YAHARA RIVER LEARNING CENTER

Staff here are very rude and unprofessional!

My daughter attended Yahara River Learning Center until we were abruptly disenrolled over a billing mistake that was caused by the daycare’s own bookkeeper. They processed tuition from the account I have previously discussed was closed, then accused me of nonpayment even after I provided confirmation from both the active bank and Procare/Tuition Express showing the payment was processed incorrectly. Instead of resolving the issue professionally, I was met with hostile and unprofessional emails from the bookkeeper Lisa saying “you lied” “we are not playing games” and was told my child was “unenrolled” immediately. The owner Macy then informed me that my daughter’s father could still bring her but that I was no longer allowed on the property—despite our 50/50 legal custody. When I arrived at the center to discuss the situation calmly due to their avoidance of communicating, the police were called to escort me off the property, and the owner falsely claimed to them that I hadn’t paid tuition since September and no longer can communicate with them. This was humiliating and completely untrue. As a licensed professional and a mother, I’m deeply concerned by the lack of professionalism, false accusations, and discriminatory treatment shown by this center. I’ve filed a formal complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) for investigation. I would strongly advise other parents to thoroughly research their options before enrolling here. No family should be treated this way over an administrative error. Edit: 2 weeks after being kicked out, they took that payment out of the account they claimed was "closed" and added a $50 nonpayment fee even though they refused services.

Hard to boil down a complex business like a child-care center into a star rating, but here we are! They've handled COVID-19 protocols really well thus far. Rates are fair. Somewhat pricey (see their website for current rates) -- but this is Dane County. I think their rates are fair for what they do. Not their fault that our country doesn't subsidize quality childcare and the entire childcare funding "ecosystem" is an absolute mess. But I digress... My son loves (almost 4) loves YRLC. He's challenged there every day and has stories nearly every day about how nice and supportive his teachers are. He has made great strides (emotionally & with skills and independence) since he enrolled here. We discussed 4K placements with him, and he seemed upset at the idea of considering another placement. Children get attached, of course! But it's great that his experiences are positive enough that he wouldn't want to considering going anywhere else. The kids get outside every day and play with "things" in the playground in creative ways. What other daycares do you get a picture of your kid crawling through a hollow tree stump in the middle of the day? I appreciate the freedom he has to get messy and "try stuff" (especially when someone else is in charge of the clean-up!). We'll be sending our next child there when she's old enough without hesitation. I think that says a lot.

Teachers seemed fine the owner though 👎 and as far as their response below we paid the tuition on Friday morning instead of Thursday night nice try though sweetie.