how, if given the chance, you should avoid this program. If your school is evaluating new aftercare programs, please consider that they are only in two schools. Go with Kids After Hours or Kids Co. Trust me.

[Anonymous]

Ok--that stinks. But hopefully you e raised that with the school directly.

[Anonymous]

We raised the issue and many other parents did too. Unfortunately, the aftercare program contracts are for 7 years. Our school is up for renewal this year and will likely go with another option (Kids After Hours or Kids Co). I truly want to warn others so they don’t sign with this company. There’s a reason you cannot review them on Google or yelp and they are not accredited with the BBB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I want to warn you all about the aftercare program Alphabest. This program was brought in to my child’s school (one of only two in the county that have this program) nearly seven years ago. In the time that they have been in the school both of my kids have gone to the program and had dreadful experiences. While the staff varies in its ability to run the program- we had directors who were okay and those who yelled at the students for talking, the problem was the corporation. They are removed from the schools and have no concept of what is happening at the schools. When you attempt to bring something to their attention, they ignore the issue. On multiple occasions there was not even staff to receive our kids. They charge for half days. They charge extra for professional days. They charge for snow days. They charge for care they don’t provide. If this were passed on to their staff at the school, that would be okay but, when it’s a snow day, the staff isn’t paid. They lose children. They give them physical challenges and then won’t allow them to play if they don’t meet those challenges. They are verbally abusive to students with disabilities. I cannot stress enough how, if given the chance, you should avoid this program. If your school is evaluating new aftercare programs, please consider that they are only in two schools. Go with Kids After Hours or Kids Co. Trust me.

Sounds like a bitter employee or the owner of the other company you’re recommending instead. If your child had such a horrible experience why would you put your other child in said program?! Should’ve pulled them out and look for other arrangements but you didn’t

[Anonymous]

DP - My child's school used Alphabest for a few years - they were truly awful. This was years ago, as my child is in high school now, but I agree with the OP. Find another option.