I am not one to typically write reviews, but I hope to save another parents grief in dealing with this poorly managed child care center. I have unfortunately had my daughter enrolled at Family Circle for nearly five years, and like most two-parent working setups, daycare was our last/only option. After skimming through several previous reviews, I would agree that in the beginning I was optimistic and the staff was friendly and forthright. I honestly trusted many of the employees who were actually watching over the kids, and I knew they were doing their best to finesse a room full of energetic children and navigate all the unexpected waters that will bring.

I ran into one such of these employees in a grocery store about a year ago, our conversation led to her telling me that she no longer works for FC. When I asked why, she was very clear in stating that management creates a "toxic" and "unhealthy" working environment, so much that she decided to leave. I sensed this prior to speaking with this former employee.

During my daughter's tenure, I had several challenging discussions with a Trina Humphries, the Business Manager. As a customer, no matter the business, I rightfully expect to deal with friendly and open/understanding staff, especially those in leadership positions. Trina had a special way of making me feel like a bother anytime I had questions or any needs at all; even before conversing, she seemed to always be on the attack and dismissive of anything I said. During these aggravating talks, I would regularly be talked over and interrupted when simply trying to convey my side. I believe it would be very hard to be a good listener when all you are doing is formulating a response while the other speaks.

In short, our typical encounters were due to financial disagreements, whereas I believe a customer should pay for services provided, and she held her authoritative power to collect based off of misunderstandings and technicalities/formalities. I never felt satisfied as a customer of FC after our dealings.

For those parents who are forced to look into childcare for their little ones, I respectfully advise looking somewhere else and saving yourself the buyers remorse. There are many other child care centers to explore in the area, I would avoid FC at all costs.

As far as the owners scripted response that will shortly follow this post: The predictable lines in attempt to save face with anyone reviewing the comment section are irrelevant to me personally. I am giving you the perspective of a long-term customer who has had dealings with your team over the last five years, I truly have no gripe with the majority of the staff, just the aforementioned occurrences. I hope to never set foot in the building again specifically due to the one employee.

I would simply suggest speaking with all of the staff about their honest relationship with management to see for yourself. Also, a customer-based relations training for anyone stationed in the front office probably wouldn't hurt. It is a very unnerving feeling to leave your child in the care of a business whos face-to-face manager is naturally confrontational.