At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About Just For Tots #4
Play-Based Learning at Just For Tots
Just For Tots #4 is a licensed childcare center in Killeen serving children from 6 weeks up to 12 years old. The program follows a play-based philosophy designed to nurture curiosity and support individual development across social, emotional, and physical domains. The facility includes bright classrooms, an indoor gym, and is transitioning to specialized nature-inspired outdoor classrooms. Supporting working families since 2014, the center offers extended hours from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Daily operations include provided meals and snacks, and transportation for school-aged students. The facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art security system and video surveillance. While providing a wide array of services, the center is currently under scrutiny due to recent safety incidents and a history of state citations.
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
My daughter is a newborn and I was super sketchy about putting her in daycare. Ever since I placed her I haven’t had any issues so far. The only thing I don’t like is how cold it is in there. I understand it’s for germ and weather reasons but it’s too cold for there little bodies. Other than that it’s been a good experience.
Worst day care here!! Owner is very rude and unprofessional!!! Not to mention my son always coming home in a soaked diaper. No one is ever at the front desk but someone with a medical condition and a doctors note clearly stating they can't wear a mask isnt allowed to come inside to drop their child off without a mask but no one is ever at the front desk....... This owner wants to put up all these rules for the parents but clearly doesnt even have a handle on the employees inside his own establishment. Will be looking for a new day care for my child!!!
Absolutely love Michelle, Loyda, and majority of the staff. Thank you for being such kind, caring, beautiful people. My daughter is treated like their own. Very loved and spoiled. My 7 y/o son was going there until last year due to some indifferent views I had on the older kids room staff. He started going when he was 2 and was great until he turned 5. They’ve improved the staff since last summer thankfully. The managers are wonderful and always in a good mood. I can’t imagine my mood if working with kids all day lol. Owners have been very kind as well when they’re in.
I called to get information on a spot for a 2 year old. I was told that there is no availability. I asked if I could register her to hold the spot and I was told I would have to pay $130 each week until a spot becomes available! So they would want me to pay 130 a week to hold a spot! I can clearly see that this day care is only concerned about the money! The normal practice is a registration fee that would hold the spot! The lady I talked to was very unfriendly and had no interest in trying to win me over as a parent! This is a complete joke! Looking at he reviews you can clearly see a pattern in 5 star reviews, makes me wonder if they are genuine!
I first moved to the Killeen area in May of 2017. We were interested in Just for tots because it was close to my husband's job. I've, since, fallen in love with the staff. The owner gave me my initial tour, escorting me to all the rooms, introducing me to the potential caregivers, and showing my husband and me the curriculum for the classrooms. I have a 6 year old and two year old that began attending the center. My oldest started school and had to be moved to another daycare center. I'm reminded, very frequently, that she misses attending Just For Tots. Anytime that she can stop in and say hi to her prior caregivers, she does. With my youngest, she has thrived in the toddler environment. She comes home singing songs and surprises me with some of her vocabulary and her number and letter recognition. My child and I are greeted by all staff members we come across when I enter the building. We are also wished a good day/evening as I/we leave. I have openly expressed concerns with the staff in which they are quick to explain and or address if need be. I feel confident that my daughter receives the best care when she is in attendance. I would recommend this daycare to anyone in the area. Also, there are cameras everywhere that is monitored by the front desk staff. And unlike other facilities I've been to, they actually save the video and will review, if necessary.
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
In November 2023, a lawsuit was filed against Just For Tots #4 following a June 2023 incident where a 10-month-old infant suffered a fractured arm; video surveillance allegedly showed a caregiver forcefully pulling the child. State records indicate the facility received 31 citations between November 2018 and September 2023 for violations including inappropriate discipline, background check lapses, and failure to report injuries requiring medical treatment. Following the June 2023 incident, the facility was further cited for failing to demonstrate competency and self-control.
Parent Reputation
The center's reputation is heavily impacted by the widely publicized 2023 injury and subsequent legal action, with parents reporting shattered trust and alleging deceptive communication from staff regarding the incident. While some older reviews from 2017-2018 for the franchise were positive, recent sentiment is characterized by concern over safety protocols and transparency. There are currently no recent positive parent reviews for this specific location to counter the publicized safety issues.
Staff Insights
Employee reviews from Indeed for Just For Tots in Killeen (3.1/5 stars) report a 'unprofessional atmosphere' with management described as passive-aggressive and showing favoritism. Staff members have cited low wages, lack of resources, and being understaffed as primary concerns. One 2021 review specifically alleged that 'staff can be handsy' and children were 'handled without care.'

