Sewall Child Development Center Review

My daughter goes here and is THRIVING in their full-day program.

I had high expectations for Sewall. I originally met with staff at the Vine Street location to discuss their inclusive program. Though my son is typical, I liked the idea of him growing and learning with kids that were not and mixed with other typically progressing children.
I was told that the class rooms at Vine Street were full for the time we needed him in school and that he would be able to attend in the classroom at St. Johns Cathedral just down the road.
At first he seemed to love school and was super excited to be there everyday. He made friends and chattered about them all the time. And then he come home stating that Kendrell hit him and he cried. Or that Kendrell had smacked him in the face. I called and left two messages about this with his teachers and didn't hear back. Then I called the administrator at Vine Street to complain, and of course I got a call from a teacher. Who saw nothing, knew nothing and heard nothing. But I was assured they'd watch out for it and take care of it.
They didn't.
Then I called again...NOTHING.
I thought it was normal kid behavior or toddlers just doing things they do -
He continued to tell us about kids hitting and pushing and other things going on. Eventually he started to tell us he was scared to go to school. He would cry and become a wreck on the way to school. He's not a whiner, and had loved going before - he's quite adventurous. So this was not normal. He ended up missing 3 weeks of school because of this.
I decided to take a day off and sit in the class to see what was going on. I was appalled. Within 20 minutes I saw my son violently pushed by one child 3 times in a row. Not a kid shove, but a malicious shove - and repeatedly even as the teacher told the other child to stop. My 3 year old didn't fight back or push back, but asked the other kid to stop. Then another child hit him and this same child went up to another little boy who was kneeling on the ground and harshly pushed this child's head into a bookcase. The other kid had done nothing to provoke it.
Two other kids also hit or pushed other children during this time. The teachers did the right things AFTER the incidents occurred, but did nothing to prevent or teach these kids from doing these things in the first place. I pulled him out of school early that day and we have not returned.
I refrained from telling the teachers exactly what I thought of them - I wouldn't have been nice. And once I calmed down I left a message for Sewall's CEO - Heidi Heissenbuttel and was assured by her that she would take care of this. Meet with the teachers and call me back to discuss what was being done. NOTHING again. I'm hardly surprised. I even waited 6 weeks for her to call back. NADA.
This school is out to look good, not out to take care of your children. I expect for toddlers to hit each other at times. It would be weird if they didn't. I expect some aggressive behavior. But I don't expect that my child should be hit often enough that he becomes panicked to go to school and terrified of seeing certain kids. I also expect that a childcare professional should know how to take measures to not only deal with the situations as they arise, but take responsibility for them, inform the parents and learn how to prevent them with each individual instigator.
This school is wholly unprofessional, but has a great reputation within Denver - but when I did deep their reputation stems from great marketing and being out there to fund raise within the community. NOT in taking care of the actual kids their system is hurting and not in dealing with the parents.
I would 1000% NOT RECOMMEND this school to anyone.

I am sorry to hear that some people have had bad experiences we have had an awesome experience our child with Early Childhood trauma was well supported and nurtured the teachers are dedicated professionals who sincerely care about each child in their charge the special ed staff is knowledgeable and compassionate. Would highly recommend was school to anyone with a toddler thanks sewell

My daughter has had multiple incidents where she is been being bullied in physically hit by another boy. The administration does not see fit to remove the child from the classroom and now my daughter is scared to even go to school. This is not a good place for children to go to learn the basic functions of being in the classroom! Nothing is done when you're done your child is being physically abused by other children!

My three kids went to Sewall, 2 nephews, and 2 nieces. Not 1 complaint. Great environment, kind, inclusive, nurturing, fun, cultural, educational, active .....and more. Everything you ever wanted for your kids and stuff you didn't even know you wanted. We love Sewall.

Awful work experience, very short staffed, no funding for classroom supplies needed to use money out of my own pocket, very disorganized with all the paperwork for parents and staff, CEO is unaware of all her staff that don't work complete hours at off sites. I would not recommend this school if you are expecting support for your child.

Sewall is incredible. Both of my kids have been going for nearly a year and we have developed close relationships with the support staff and teachers. My son has special needs and the teachers have been outstanding advocates for his developmental progress.