University Baptist on Highland needs to be shut down

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TRIGGER WARNING: harm at childcare center
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***my intention was never to slam daycare/childcare/MDO programs as a whole. I am sharing MY story from my perspective in the hope of encouraging other mothers to listen to their instincts and advocate for their children when something is awry. I am a huge advocate for childcare centers (when things are handled appropriately) and will continue to utilize and depend on them. I understand some people have had wonderful experiences at certain places; however, that does not negate others’ negative ones. This is our family’s experience and my daughter’s story. I will never speak on other’s experiences.

[After recently sharing in a few local BR mom groups, many requested I share publically so this could be distributed amongst a wider audience.]

I’ve sat with this information heavy on my heart for a little over two months now…. I was just not yet ready to share (with anyone other than family/close friends). If anyone is considering a Mother’s Day out program for your little, think twice about University Baptist (on highland/lee).

We began so hopeful for an enriching social experience for my baby girl but were left regretting ever going. The issues began early on, at orientation, when one of her teachers acted with disdain and aggravation towards her, fussing at her to get away from another baby and physically moving her multiple times. I brought this up to administration and the other lead teacher and it was briefly acknowledged then brushed off as a one-off oddity.

A few short weeks later, my daughter and other babies were left unattended while eating (on multiple occasions), Sophie was not wiped appropriately leading to a UTI and eventual hospitalization, and worst of all, lifted off the ground dragged by her arm across the room. She attended from Sept-Nov 2022 and was 12 months old when we finally pulled her. They had video cameras (thank God) and I happened to be watching when each of these events occurred. I have screenshots and screen recordings. They are extremely upsetting so I will not post in this forum unless I am asked. (I was asked to by hundreds via dm so I have since posted the photo).

Another concern I had was that the teacher’s own child was in their class. During the orientation, my Sophie was hugging her soon-to-be classmate, the teacher’s child, and the teacher appeared incredibly irritated that they were interacting and kept pushing Sophie away from her. Having your own child in your classroom is the definition of a conflict of interests and any mother would always prioritize her own baby over of the other children in the class. The administration should never have allowed that. During the incident that finally made us pull my daughter from the program, the teacher was holding her own child in her arms while picking Sophie up by the arm and swinging her across the room. In that moment, my worst nightmare had come true and my fears were realized.

Once Sophie had been removed from the center, I sent a strongly worded email to every church official that I could find on their website. The director disregarded my concerns from day one. She tried to explain every inappropriate action with the excuse of “cultural difference” and said that she would use the incidences as “teaching moments.” I kept thinking, “but at the expense of my baby’s safety and health? Seriously??!” It was an unreal experience and I’d never wish it on my worst enemy. I blame the teacher firstly but even moreso the leadership’s utter lack of competence and knowledge and extraordinarily poor judgment. Unfortunately, I could not report them to a licensing board because they are not an officially governed childcare center (part time places are apparently not required to be licensed- who knew..!). I have since learned I can report the incident to DCFS. The teacher that did this to Sophie has since been removed, but it is the poor judgment of the leadership at this MDO program that continues to haunt me.

I share all this to say: if your mama gut tells you something is wrong- LISTEN TO IT! Never disregard yourself and never stop advocating for your loved ones, especially our sweet babies who cannot yet advocate for themselves.

If you’ve read this far, I sincerely thank you. It’s been a heck of a process, but this brings us one step closer to healing. ??
Sharing a photo of my happy baby because she is thriving in a new environment and is already and will grow to be a trailblazer.

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