Maurice M.

I was very disappointed to experience such disrespect during my phone call with the director of Clementon KinderCare, I believe the center needs to replace the director immediately. On Thursday Jan 19,2023 I was getting off work around 6:00pm when I received a phone call from the daycare, I was contacted by the Director who was extremely rude, she lashed out in a harsh tone saying that I needed to pick up my son, the court order in front of her states this. I was confused by the call and let her know I was unaware of what she was talking about, I never received a revised court order that changed my visits. The original order stated that I am given
Wed-Thurs morning, which mean I drop him off to daycare Thursday morning. My next allotted time is not until Fri- Sunday. However what the director was reading to me states that I am to have him from Wed-Sun. Now had I known of the new changes I would not have dropped him off that particular morning due to my expected work schedule for Thursday. I tried to explain to her that I am being completely blindsided by all of this new information and unfortunately I am nowhere close. I was in north NJ, and it would take me 2 hours to get to daycare from my current position. She showed no empathy or compassion to my current situation, she continues on to tell me that this isn't her problem, and she has somewhere to be. She recited that their rule states that the child has to be picked up by 6pm and if not by 6:30pm the police will be involved. I then questioned why is it necessary to have them involved, this is not a no show situation, I expressed that I am being compliant, and I am on my way as well as trying to find someone to get to you sooner. I also apologized again that I did not know about the new order and I'm not sure why I did not receive a letter in the mail. I live in Phila. PA, NJ family court has in the past taken down and incorrect address and not sent me very important information. I also questioned why she believe it was necessary to talk to me in such a manner, I did nothing wrong and in fact I am trying to resolve this issue.
The entire conversation she spoke with such an intimidating and condescending tone. None the less she continues to tell me none of this is business of hers, and she doesn't have time for this, she is a very important person, a director who has a lot to do. I felt as if me being African American played apart, and she believed she can speak to me however she wanted to. I do not believe that if this was a Caucasian couple the situation would have been taken to this extreme. I doubt the police would have been called, especially knowing I'm enroute and on the phone with you, as well as trying to find someone close. I added her in on a call with my friend who lives in New Jersey to see if he would be able to pick up my son, she yelled on the phone and hung up. I called back nervously very scared for my son, I was in a vulnerable situation and there was nothing that I could do to fix the issue quickly enough, and there was no understanding given. I asked if she could call his mother, she said she's at work, but in a very recent conversation with the court his mother stated she was not working at the time, so I asked was she sure and could she please just try and I will pick him up from her, she said no. I also inquired why am I being notified so late, I would believe that if I never pick him up on Thursday I should get a courtesy call to make sure I am aware, so she stated she meant to call earlier but because she's a director and had more precedent matters, and other obligations she lost track of time. Of course I can understand that, however she refused to give the same understanding in return. Continuing with the same rude treatment she stated if someone is not here by 6:30 I will be calling the police, and then yelled I have been here since 6:30 a.m., I said I understand I'm just as tired I dropped him off at 6:30 a.m. She then hung up to call the district director, so I continued to search around for someone able to get there. I spoke with my sister she said she can get him, so I called the daycare to let them know my sister was on the way, the director never mentioned that the police were called already she just rushed me off the phone stating they were waiting for a callback. I then get a call from the police who is stating that the director told them that I said I am not coming to pick up my son which was not the truth, I was very grateful because the officer remained neutral and asked for my side of the story. I explained to him everything that happened, within the conversation he let me know everything was being recorded and gave me what I needed to retrieve the recording (Inv. Szovati 2023-*******) My sister arrived at the daycare, the director asked the police to follower her out and please stay until she has left to make sure she does not do anything. That request was very rude and unnecessary, my sister said nothing to her in an aggressive or threatening manner. I believe the director is racist and I fear for my son being in her care.