Amazing place for families!!! Rabbi is great with kids, so knowledgable in teaching and torah study for adults, warm during difficult times, and hilarious in person and at services. Love the ECC offerings, the bar/bat mitzvah studies are better than anywhere else, and the religious school teachers are sooo good! Plus they "blessed my pets" in a fun event where I brought my tortoise and dog in!

Collaborating with Temple Kol Ami ECC has been an incredibly smooth and remarkable experience. Nicole and Hayden were exceptional during the entire process, showcasing professionalism and integrity. The dedication to security was especially praiseworthy. 10/10 would definitely recommend!

**For the Temple Kol Ami ECC**

After the last two years that our daughter attended the ECC, witnessing the new leadership of Nicole Stokes, we’ve left and moved on to another school,. We are not the only family.

We experienced a toxic environment and culture of concealment where the ECC systematically ignored or subrogated known physical safety, emotional and security issues.

To be clear, I have nothing but accolades for Rabbi Schneider, his executive assistant, Erika, as well as Cantor Shaashua.

For example:

-Was dismissive of the behavior of two boys towards my daughter, including biting, hitting, and pulling her hair…..(I found this out *not* from the school, but from my 4 year old daughter). Nicole finally responded (via email) in part, “I’m wondering if we could change the narrative for her and instead of (your daughter) "reporting" a peer name or negative behaviors, each of you could ask her one game she played or book she read, or what special art project she worked on?”;

-Another parent and I witnessed a boy walk up to three other children (2 of them girls) and shove them hard. The two staff supervising did nothing. I brought this up with Nicole, she responded with, “we address these issues in due time. And parents aren’t supposed to be back in the playground around the children.”;

-Dismissed concern for the presence of a known toxic plant, that the Phoenix Botanical Garden stated that “small children and pets should not have access to this plant;

-Has done nothing for a year after being advised that the front gate sticks open during warmer temperatures (sometimes left unattended);

-Repeatedly kept sick children in school (including heavy discolored nasal discharge);

-My daughter expressed that she was happy when her teacher was absent one day, that she had a good day at school, “Because Miss XXX screams at us”.

Amplification:

In response to my concern that a boy had been engaging in behavior that made my daughter increasingly upset, Nicole first responded with, “we don’t have bullies in our school”. I asked, “bullies?” She said, “yes, you said bullies”. I replied, “no, I said that it sounds as if a boy has been bothering her” (my daughter had become increasingly anxious about coming to school, finally bursting our crying, calling out one boy’s name).

To which she said, “Well, Ian, children need to learn to navigate the social structure.”

-Nancy Drapin, Executive Director, on responding that she is aware that a toxic plant, Euphorbia tirucalli (pencil cactus), is in the front courtyard where many of the ECC children play after class gets out, “I ask you to please watch your child carefully when you allow her to play in the front ….It is definitely your responsibility to supervise. …..There are a number of parks nearby or, I am sure, near your home,  that may have playground areas for children.” Nancy stated that they have no intention of removing it.

Furthermore, regarding Nicole Stokes’ leadership:

While she mostly presents a pleasant demeanor and maintains a smile, she can be very dismissive. Several times, I observed her not actively listen and seek to understand a situation and immediately became defensive;

Multiple times, she failed to follow up and it took me several times engaging her to get a response or resolution on even small administrative matters. I learned to ask her, “when should I expect to hear back?” After speaking with several other parents, this is the pattern of behavior that they experienced.

-She would refuse to discuss the behavior of the other child or whether and how they would also discuss the matter with the other parents “because of privacy issues”.

-One day when my wife picked up my 4 year old, the 11 year old saw an open box of cookies at the admin desk as you enter the school (everyone walks by this station), the 11 year old asked if she could have a cookie for herself and her sister. Nicole, standing there, flatly stated, “Absolutely not. These are for the staff.”

Rabbi Schneider is more than the leader of Kol Ami. He genuinely loves and cares for every member and their families. He goes above and beyond and always makes time in his busy schedule. We absolutely love the Sunday school program, Carly does such a great job. She is dedicated and always available to help the families. We are grateful to be members and love our Kol Ami family.

Beautiful temple with a wonderful childhood education center. Everyone who works in the early education center is kind, patient and loves children. After looking at other daycare facilities in the Scottsdale area, this one made me feel happy and comfortable to send my two and a half month old daughter, who seems to be thriving in this environment.