daycare: Blue Bird of Alexandria?

[Anonymous]

They just opened in December, and I generally liked what I saw on a tour, but I'm a bit worried that it's owned by the same people who own Tiny Tots, which has had tons of problems. Any experiences to share? I'm looking for an infant spot.

[Anonymous]

I wish I had answers for you. I posted a similar message recently and did not receive much feedback. So far, my husband and I have visited the site unexpectently 3 times and have not noticed anything too alarming. Overall observations included happy stimulated infants. I would greatly appreciate it if you would post any information you find either via this forum or word of mouth and I will do the same.

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They just opened in December, and I generally liked what I saw on a tour, but I'm a bit worried that it's owned by the same people who own Tiny Tots, which has had tons of problems. Any experiences to share? I'm looking for an infant spot.

If they own Tiny Tots, with tons of problems, what would be different other than the name. No way would I put my infant there if you know the owners have problems in the other place.

[Anonymous]

OP here. To the most recent poster, I was thinking that with a different director and different staff, it might be an entirely different environment. (The owners might have learned from their mistakes and know that they'd be under scrutiny because of Tiny Tots.) If my visit was just OK, I probably wouldn't be considering it, but the staff seemed to keep the babies more stimulated and engaged than at a couple of the other centers I visited. Like the pp, I just dropped in.

I plan to keep an eye on their inspection reports--and yes, I'll post anything else I can find!

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I would call the inspector listed on the reports and talk to them directly. I have learned that they can often say things on the phone to you that are not included in the reports. They can let you know of old reports that are not available on line that you can request.

I would be very wary of anyone connected with Tiny Tots...

[Anonymous]

We are planning on putting our son in Blue Bird in Nov/Dec timeframe. I have visited a number of times and always find the infants to be well cared for. The caretakers are responsive and engaging with the infants. That isn’t to say I don’t have some concerns.

1. I have to say I wish they spoke more English, not for my son, but for me so I could communicate with all the caretakers not just the lead teacher.

2. Also, they don't encourage the staff to get flu shots, which isn't surprising, but is disappointing to me because it is recommended and especially considering that many in there care are under 6 months of age and can not be vaccinated themselves.

3. The biggest red flag for me has been some inconsistency. One person said the children are assigned a caregiver the other person said they are assigned a caregiver on a given day but it changes day to day. They also told me the first time I was there that they don't take the infants outside. Every other time they have stated they do take them outside. ??? That is a big difference. Also the first time I checked it out they said their infant room has a max of 10 infants (although there are only 9 cribs) then they corrected themselves and said there is a total limit of (now I am forgetting) I think 24 for the whole room downstairs so it could be 12 and 12 or 14 and 10. But that the key is 3 to one ratio, which I have always seen them adhere to.

I called the inspector regarding the infractions and she explained them in more detailed and talked about past reports at Tiny Tots. She indicated things have improved over the past year or so at Tiny Tots. When I asked the Director at BlueBird about what had happened at Tiny Tots she stated that the owners had some health issues at the time and that they were not as involved as they should have been and they have hired her to be more directly involved at Blue bird. I guess the fact that the problems happened when there were health issues gives me some comfort, but not a lot. We want the care to be top notch all the time. Was anyone there when they had the overcrowding issues at Tiny Tots?

I think maybe the BlueBird parents should get together and agree to serve as extra eyes for each other. I have to say the caregivers in the infant room do seem to truly love the babies.