Starting Points Child Care

As many of the reviews already mention, this was an incredible facility before the recent turmoil. Our son thrived and we absolutely loved his teachers. Once Dorothy took over, we became concerned for the children and staff. Rapid changes were inflicted with no input from parents, repairs (most notably the bathroom) were left undone, and we could see that the staff was stressed. Food menus were changed and while the listed meals appeared normal, we were informed that what was actually served was severely altered. When we were informed that we would no longer be receiving meals (with no reduction in fee), Dorothy sent multiple messages telling us what we could and could not pack for our own children. We trusted that while Kathy was running the center, our son would be in good hands, but as soon as we received word of her and Kelsey’s resignations, we knew we had to get out of there. To my knowledge there are very few remaining children and most of the rooms have been shut down. I write this review to make sure that other families looking for care are aware that this is not a reliable facility. It has been devastating for all of us to watch what was once a bright spot in an unstable world become a complete mess.

I hate that I have to leave a poor review of what was once a wonderful daycare. Kathy and her staff are some of the most amazing people you could ever meet, and I consider myself and my family very fortunate to have had them caring for our children. With that being said, the new owner (Dorthy or Thea) has forced everyone out and has plans to remake the center in her own way. To add to several of the issues mentioned in other recent reviews, her dangerous handling of food allergies was the final straw in a long list of poor decisions/mismanagement on her part. I am genuinely concerned for any children in her care now that the fantastic staff is no longer there to hold her accountable.

PLEASE do not send your children here!! When our son started here nearly three years ago, we couldn’t say enough wonderful things about the place. As first time parents, we were so grateful for the guidance we received from the teachers and the level of care we experienced. This all changed in Fall 2025. Suddenly the new owner changed the menu without any input from parents. That was our first red flag. Then we learned that teachers had not had any raises as they were promised, even though tuition had increased significantly. When the incredible director and assistant director stepped down at the same time, we knew we couldn’t stay any longer. Shortly after that, teachers started leaving left and right, classes were shut down, and meals were no longer provided. It’s heartbreaking to see such a special place take a nosedive.

Starting Points USED to be an amazing daycare. Our son started there at 4 months old, and over the past two years we loved the place. The teachers were wonderful, and our kids second family. We were blessed to have them in his life. But..... New ownership and new "directions" have not only ran off the staff that we loved, but left us feeling that our child would be in unsafe conditions at the daycare. From letting the bathroom go unrepaired for MONTHS, to changing the children's food without any explanation to the parents in what they would be eating. From what I've heard, these are just the tip of the iceburg of shady changes. We got our child out of there as fast as we possibly could, as we felt that he would be receiving improper and unsafe care if he stayed.

NEW UPDATE: It looks like Thea/Dorothy is in the process of rebranding this place to A-Kid-demia children's forestry school or something along those lines, please be aware of that place as well. Thea/Dorothy is the problem. I really hate that I'm having to update this, but the last few months of Dorothy/Thea's idea of leadership have been completely unacceptable. She's been trying to shove her idea of what the daycare should be down everyone's throats and it's running its course. From trying to force the kids to eat all the yuppie boring garbage she likes to eat to firing the director, assistant, and a teacher who was expecting in a very short amount of time. She's a control freak who has absolutely no regard for the wellbeing of the children. We've been told that she's working to get away from licensing requirements and I think that says plenty about the direction this daycare is headed. There has been a mass exodus of both teachers and students in just the past few weeks and I highly suggest looking elsewhere for childcare. Dorothy/Thea has singlehandedly ruined a place that we used to rave to our friends about and it's completely unfair to the students, staff, and parents involved. I would no longer feel safe sending my child to this daycare. Dorothy, your response to James’ review is verifiably false. A child with a known egg allergy was served alternative meatballs with an egg powder in them just last week and had a reaction. Previous 5 star review from when Kathy was in charge: Absolutely love this place. Our son has been going here for over 2 years now and we have always been extremely confident in the care he's getting. All of the teachers are so nice and engaging.