GRAYS FERRY EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY

I only gave 2 starts because it was extremely clean and the front desk staff was very nice and welcoming… However when it comes to that director 😩 she was cold ! Especially if u have a child on the spectrum her patience was very thin . my toddler was home with me 2 years and he cried some at our initial meeting she asked this in a nasty way like “ do he always act like this “ “is he gonna hit my staff “ she was just really unwelcoming! Although i couldn’t see her face because of the garments they way she spoke and looked at my son was enough! even the front desk staff noticed my agitation and intervened with a snack for him to be nice. she even was saying i would have to leave work early for a week and pick him up before nap ! umm don’t u get paid for the day? i wasn’t gonna do this cause im a big supporter of black business but it happened again with someone i know with a child on the spectrum so im speaking up ! She needs a better system in place or training in place for kids that need autistic support because all kids aren’t meek and quiet didn’t mean u should make the parent feel like they aren’t welcome.

My child started at GFELA this year. I was so nervous, especially since my son had been at his previous daycare for three years and was familiar with many faces. However, I have nothing but great things to say about GFELA! 1. Parking – Drop-off and pick-up are usually a hassle at most daycares, but I can always find a free, legal parking spot here. This was an unexpected perk! 2. Teacher Retention – At our previous daycare, there was so much turnover that we could barely remember the teachers’ names toward the end. That is NOT the case at GFELA. 3. Security – There is a security guard on the first floor of the building. On the fourth floor, the doors remain locked, and you must call the center to be buzzed in. 4. Director Involvement – Before my son started, the director, Mrs. Unis, personally called me to ensure he would be properly accommodated. She continues to keep me updated on his progress and is very involved in his development. She attends his ELWYN meetings and ensures his teachers provide input to help him get all the therapies he needs. At our previous daycare, I invited the director and teachers to video meetings, but they never attended. Because of that, I assumed directors simply didn’t participate. However, when I forwarded the ELWYN meeting invite to Mrs. Unis, I was pleasantly surprised—she and the teachers made themselves available for the meeting! I’m so happy I made the switch!

My child is currently enrolled in this facility since September 2023 and so far so good ! My kiddo has been to 2 different day cares prior to attending GFELA and I have never felt more comfortable with knowing they are being properly cared for , the teachers are always polite during pick up and drop off & all concerns of mine have always been properly met wether it be handled with them or the director. And in addition my child wakes up everyday excited to attend and also is returned to me with that same excitement and smiling face and as a parent that is a great feeling!!

So many preschools aspire to be rigorous, loving, and inclusive. But I imagine very few can walk the walk like GFELA. Right from the director and the teachers, GFELA makes their mission to do everything they can to get their students to realize their potential - and then some! They took such incredible care of my son, teaching him a great deal, encouraging him to push himself, and helping advocate for him when he needed it. I could not have dreamed of a better early environment for our son, and hope that his schools going forward are as incredible as GFELA. We are grateful for our time there.

I have been teaching in the toddler room at Grays Ferry ELA for almost a year. Staff in Grays Ferry are incredibly knowledgeable in early childhood education, and have supported my ability to grow as an educator. Staff (administrative & other teachers) encourage their colleagues to achieve their goals and cheer on the accomplishments that staff make in and out of the classroom. The learning environment is incredibly warm and welcoming, educators are continually encouraged to attend professional development that follows their interests. Teachers and administration show joy when children’s skills develop in and out of the classroom. Teachers & educators take time to listen to families discuss various life experiences and recognize that early education is holistic. In order to provide families & children with the most positive learning environment, families are always included in the education process at Grays Ferry. I feel incredibly lucky to be a teacher here, and cannot wait to see the amazing successes we will accomplish together.