The recent KinderHaus preschool scandal in Brooklyn—where a former director is accused of embezzling millions in tuition—has understandably shaken parents.
In 27 years of practice, I told Erin Hudson at Bloomberg, I’ve never seen a case quite like this: a school director indicted for embezzlement. It’s extraordinary—and unsettling.
But it also highlights something families need to know: choosing a school is not just about philosophy, warmth, or reputation. It’s also about governance. Who is overseeing the finances? Is there a board? What kind of accountability systems are actually in place?
I’m grateful to Erin Hudson for emphasizing this often-overlooked issue. Parents should feel confident not only in what happens in the classroom, but in how a school is run behind the scenes.