This thread is a little old, but I just stumbled upon it and had to speak up.

I have been employed with LaPetite off and on since the 1990's. When we relocated to Lakeland, I landed a job at the school on Glendale in Lakeland.

I left work every single day in tears. Those children are yelled at ALL DAY LONG. The teachers are not educated and trained in child development, and it shows in the way the children are cared for.

I left that location after a few months... and never regretted doing so. I'll *never* suggest this school to anyone!

I have seen things at every day care that I don't like. I put my son in First Baptist at Mall for a few months as an infant. He got RSV twice and I quit my job so he wouldn't have to go back. Teachers were great in infant room. I noticed one of the part time younger teachers lifted him up off the floor and on to her hip by his hands. He was way too young for that (3 or 4 mos). He didn't have the control for sitting up until he was like 6 mos! The Methodist Church on Lake Morton was very nice too but I didn't like the teachers in my son's room (1-2 yrs). One seemed very angry and yelled a lot. She grabbed my son's arm and yelled at him after he slapped a child, then looked at me and yelled about how bad he was that day. He couldn't talk at all, so I couldn't really ask him about his teachers. He also came home with a huge raspberry red mark about 1/2 inch by 5 inches on his chest and when I called to ask about it, the actual teacher answered the phone instead of the director or administrator so I had to ask her about it. She said she didn't see him get hurt. I would definitely go and watch how the teachers interact with the kids before putting my children in any day care. Unfortunately, they need people to fill in for breaks, and substitutes, so you just never know what you're going to get!

It is unfortunate that either of you Mom's ever had to see a teacher in a childcare setting behave in any way other than a caring way for a child.
Childcare centers and their workers are supposed to provide a safe, learning environment for the children in their care. Sure, there will be the little bumps, bruises, scratches and even a bite or two(litte ones do this!!), but as for a child being treated that way by a teacher...NEVER!
For the young lady who worked for LaPetite...I surely hope you used your authority and at least reported the abuse you saw to the director and if threatening to the child, then to the proper authorities. As a child care employee you are legally bound to report.
Some advice:
Get to know your child's "second" teacher...YOU are the first!! A teacher should be loving, caring and interested in your child.
Yes, I am a certified teacher in a child care setting here in Lakeland. Our children are our future and they deserve the best start they can get. That begins at home and in a center that will provide them with the very best they need to begin their learning years.

Thank you Wishinndreamin for your advice and experience.

I am new but thought I would comment on this subject......my children have always been in daycare.
My daughter started out at the First Baptist at the Mall and I felt it was just a babysitting service but that was several years ago. She is now in school but have my youngest at Publix and it is wonderful but you must be employed by Publix to have your children attend. It is expensive but wonderful.