Explore and Grow Christian Learning Center

we have been sending our 2 kids to explore and grow since 2022. though the administration and teachers have had some turnover, we have felt welcomed and loved and found a true community throughout our entire time here. the office staff has always been responsive and welcoming and very good at giving us updates. our kids have both learned so much and have been well prepared for school. not only have they met great friends here, they have also learned valuable lessons in jesus, friendships, sharing, helping, art, culture and community. we truly believe our kids are supported and equipped at e&g. any daycare center can watch your kids; it takes someplace special to feel treasured and loved.

Our family attended Explore and Grow from 2021 to 2024. For the first two years, the program was outstanding! The teachers were dedicated, communication was consistent, and the community felt genuine and family-oriented. Unfortunately, that changed dramatically under the new executive pastor’s leadership. Since his arrival, there has been a clear culture shift within the office staff. They now seem uninterested in problem-solving or finding solutions for the daycare’s ongoing and unpredictable closures. Closures were happening almost once a week for a variety of reasons- the AC was out, phones were down, sicknesses, staff shortages, cold/snowy weather, you name it. It became apparent that they were closing at any opportunity, still charging their families, and not paying their staff. Despite repeated concerns from families, the administration’s response has been dismissive and slow. It took well over a month just to receive a response and schedule a meeting with the pastor (after multiple emails, voicemails, and messages through the app were left), and when we finally met, he offered no real solutions. Instead, he stated that the church’s financial priorities were the main consideration, rather than the needs of enrolled families. While the teachers continue to be wonderful and truly care for the children, the administration has made the program unreliable and difficult for working parents. Frequent closures, lack of transparency, and poor communication have become the norm. We ultimately chose to leave (and pay more) for a childcare center that is reliable, honest, and prioritizes families over finances. It’s disappointing to see what was once an exceptional community lose its integrity and focus.

I went and filled out paperwork last Monday for after school program. After i filled them out the gal att the front desk told me that someone would contact me in a day or so. By Wednesday I sent another email to follow up on starting after school program. I have received no response nor acknowledgement from anyone in the front office. I finally called up the office last Wednesday to follow up and I was told they received my emails and they apologized for not responding that had been busy. However, she told me thst someone would contact me before the end of the week. Unfortunately, no one contacted me as I was told. I finally sent another email yesterday morning to follow up and as of today still no one has contacted me let alone responed to my email. Unfortunately, I was called back to working in my office last minute and my sons school after school program is full. I don't have any family in the area and my wife passed away 5 years ago. My sons school had told me that they partnered with Explore and Grow and recommend that I sign him up for after-school with them. Unfortunately, I have been scrambling to figure out someone to watch my son due to my circumstances. I am not sure what is going on with this business but it's been not a great experience. It's created more difficulty for myself as I am attempting to find a place and can't get anyone to acknowledge my emails let alone contact me regarding starting the after school program for my son. 10:41AM I received an email from the office and suddenly they don't have any spots open. Unfortunately, I was never told this when I called in a week prior to coming in the office last week. Parents please look for other options for your children. I'm not sure what is going on here but it doesn't appear good based off my interactions and experiences.

I switched my children to Explore and Grow last Spring. I have been so impressed with the classrooms, the ability for the kids to change rooms for specials such as music, faith and culture classes. They have an indoor play area for inclement weather and they have wonderful teaching staff. I couldn’t be happier with this childcare facility.

As a parent, I love that the staff at Explore and Grow value child led learning. When the weather permits, they have access to trails and spend lots of time outside. They encourage sensory play, process art and science experiments! They also have specials every week including Spanish, music and cultural class. As a teacher here as well, I am thankful for the incredible Administration staff who works hard to support and come alongside their staff. We are thankful for Explore and Grow!