Parent Reviews

Specializing in ages 2 -4 the children leave their shoes at the door and run around in socks! This gives that warm family appeal. Parents are encouraged to be a part of their child learning and the resources of the neighborhood are used as children go on trips and to the neighborhood park.

The Director is warm and makes you feel safe. She talks the time to speak to each parent and teachers are more than happy to speak to you every afternoon. While the school may lack structured curriculum children learn through art and every day basic concepts that are essential to an every day first year school experience. If you are looking for your child to have fun and feel safe, this is the school for you!

Tenth Street Tots Child Care – School Information

Locations: 297 East 10th st. New York, NY 10009

Phone: 212-982-8701

Website: http://www.tentots.com

Ages: 2-4

Ratios: 5:1

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Parent Reviews

While tots may lack the strict health and safety standards that a larger school may have if you are looking for a school that’s fun and feels like one big happy family I would recommend this school for you.

When walking in the east village you could walk by Tenth Street Tots and not even notice the wonderful childcare setting you are walking by. The school is set in a quaint brownstone and holds about 15 children. In this art inspired culturally mixed area Tots fits right in with its blend of children and parents.

It truly is a school of the community. Parents are actively involved with the dedicated team who use theme inspired curriculum to teach children on an every day basis. There are three teachers on staff including the Director who is the only teacher certified. Tots range in ages from 2-4 with a strong focus on milestones and socialization as important skills for their children.

Tots also utilizes the community by bringing in performers, going to the park and sprinklers in the neighborhood, and going on many field trips throughout the city. Snack is provided but parents provide lunch which is prepared for the children by the teacher. The teachers clean up after the children and do a major cleaning at the end of each day. Throughout the day diapers are changed and potty training is encouraged though there is no set schedule for these things.

Children bring in blankets and crib sheets and sleep on cots provided by the school. In terms of safety, the door is kept locked and teachers have to let you in. Other than that there are no clear safety precautions on site. While tots may lack the strict health and safety standards that a larger school may have if you are looking for a school that’s fun and feels like one big happy family I would recommend this school for you.

The first thing I noticed was the security. There was building security I had to pass before entering the building and then was impressed at how difficult it is to find the place! There is no sign or notice on the door that would indicate this is a childcare center. When you enter you are met by the office manager and he looks at sign in sheets and photos to ensure that you are in fact supposed to be there. He then has to let you in to the child care setting. Other security measures are video tapes and cameras that run all day and open spacing of the classrooms so that teachers can see across the center at all times. The center takes ages 3mos through 12 years old and are broken up into 4 classrooms. These age ranges are Infants (3mos- 12 mos and walking), Toddlers (12mos walking to 3yrs) Preschool (3years to 6 years) and School Age (6yrs- 12 years). This is emergency care (when the nanny is sick or school is closed) so on one hand I can understand the broad age ranges, but on the other hand, I am confused as to how a 3 year old can get the same educational value that a 6 year old can in the same classroom, the same for a 6 year old and 12 year old. The teacher to child ratios seemed great in the toddler room (1:4) preschool room (1:8) and School Age (1:10), but I did have some concerns about the infant room which holds a total of 6 infants and has a ratio of 1:3.

I don?t see how 1 teacher can provide optimal care for three small children without one being neglected. When I send my baby to a center I want to feel certain that her needs will be met and she will not be waiting in a poopy diaper while the teacher is feeding a child and has a third baby who is fussy. This said, I must comment on the teaching staff. The people that work at the center seemed upbeat and friendly. They were engaged with the children and extremely hands on. In the toddler room their were children going through extreme separation anxiety and the teacher in the room was patient and soothing allowing the child to express herself and learn to trust her. This made me feel that these were people I could trust with my child. I also must point out how beautiful the center itself was. Their was colorful displays on the walls, the rooms were clean, and all of the toys seemed clean and new. They have a sanitizing machine on state and each room is equipped with soap and water, and bleach spray bottles that are used throughout the day. Each classroom has its own separate bathroom or changing area and teachers ensure that all food items are labeled with first name last name and date. Teachers prepare foods with gloved hands and snack is provided.

Overall I was extremely pleased with the center and would highly recommend the downtown Bright Horizons to anyone who has emergency care needs.

Star America Preschool – School Information

Locations: 780 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10036

Phone: (212) 262-4896

Website: http://www.starpreschool.com

Ages: Infants to 6 years old

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Parent Reviews

I did not get the opportunity to see children and teachers interacting in the environment but overall, I was impressed. Star America Preschool is a chain of Preschools in NY. The one I had the opportunity to visit was the brand new location in NY. The school has a convenient location and is beautiful inside. The walls are painted bright and friendly and the school seems very inviting to children. Class sizes are small and each teacher has an assistant. The Director was warm and friendly and was willing to answer all my questions. To make up for no outside play area the center has a gross motor room which classes take turn using. I did not get the opportunity to see children and teachers interacting in the environment but overall, I was impressed.