Kia Gaylord-Heath and her family returned to New York after many months in Honolulu and were looking for day care options for their under-two-year-olds. She queried the group and here are the suggestions. Perhaps this list will save someone else a few hours of research. This said, some of these recommendations come from moms who heard good things from other moms, NOT first hand experience, so call to confirm all details, such as youngest age accepted and hours. You can also get lists of day care options from the Parents League.


The River School (63rd & WEA)
Discovery Programs (100th off West End)
Purple Circle (100th off West End)
Poppyseed
First Friends
Basic Trust (99th Street in St. Michael's Church)
63rd Street YMCA (between CPW & Broadway)
Kidville (various locations)

Some general thoughts we’ve shared re classes…

If you're thinking about classes, the best classes for the best price (and, yes, huge twins discounts) are at Rutger's Church on 73rd and Broadway. The art classes are phenomenal, as are the Once Upon a Story, etc. It's worth checking out either as a program you mix and match together, or as a complement to preschool. We did both and it was a wonderful place. Diane Nicole is the director, and she is warm, gracious and created an amazing place where all are welcome and all the teachers are wonderful. Very small classes, too, and you can join late and get pro-rated. Check it out!

So far, I haven't even done any classes...it seems like a waste of money at this age (3 yrs) because all they like to do is run around like psychos in the park or the apartment or the hall and have fun. I once took them to a free demo of a music class and they spent the whole time trying to break into the cabinets in the back of the room. Actually, they did really have fun doing that. I think the only pressure to "do preschool" so early these days has to do with getting into "real school" when they are older. I don't know if that's a legitimate concern or overblown.

It seems like many people put their kids in classes instead of formal preschool. People I've talked to love the Discovery Programs or the Garden Studio or the classes at the Children's Museum.

A few moms tell me they recommend the Discovery Program classes, including separation program for 2's, 3's and 4's.  The staff is knowledgeable, focuses on each child's individual needs and really cares about the kids.  Director Stella Moon has been there for ~15 years.  She is very approachable and involved in the children's day-to-day progress.  Parents who are interested in a separation program are very comfortable leaving their children under the care of the staff there.

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