Rating: 1 out of 5 Posted on: August 21, 2009

Mary Sears: As a former longtime employee of Mary Sears, I can state from personal experience that this is a TERRIBLE place to send your children and should be AVOIDED like the plague. During the first few months I was at Mary Sears, no less than three employees (not counting me) all resigned suddenly. It is a chaotic, harsh environment for children that seems more like a North Korean prison camp keeping everyone “in line” through fear than any type of positive learning environment putting “children first”. Almost none of the “teachers” are certified, anyone in a position of power is “family” and related to the director. The school “rules” state that children should never be talked down to, this is violated on a daily basis with mean, sarcastic ‘teachers” who demean children as young as two constantly until they cry. The school “rules” state that male employees are not to participate in changing diapers, but this is also ignored on a daily basis to the disgust of all female employees like myself. Simple hygiene rules like sterilizing all areas with bleach water on a daily basis and using cleaner are not just ignored, but often ordered to be terminated by staff if they are on a tight schedule that day. Teachers that have had over 30 years them were appalled when they learned about Mary Sears’ day-to-day operations. DCFS should shut down these “schools”. Please, for the sake of your children, do NOT send them here!