Should I Get My Deposit Back?

I hope you will post the name on the business reviews section of mamasource so other people can avoid them! I can't believe anyone would behave that way in front of your son on what he thought was his first day of school. How sad!

Yes, you should get your deposit back. I don't know how much it is, but our montessori was like $700 and I would have gone to small claims court to get it back in that instance. If it's a small amount, still write a scathing letter to the board if they have one and request your money back. (all non-profits have a board - if it's for-profit, you can report to the Illinois Better Business Bureau on their website) If you don't get the money back, at least you avoided having your kid there!

By all means, try to get your money back. But, also keep in mind that they will be in charge of the most important "thing" in your life (and it's not the money!) I agree with the other ladies - write a letter detailing your treatment and the disappointment that your son felt because they need to see that ALL aspects of the school experience affects children, not just the day to day activities. And I would place my son elsewhere.

Good luck.

Given your account, I'd be looking for another place ASAP. Granted, on the first visit you said you showed up unexpectedly but in my opinion, at a care facility, that's the best time to visit - when they don't have the bells and whistles going crazy and to see the place in a more natural element.

About the deposit - nearly every place I visited had a 'nonrefundable' application fee but not a deposit. Call the place and find out what the policy is. Also, if you wrote a check, you can place a stop order on it (if necessary) in the event you were not given notice that the deposit was nonrefundable.

If the deposit is, indeed, nonrefundable, then cut your losses and find a better place for your child. You're right to trust your gut instinct on this one. Personally, I wouldn't even think twice about pulling my child from this center. They seem disorganized and cold - doubtfully the type of environment that would allow your child to thrive.

I have a bad feeling too, and that includes the feeling that they will not refund your money. You can certainly ask, but considering their lack of correspondence before, don't count on much. They sound awful though so maybe write off the money as a learning experience and be thankful you can take your son elsewhere!

I agree with the other mothers, place your son elsewhere. Try to get your money back, but don't count on it. I would not go where they seemed more interested in your money. And if they had the first part, they should have called you to say you needed the second part filled out.

I sent my son and am now sending my daughter to Lakeshore Prep, the Apple school - I bet they still have room, so if you are looking for another school quickly that might work. They will give you a tour and the school's number is ###-###-####, the Director's name is Mary Beth.

Also, check out the public school near you many have preschool's.

Good luck!