At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About A Heart to Give Early Childhood Center
A Heart to Give Early Learning
A Heart to Give Early Childhood Center in DeSoto provides a structured, nurturing environment for children from birth through age 14. Founded in 2017, the program follows a philosophy that blends Christian values with academic and play-based learning. The facility features distinct classrooms for specific developmental stages, including the "Cuddly Ducklings" nursery, "Busy Bees" toddler group, and "Wise Bears" Pre-K program, all focused on achieving age-appropriate milestones. Director Melissa Penelton and owner Tracy Burks-Carter manage a large-capacity center designed for working families, operating from 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Beyond traditional classroom instruction, the center provides daily meals and local transportation within a five-mile radius. Photos show a vibrant, active space where children engage in arts, reading, and group play. The center emphasizes kindergarten readiness through critical thinking exercises and social-emotional development.
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
I am the mother you all are talking about and I never even posted and since my mother posted her opinion now Ms Melissa and your staff are on your business page talking/ making up false things about my kids saying I brought them dirty and you bought stuff and gave me things… I AM A GREAT MOTHER AND THAT IS NOT TRUE BY ANY CHANCE BUT FOR A BUSINESS TO RESPOND LIKE THIS THATS WHAT MY ONE STAR IS FOR INSTEAD OF BEING ADULTS AND SITTING DOWN YALL TRIED TO ATTACK ME AS A MOM for something my mom posted WHEN IM ALREADY GOING THROUGH REAL LIFE PROBLEMS AFTER LOSING MY JOB SINCE DECEMBER !!! There is so much stuff I can actually post but I am a woman/mother I come to you in person ALL I WANTED WAS THE SAME LOVE YOU GIVE THOSE PARENTS I SEE LEAVING SUPER HAPPY! It’s NOT A HORRIBLE DAYCARE BUT THE COMMUNICATION SUCKS AND EVERY TIME MY BABY HAD NO PAMPERS when my car was down I make sure I doordash her pampers. I have left your daycare crying more than once talking to the same God you all talk to telling him to give me a sign or just praying! I am going to remove my kids but I’m a single mom and I have to go through the motions of ccms I actually LOVED THIS DAYCARE AT FIRST BUT WHEN SOME TEACHERS LEFT I FEEL LIKE SOME OF THE PASSION LEFT!!!!!!
As a long term parent of A Heart To Give I am appalled by the lies told in the negative review. Allow me to give you a REAL REVIEW. I have witnessed these amazing ladies going above and beyond for all children. As parents dropping off in the morning we have all seen some parents pushing their kids in the door with dirty clothes/uniforms, some toddlers already wet, passed off to the teachers saying I didn’t have time, or please change them, please clean their faces. These ladies are always understanding and willing to help out. This center provides before and after school transportation which helps out busy working parents life myself. Another bonus is communication with parents. If there is something needed from you, like supplies, personal care diapers/wipes etc, you are notified ahead of time and given grace to provide these items. So implying children are being mistreated is a blatant lie. In regards to children not being fed. I’m sure during enrollment it was communicated the center would provide, breakfast lunch and snack. There was a brief trial run with the center serving Supper and that was over a year ago. That was done on a trial basis, along with the center opening on Saturdays to again accommodate busy working parents. Even the extended late hours is yet another way the center goes above and beyond to accommodate the kids and parents. In my opinion this center continues to find ways to go above and beyond. These are a few examples of why Ms Tracy has 3 centers which are all exceeding expectations. I personally see Ms Tracy, Ms Missy and Ms Toya on a regular basis, and they are always available or approachable for parents. When you have a great supporting staff you don’t have to be present all day everyday. Seriously do you walk in McDonalds expecting to see Ronald behind the counter?? Hands down this is by far the best center in the area.
Blessed morning! I have three kids attending this daycare they have been attending A heart to Give for the past 5 years. As a parent I am beyond happy at my kids milestones they have accomplished since day one. On another note I want to respond to one of the negative comments on here. As a teacher of one the siblings we have gone over and beyond for this child. I have washed cloths and bought diapers, wipes and other supplies for this child until mom was able to bring didn’t mind cause this is what our center do we love and care as if their our own children. To try and come on here and disgrace our teachers and daycare is unacceptable. I don’t have to go into every details because they know the truth and God knows the truth. Also the owner doesn’t have to be here everyday thats why she have qualified employees and qualified directors in place but I’m here to tell you no weapon formed against us will ever prosper because of the love and care we have for our babies. Have a bless day!!
I don't know who these people are that left these reviews but they are not telling the truth. My grandchildren attend this God awful place. My youngest grand turned one while attending as a baby she hates this place. She gives me and my daughter dirty looks every time we leave her. My older 2 only attend after school and guess what they only get a snack after being there from around 3 to 6. I guess dinner not for schoolers. On one instance one of them used the restroom on herself and they told her to sit down until she dry. Guess what, we picked her up pissy. The other one had number 2 accident and came home with the same clothes on still with number 2 on her. Now how can children be treated like those nice people in those other reviews. I guess they don't work there no more. I am just disgusted with this place, there are several other stories I have but not enough room to type. My daughter is in the process of removing them as I leave this REAL review because those other reviews are not from parents that have children at this school. I know for a fact they don't because Tracy is rarely at this location. Please keep scrolling and save your children from having to seek counseling because all 3 of my grands have started going because of the treatment they get here.
As a parent of three kids at A Heart To Give my kids have learned so much from this learning facility. My kids have attended this facility since they were babies and they are 3, 4, and 6 now and they continue to strive in excellence. They love the staff and the love the staff have for my kids is remarkable. I feel so blessed that as a parent I don’t have to worry about the safety of my kids but so grateful of how they prepared my kids for school and their future. It starts with daycare to prepare them and set them up for greatness and a Heart To Give have given them the tools they need to start their journey. Thank you to the owner Ms Tracey and the director Ms Melissa (Ms Missy)
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
No specific safety incidents, legal issues, or news-reported accidents were found for this facility. It is a licensed child care center (License #1648406) with an initial license date of February 26, 2018, and a capacity of 105 children. During the 2020 pandemic, news reports highlighted the director's public commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of the children in her care.
Parent Reputation
The facility maintains a highly positive reputation among parents, who frequently describe it as a 'safe haven' with a 'warm and inviting atmosphere.' Reviews emphasize a family-like environment and highlight the 'dedicated and caring teachers' who build deep connections with students. The center's leadership was reportedly recognized with local 'Best Learning Center' awards in 2023 and 2024.
Staff Insights
While no formal employee reviews from Indeed or Glassdoor were found, news reports and parent reviews describe the staff as 'nurturing mentors.' The director and owner, Tracy Burks-Carter, is noted for her hands-on management and her efforts to maintain employee morale and income during operational challenges in 2020. Parent feedback specifically praises the staff's professionalism and their open lines of communication.





