OUR COMMITMENT

A Letter from Melissa Rabideau,
Founder of tinkrLAB

Dear tinkrLAB Community,

I want to begin with a simple yet deeply heartfelt statement: I am sorry.

Two years ago, an incident occurred at our daycare center that caused harm to a child and their family—people who had placed their trust in us. We failed them. Though the event happened in early 2023, a public post shared in March 2025 brought the pain of that moment back into focus, in a way that was raw and real.

Reading their story again—feeling the weight of their hurt—has reminded me that silence, even if unintentional, can deepen wounds. While I cannot rewrite the past, I can acknowledge it fully and take full responsibility for the role I played and the ways in which I failed to lead.

At that time, I was still new to operating a childcare center. I had systems in place—but they were not strong enough. I trusted that things were being handled with the same level of care and urgency I would personally bring. I was wrong. And when the incident was reported, I followed the guidance from licensing authorities. But I now know that simply following protocol is not enough. What was needed—and missing—was compassion, transparency, and accountability.

I made several mistakes:

I delayed my personal response to the family.
I did not immediately place those involved on leave during the investigation.
I waited for permission, when I should have listened to my instincts and acted with urgency.

For these mistakes, I am truly sorry.

Since then, we have worked tirelessly to rebuild not only our systems—but our culture. We have made foundational changes to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

Here’s what we’ve done:

The individuals involved in the incident are no longer employed by tinkrLAB.
We’ve instituted a zero-tolerance anti-discrimination policy that every team member must agree to before hire.
We provide ongoing DEI training, including education on sensitivity and inclusivity.
We’ve implemented clear reporting and accountability procedures, along with updated employee expectations.
We’ve brought in external professionals to evaluate our environment, policies, and practices to ensure we meet the highest standards of care.

Looking Ahead:

This experience—though painful—has taught me more than any class or training ever could. It reminded me of the sacred trust parents place in us every single day. That trust deserves more than procedures; it deserves presence, empathy, and decisive leadership.

My mission has always been to create spaces where children are safe, celebrated, and nurtured. That mission still stands—but now it is backed by stronger policies, deeper awareness, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

To the family hurt:
You deserved better. And for the harm you experienced, I extend my sincerest apologies—again.

To every parent who has ever trusted us—or is considering doing so—I want you to know: We are listening. We are learning. And we are committed to doing better. Always.

If you have questions, concerns, or simply want to connect, I welcome you to reach out to me directly at contact@tinkrLAB.com.

With humility and hope,
Melissa Rabideau
Founder, tinkrLAB

Our Commitment to Inclusion & Equity

At tinkrLAB, we believe that every child matters.

We proudly welcome families of all backgrounds to engage in our STEAM-centered programs. Our mission is to create a space where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is practiced, and the uniqueness of every individual—child, parent, or staff member—is honored.

We are dedicated to providing enriching opportunities where children and families can learn, grow, and discover together. As we continue to serve our community, we remain committed to listening, learning, and constantly improving.

Our Anti-Discrimination Policy

We uphold a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind.

This policy exists to ensure that every child, parent, and staff member is treated with respect, dignity, and fairness—regardless of:

Race or ethnicity
Gender or gender identity
Religion
Disability
Family structure
Sexual orientation
Socioeconomic background
Or any other characteristic protected by law

Key highlights from our policy:

Children’s Rights
Every child has equal access to play, learning, and care—individual needs and accommodations are always considered.
Inclusive Practices
We utilize culturally responsive materials and activities that reflect the rich diversity of our community.
Staff Training
All team members undergo ongoing training in anti-discrimination, bias awareness, and inclusive education.
Open Communication
We encourage respectful and transparent dialogue with all parents, guardians, and community members.
Accountability
All concerns or reports of discrimination are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and resolved with honesty and care.

OUR COMMITMENT