Knox County YMCA Early Learning Center - Galesburg, Illinois

Sarah Y.

My daughter has been going to this daycare for 2+ years. We’ve been able to experience all 3 rooms and we love it!! She enjoys herself everyday and has definitely improved her social skills. She recently started recognizing certain letters by sight- so there’s definitely learning going on too. She loves all her teachers and I’m grateful to have a daycare provider that we both are happy with!

Tiffani M.

My children have been going here for over a year. They are amazing. My son is a challenge, but the staff have been very patient with him. They have helped me with finding different resources to help him with his speech delay. As well as helping him there. They understand that time are hard, and have been understanding with payments and even helps with child care assistance. The teacher there are amazing.

Ashley M.

Always sending my child home for bad behavior causing me lost wages and still charging for the days he was “suspended” The child to adult ratio is in adequate. Most of the staff is unqualified or under qualified. All they want is money. Take every dime from single mothers and then don’t let the child attend after you just emptied the bank account. Oh, and all the 5 star ratings are coming from the employees or the employees friends and/or family.

Stephanie J.

My child went here for a good 6 months and in that time she had pink eye, hand foot and mouth and RSV. When I pick her up her face is always covered in snot. I was told on two separate occasions that my child had an extremely high fever at which point I picked up my child from daycare and took her directly to the doctor only to find out that she did not have the temp describe by the daycare providers. Once I was told that the room my child is in will be closed only to find out they actually opened the class and did not notify me. The YMCA staff needs to be better trained, they have young girls working who probably do not understand the importance of keeping these babies hands and mouth clean especially during these times. The only great thing I can say about this daycare is the fact that the ROE 33 staff provides the wonderful ASQ screenings to make sure my baby is on track developmentally. I feel there is such a need for childcare in this area the YMCA staff is very cocky and they don't care about the parents opinion. They have this if you don't like it attitude then don't bring your kid. They are not attentive to the parents concerns, and they could be more attentive to the children. Perhaps more staff training is needed. IDK im just happy I have another option now

Liz F.

Edit: the only reason they have a few good recent reviews is because they had to beg the parents to write them to cover up the reviews they did not like because they were not good.

Now that my kids are gone I can share my true review of this school. I have always been the first to defend the ELC and I had always loved it. The teachers are amazing, however, the director is extremely unprofessional and not equipped for the job. To start, they called to send two of my kids home claiming they had a fever. When I got there to pick them up they were not warm so I had them check their temperature in front of me. They did multiple times. No fevers. Their temps were 97 and 98. Not even close to 100 and 101 which they were claiming it was. I had class the next day which I had to miss and it was my son’s birthday and he had to miss as well because of the false reading they claim they had. I got ahold of DCFS and the daycare got in trouble for this whole situation and the DCFS lady said that I could let my kids go to school but I had already missed class so I kept them home. One lady who works at the daycare and the ymca seriously tried to tell me the armpit temperature is the most accurate. Honestly one of the most stupidest things that I have heard. Like I said not equipped to work in a daycare. There is a person who is from ROE that thinks it is appropriate to try to date dads from the daycare and talk poorly about the moms, she spreads personal business to other parents so watch what you say. The director is the worst at talking about people. Workers and parents. She thinks it is okay to make up rumors and talk bad about parents RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE KIDS. Which is ultimately why I pulled my kids because this behavior is disgusting and extremely unprofessional all around. Everything above I have evidence and proof of. I just want to say the DCFS lady is extremely kind and if you have any problems with the daycare go to her! She is so helpful! Overall I will give this 1 star become the teachers are really good. It’s not their fault they are run by people who are unequipped and unprofessional.

Ally H.

This is the best daycare in Galesburg! The teachers, director, aides and ROE all come together to ensure your child is learning, and developing in the best way possible. Beyond teaching, these teachers go above and beyond on building one on one connections with your children. None are favorited, all are treated equally and with love. Highly recommend!! My son has gone here since he was 1.5 years old. Always have fun activities planned for the kids. Holiday parties, family nights, they have even taken the kids to treat street on Halloween. Keyerra is one of the best teachers he's had while he has gone here. As he loves all of his teachers, the love he has for her just shows!

Carrie S.

This place has gone down hill once they decide your child might be a problem or doesn’t follow strict direction they start implementing extra charges suggesting different placement vindictively
Some of the staff are good and actually care about the kids but poor management creates this catty type environment .
Towards some of the parents things are not done in the best interest of the child exp.. 4 -5 year olds typically don’t nap but it’s strictly enforced not for the betterment of the child but so they get a break. There needs to be alternatives here
They try to force the issue and if you don’t comply or argue I feel like you are a target and management will work to get your kid out. Going as far as to file false reports and such. It’s about being in control with parents and kids not about what we can do to help the children.

Ruth B.

My son has been going here for about a year. He really likes his teacher Ms Shelby and the rest of the staff! They are always friendly and seem to really care about the children. 🙂