Bundle of Joy Child Development Center

Looked into this place recently and heard some compelling rumors from people who have left that a teacher was hitting kids as discipline. CPS was called and found no evidence but that's easy to cover up unless you see it first hand. Not worth the risk.
Jan 21st, 2024

Our daughter was at BoJ Bell Creek for just over a year, '21-'22. Everyone should understand before reading these reviews that all parents were offered a week of free tuition if they left a 5 star Google review. For us that would have saved $270, very enticing, but the offer made me sick and we didn't accept it. When time came for the Richmond Times "best of" awards the campaign this establishment ran to get everyone to vote was borderline harassment. The reminders to vote were CONSTANT. We had a great experience in the infant classroom. Unfortunately our daughter was moved to the cruiser room before she could walk and this resulted in her falling off of a chair. She hit her chin with her tongue out and her tooth went through her tongue. She's almost 3 years old and the scar on her tongue is still there. If it wasn't for me standing up for my daughter she would have been kept in the cruiser room, but I had her moved back to infant. Maintaining teacher to child ratios were a constant issue and this was the reason they moved her to cruisers. They sacrificed her safety for their benefit. After she was walking she was moved to the cruisers and the quality of the afternoon teachers was a disaster. I'd show up to pick her up and finding her was tough. I often was told "she's outside with the kids somewhere". My wife would drop her off in toddler 1 and by the time I'd pick her up it was a guess which classroom she'd be in. The afternoon teachers were anything but attentive to the kids, and rarely acknowledged me at pickup. I would not recommend BoJ Bell Creek to any parent and don't trust the rave reviews.
Aug 20th, 2023

We have been sending our daughter here for 4 years, and we sent our twins here after they were born as well! We have always felt our kids were safe, that their teachers are really invested in their learning and development, and we particularly enjoy the number of enrichment activities that they have to offer. One of our children was diagnosed recently with some additional learning needs and they are wonderful at accommodating him and his external therapy providers. If there are ever any concerns about his or our other children's development, we know that they will take it seriously and work alongside us to address them. We love just about every teacher, but standouts for us have been Ms. Porsha, Ms. Pam, Ms. Mary, and Ms. Kimmy. The director, Kari, has also done a great job!
Aug 1st, 2023

My son attended BOJ on Bell Creek for four years. During this time he established wonderful friendships and had some great teachers. My concern has always been with the director. Communicating with her is a challenge. She doesnt respond to emails or calls. And shes very unorganized. On two separate occasions she charged late fees on top of late fees and didnt make us aware until the bill exceeded hundreds of dollars despite paying on time each week. This was the result of shorting the payment by $25 in error after the tuition increased which it often does. The facility closes for a week each year and while parents are made to pay tuition this week, the teachers are not paid unless they use their PTO. And the after school/Pre-K building is unmanned. No one is ever at the desk watching the many monitors. Only the main building has office staff. When I requested to speak with the regional director, I was informed I was unable to do so as the regional doesnt deal with parents. I think its crazy valid concerns cant be escalated beyond the director herself. The very people they need to keep the doors open are the ones treated poorly - families and staff.
Jul 30th, 2023

I'm quick to take my son out of a school or daycare when it seems he's not a good fit or not properly being taken care of. But he will be staying here until he starts kindergarten. Ms. Mary reminds me of my head start teacher. She's awesome, caring, loving and kind to all the kids. But she also provides that older black woman sternness that I love so much. My son always has activities and stuff to do and learn. I love seeing him make friends even though it's not something he struggles with lol. The evening staff take very good care of him as well. He's well loved where he's at and I appreciate it. They all are supportive and really are there for you when you need it and I'm grateful. This is a great school. I'm sadden that this upcoming school year will be his last and I hope his next school is half as good as this one.
Jul 24th, 2023