Buckle My Shoe - 40 Worth Street257

The school system in lower manhattan is extremely competitive. I was surprised when BMS was easy to get into - The only requirement was the price tag. The main concern of the administration seemed to be the waiting list fee ($100.00), the deposit ($3900.00) and the post dated checks (varied by program - 15,000.00 - 30,000.00 per year) - the rest of the entry process seemed to function in a very mundane puppy farm kind of style - I would recommend taking an extra look at this school - the administration are callous, and insensitive to the needs of the parents, they overlook the importance of communication, between the faculty and parents - opting for a punitive, bullying approach - displaying their general lack of expertise - There are a number of amazing schools in lower manhattan - and sadly this one falls short on so many levels.

I was so thrilled to have enrolled my son at Buckle my shoe - My husband had a few concerns - I called Buckle My Shoe to ask for advice - (my son was due to enroll in September 2011). My husband was concerned about the 3 day program for our 10 month old son - He wanted me to talk to them about the difference between a 2 day program versus a 3 day program. A simple request seeing as we were already excited, and enrolled - a little nervous that our only son, who turns 1 in September would be attending classes at their establishment. Sadly our excitement and vision was shattered with the insulting and offensive reception I received on the other end of the phone. My request was shut down - I was told that the person that received my call was busy "on the other line", that I had "called at an inconvenient time", that I had "no idea what I was talking about.....3 days was fine", ... Someone would call me" back by the end of the week - (keeping in mind I was calling on Tuesday morning). I could go on with this berating and offensive list of insults. When I asked if there was somebody else that would not be so rude to me - the offensive call take told me that she was the only person - and the other person that was above her was the owner - and I could try emailing her - but she checks the directors emails". "So that would be a waste of time". Im completely speechless - I feel completely bullied - and upset that these were the so called capable hands that I was about to entrust my son to. I have since withdrawn my application - and have received notice from the school (via a phone call to my husband) this was entrusted to the school in good faith. We in no way provoked any of this abusive behavior - I would vehemently suggest looking deeper into having anybody attend this school. We were genuinely excited about this opportunity and are now greatly saddened by what we experienced.

Buckle My Shoe took great care of my infant son from when he was 4 months to 7 months old . It was very difficult for me to go back to work but the Lady Bugs Staff eased my mind especially with the daily reports (food consumed, soiled diapers, playtime activities, etc.) that I received. I was able to breastfeed him upon pick up and ask as many questions as I wanted without being made feel as though I was neurotic. I treasure the little hand prints and my first mother's day card that he created for me! Thanks BMS!

This school has some good points and good intentions, but they have a lot of staff turnover. I don't think the teachers get the support needed for a quality environment. There are quite inexperienced teachers in charge of some classrooms, and they don't have the necessary skills to positively manage young children. They also don't seem to deal well with differences between girls and boys and particularly the differences in the sort of activities that interest them.

I have heard that staff does not last very long. Any ideas why?

My child attends this great school. I think that the comment posted about breastfeeding is ridiculous.I am still breatfeeding my child and one of the reasons I sent my child here was because it is very friendly to nursin mothers. Also the director breastfed her own children for nearly three years. The second reason I choose Buckle my Shoe was the curriculum based on Reggio Emilia philosophy. I think the parents here and the children are warm and loving.It is a community that thrives on community. I am very satisfied with the environment and the administration. I do not believe that anyone here would turn away a nursing mother,ever.

I went to tour the daycare center with my 1 month old son and husband. at the end of the tour, I asked the tour guide if i could sit in a corner for ten minutes to nurse my son before heading home and she wouldn't allow it. she replied, i want to go home. i'm closing.