Best Start/Era Thompson, INC.

Honestly, I’m pretty frustrated with the situation at Era Thompson. It feels like every other week my little one is coming home with a new bug, and I’m starting to wonder about their cleaning routine around the toys and common areas. Communication is also super spotty—parents aren't really getting clear updates when things like HFMD or RSV are going around the classrooms until it's already too late. Being in a neighborhood like Washington Heights, we really need more reliable care, but it feels like they’re understaffed and just can’t keep up with the basic health and hygiene standards you’d expect for a daycare.

My little one has been at Best Start for about six months now and I’m pretty happy with the health side of things. It’s a smaller neighborhood spot, so it’s not super fancy, but they are really on top of cleaning the toys and the common areas. Honestly, the teachers are great about noticing if a kid is acting off before they even get a fever, which helps stop stuff from spreading to everyone else. The sick policy is standard—24 hours fever-free—and they actually stick to it, which can be a pain if you're working but it keeps the germs down. Only downside is the communication can be a little slow if there’s a stomach bug going around, but overall it feels safe and clean for the kids.