Whales, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

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We enrolled my child a couple of months after we moved to the area. This is his first daycare experience and it's been nothing but positive. Thanks to the help of the staff, he's potty trained, he's speaking better, and he's learning valuable socialization skills that he wouldn't otherwise have gotten being an only child. The staff, Bill and Judy are all friendly and personable and Bill even makes food from scratch for the kids and staff. I would definitely recommend sending your child here if you want to see them thrive.

Response to ang k., from owner of Whales , Snails.
We had your child help us go through the trash cans at the bowling alley because he told us he threw his shoes out. He didn't know which trash can, so we went through every one. When we went through every one, then he remembered he put them under a shelf where he was bowling. As far as the game, he was watching a game called Five Nights At Freddie's, which a child was playing on the bus while we were returning from a field trip. The children told us when we arrived an the child playing it was banned from using his electronics on the bus. We cannot have children walk to us while the bus is moving, so we acted upon first notice: when the bus stopped at the center. I don't excessively punish children. I make the punishment commensurate with the violation. By not enabling this child to have his electronics on the bus for the rest of the summer, it sends a clear message to all the children that if they want to use their electronics during drive time, they need to be responsible. If I were to try to presuppose children were going to behave inappropriately. It would set an adversarial tone that would start an us against them environment where many of the children would engage in rule violating behavior, because, after all, we already think the worst of them. I think the best of my children and we talk about how good kids can sometimes do bad things and unfortunately you then put me in a position where I have to punishment.

Using ang k. Logic, I would set a negative environment where punishment is commonplace and not a particular example to be remembered. I know this because we've been doing this 22 years and we aren't stupid, we know what works

Well, I can see that my post struck a nerve with some people. I’m not sure how Ms. Tabetha K. thinks not letting my 6 year old child play the latest in “terrifying psychological thriller video games” equates to me raising a psychopath, but hey, her parental judgment is probably the kind who sees it the toy department at Walmart and says “Well it must be ok. They’re selling it at Walmart.” Excuse me for having standards. The level of hatefulness in your post makes me wonder if Judy herself didn’t write it… if not it definitely tells you something about the type of parents who think this place is great. Go ahead, attack the person giving the negative review – your post is more telling about this place than mine is. I do sincerely hope your children fair better than mine did at this place. They deserve better.

Posted June 2017

My child attended this daycare for a total of 18 months. There were a series of events that gave me concern culminating with the following: 1) making my child go through the trash at a public bowling alley because another child accused him of throwing his bowling shoes away. He hadn’t. When I asked the co-owner (Judy Whale) about it, her response was “it’s not like he was punished for it”, and 2) children (6 yrs of age and younger) playing games on tablets that are not age appropriate (rated T). The co-owner Bill Whale’s response “I’m not going to sanitize my program for 1 child”. That’s their level of care for your child. I complained about these events (and others) on a Tuesday. On Wednesday we were informed that we would have to find a new daycare by Monday. Bill Whale loves to toot his horn about the videos he makes of the children and gives to the families. The one he provided to us in Dec. 2016 included a song with the F word and the N word…

Running a preschool and daycare of this magnitude is like running a school. When someone can house over 100 kids from 1 yr old to 12 years old, and you can do it successfully, you know what you are doing.
Our son has been with WS&PDT for about 6 months. He loves it! They have 2 full size school buses for weekly trips (daily trips during the summer for the bigger kids). 2 different outdoor play areas, 8+ different age group areas in 2 buildings, keypad entry doors, and a lot more. Bill and Judy Whale are, simply put, awesome owners. They will help you with anything you need, anytime. The are very understanding, easy going people. They have just as much, if not more experience working with school aged children than your average teacher.
Every day isn't perfect like we all wish it could be, but this is reality. Kids misbehave, teachers have personal issues that effect their days, kids get sick, kids get hurt, mistakes happen and we just have to remember, it's all part of life. Every day, we receive a handwritten daily report of our son's day( behavior, attitude, cooperation, did they sleep, how did they eat) which we believe is very informative.
My wife and I would "Highly Recommend" this preschool/daycare to anyone in the area. If you want your child taken care of in a friendly and caring environment, you've found the right place. Always remember, 20 good reviews outweigh 1 bad review. There is always a sour grape in the bag.

I have had nothing but great experiences with this daycare! I have heard horrible stories from friends with kids In daycare and while I searched for a daycare I was a nervous wreck. This is the daycare my husband and I picked for our kids and let me know say I couldn't have made a better pick. They are more accommodating than they need to and are very fair! Some may have a negative perspective on them, but let's face it, not everyone is perfect and people do make mistakes but as far as a daycare, it does not get better than Whales, snails and puppy dog tails. So taking a second to acknowledge Ang K. If it was so bad, why did you use them for 18 months? Couldn't have been that bad! Keep up the great work Bill, Judy and staff. I know for a fact my family appreciates everything you guys do for my family.

Let me remind everyone there are always multiple sides to a story & different perspective (Mrs Ang K). Can we ask if this was such a horrible daycare then why did they have to revoke you from bringing your child..umm good parenting and tablets are you serious go ahead and over shelter your kid so we can add another psychopath to the world..if I felt a quarter as strongly as she did.. my kids would have been out the next day..so In my opinion this parent is one of those parents that makes every issue an "issue" and her kid obviously does no wrong..come on lady. I have 3 children ..1, 8 and 9. My 8 and 9 yr old have been going to this daycare since 3 yrs of age..they love it and I love it. I love it for the simple fact that this daycare is real w/real people owning it..Maybe not perfect like me and everyone else on this earth but real and real caring people.Over the years they have help me and others when not required & definately not expected. They take the kid's on unplanned trips which the kids love..definately above and beyond. Every year for the summer program you have a choice to go to the beach for free with your children. for the families that can't afford vacations. You tell me what other daycares thought of that. So I'm not saying this is a cookie cutter daycare but I am saying this is a amazing daycare w/ genuinely good people running it (Bill and Judy)..running a daycare is no joke multiple children multiple parents multiple personalities not for me no thank you..it takes special people to even attempt this..which this 1 parent can't comprehend.. but atleast they try.My kids see this as their 2nd home and look forward to being here. ..which speaks volumes in itself.Ive been to shitty daycares w/people just in it for the money and let me tell you unlike miss Ang K I removed my kids instantly...but the fact my children choose to go and want to be here...speaks the truth in itself. My kids are safe happy and growing.

We visited several daycare centers before enrolling our child in WSPD. When first visiting, it was very overwhelming. Lots of noise, kids, toys, papers, rooms, etc. I'm Type-A, well organized and technical, so it was a difficult for me to sign on to WSPD, but I'm so glad we did! I looked past the chaos (well, kids having fun!) and meet with the owners. I realized then, that, that chaos is what I want to see. I wanted to see them playing, learning, and interacting and not being forced to grow up. And, as much as I'd love for WSPD to be more technical (camera's to log into, credit card payments, daily reports in an app), I'm glad they're not! No camera's makes me trust the center and doesn't distract me from my day, no credit cards keep my cost down, and my child LOVES those daily report papers (esp. with stickers)!

As far as the staff, I have no complaints. My child cried for a while when dropping off and someone always came to comfort him. They allowed him to adjust at his own pace by starting some days in the quieter babies room rather than in the kitchen with the rowdier toddlers. We've had relatives drop off/pick up and comment on how much fun he was having or how a teacher comforted him until they left. Some of the staff is young, but you'd be hard pressed for find a daycare without a young staff. At WSPT my child has never had a change in teacher while in a specific room. That may just be timing, but he hasn't. I've also noticed that the owners are out with the staff/kids and not hidden in an office. I like that they're involved, that the staff knows they are there, my child knows who they are, and they are accessible to me at drop off/pick up. Oh, and that young staff had my boy potty trained by 2.5!

I love that my child can talk now and tell me about his day! He gets excited to go to daycare and tells me about what he did each day. He has never said anything negative about WSPD and is always smiling when I pick him up.

There is a menu given out to all parents every 2 weeks that tells you what the kids are getting for breakfast, snacks, and lunch. Their meals sometimes make me jealous of my daughter. If your child has food allergies they are good with working with that too. They just bought a newer, safer, and more reliable bus to transport the kids to school and field trips. They plan to replace the rooftop, get a 6-ton airconditioning unit before the current one breaks, and they are looking to install a key pad entry system for extra security. However, this requires money they do not currently have after buying the bus, as well as improvements made to the facility. But despite not having the finances for the planned improvements they are not increasing tuition. Not all the employees are very young, there are some older women who work both in the infant room and with the toddlers. They are always hiring so if you're looking for a job and love kids rest assured they don't discriminate against age. My child is greeted every morning with enthusiasm and immediately asked what she would like to drink and given whatever is for breakfast that day. If it's cereal she is asked what kind she wants. They use Quikbooks to accurately keep track of all finances. I have never had a problem with billing. They even work with me and the CCIS, which helps me pay for tuition for daycare based off my income. Also, tuition is due Thursdays and I get paid Friday and they are understanding to that so I don't get charged a late fee. My little girl loves going here. She loves playing with her friends and loves all her teachers. They are good at making sure no teacher has too many kids to watch. This has been a lifesaver for me, and I am thankful for them. If you are looking for a convenient, safe daycare check this place out. Oh, my daughter absolutely loved the pony rides they did last summer!

I had my son at WSPT for many years until he started kindergarten. I have to say he couldn't have gotten a better education or care. They have a structured educational program for all ages, and their teachers do a great job keeping parents updated on the kids progress. The owners, Bill & Judy truly care about the families. Bill is a great cook and makes many homemade meals for the kids. He also makes the best cookies!
A great family environment.

My children have been to several different centers in york county, being away from my children is hard enough and even harder when someone else is take care of them i don't no well. I can tell you this, whales snails and puppy dog tails doesn't see your children like a dollar sign. This daycare cares for the emotional and educational wellbeing of the children. They listen to parental input and the children play in a well structured and safe environment. The staff maintain a clean facility. They maintain a well balanced meals plan, it's a comfort that my children look forward to daycare each day. Whales snales and puppy dog tails has made my children and I feel like a part of their family.

Lynn B.- you must have been confused where your children attended daycare because Whales Snails and Puppy Dog Tails is THE BEST! The owners are there everyday and cook hot breakfast for the children EVERY morning. Bill and Judy are the most caring and attentive to the children. The staff is very loving and treat my child as their own. He smiles as soon he sees his teacher. My boy is 6 months old and loves his teachers. The teachers cuddle with each baby as soon as they enter the baby seal room each morning. This is a wonderful way for my baby to start his day.

The center is squeaky clean. I've witnessed staff wipe down/sanitize play mats, toys, etc. As soon as you walk in the door it just smells clean! They wash my son's bottles before sending them home with me at the end of each day as well.

When your child attends daycare here, the staff gets to know your child. My son's teachers know his likes and dislikes, what makes him smile, what his favorite toys are, and how to help him meet his developmental milestones.

I would highly recommend Whales Snails and Puppy Dog Tails to any parent looking for affordable child care!

I wish I could rate this place with negative stars. This is the worst childcare center I have ever had my children in. I can see why they have such a bad reputation and can't believe they are even allowed to still be in operation. In my opinion, it is only a matter of time before they are shut down. My 3 children all attended for one year and they all hated it. When I went for a tour before enrolling them, the owner made it seem like the kids would have a nice hot breakfast every morning...that was just for show apparently, because most of the time they were given cereal full of sugar. Most of what the owners told me before enrolling did not turn out to be true. The whole place has a bad smell all the time. The employees are all very young and/or all seemed miserable everytime I dropped my kids off. The owners are horrible with their accounting - They told me I owed them more money - which I did not and had to provide them with copies of every check I gave them to prove it. I'm still not sure if this was truly a mistake or if they did this on purpose (they kept talking about their upcoming tropical vacation), hoping that I would not go through the effort of proving that they were wrong and just give them extra money?? Do not send your kids here.

We moved our children to Whales, Snail and Puppy Dog Tails about 6 months ago and I wished I would have done it sooner. The turnover rate is so low here. The teachers care and more importantly Bill and Judy Whale care. They are an integral part of the operation of the center, they don't just pocket the money and run like so many other centers. They put what they can back into the center. The meals are great, some days I wish I could eat breakfast and lunch there. My Bill is notorious for making monster cookies and sending them home. The kids have great playgrounds to play on. The staff love and care for the children. When I come in to pick up and drop off and I asked how my kids day was, I never hear "I don't know" which is what I got at the other day care center, I hear about all the great things he/she did, I don't just get negative feedback, I am told what new words my daughter spoke today and how my son helped pick up toys and he sings songs to me on the way home. I never had that before and I'm ecstatic with the time the teachers take to spend with the children. Oh and let's not forget the great field trips. Mr. Bill drives the school bus and takes the older children to visit an elderly home to sing songs as well as field trips to playgrounds, the school age children get to go roller skating and get ice cream. I can't recommend this center enough. Our most precious gift in life is our children and Mr. Bill and Mrs. Judy make sure they are taken care of the same way we do, with nurturing, love, discipline and importance.