Schools in Oceanside, NY

“As a mother, entrusting someone else with the care of your child is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. It is even worse if your child has a disability with a severe speech delay. From the moment I first stepped into The Learning Center Academy at Oceanside, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. The bright, cheerful classrooms, the smell of fresh art supplies, and the warm greetings from the staff instantly told me this was more than just a daycare.

Miss Kim who gave me the tour was phenomenal. She was patient and attentive to what I had to say about my son. When I told about his autistic diagnosis, she did not flinch. After 4 years on this journey , I am used to people losing their enthusiasm once I tell them that my baby is autistic. Miss Kim asked specific questions to help address Zac's communication and developmental needs without making me feel that my baby didn't belong.
The teachers and staff here are truly something special. My son's face lights up every morning when we pull into the parking lot, and that’s how I know he feels safe and loved here.
His classroom teacher Miss Aneeza is the sweetest. She truly bonded with us from day one. We have only had one incident since we started, and it was handled with such professionalism and care.

Every day, I receive updates, pictures, and little stories about his day—what he learned, the activities he enjoyed, what he ate, how much he napped and even the silly moments that make him laugh. I get updates both through the app and another verbal report at pick up.
The curriculum is engaging and creative, yet the environment is relaxed enough for children to explore and be themselves. I watch my son becoming more confident about exploring his environment everyday. That again tells me he feels safe and loved.

They serve a well balanced meal and 2 healthy snacks. My son does love to eat, but he can be picky. So I pack a backup up nut free lunch in case he doesn't eat what is served. His favorites are the whole grain pizza and whole grain pasta with sauce lunch.

What I love most is the way they embrace every child’s individuality. They celebrate diversity, encourage kindness, and teach values that go far beyond ABCs and 123s. My son is autistic with very limited verbal and social skills. The staff always greets him and speaks to him like they do with every child even when he doesn't respond. And when he does respond, they get so happy and they praise him for trying. Seeing their face when my little one gives a verbal respond tells me that they care about the same things I do. They encourage him to play with other kids, but they also allow him his own space to be alone.

If you are a parent searching for a place where your child will be loved, inspired, and supported every single day, I cannot recommend The Learning Experience in Oceanside enough.”

“I can not say enough about how amazing Bright Star is and how lucky we feel to have found this school. The teachers are caring, attentive, and encouraging, and they really take the time to get to know each child. The director and the staff also go above and beyond to ensure that the facility is a safe environment for the kids. That peace of mind as a parent is priceless. If you're looking for daycare that employs a more academic approach but also encourages early childhood discovery and fun, this is the place!”

“My son attends the Long Beach JCC Early Childhood program and LOVES it! The staff there are so caring and supportive to not only him and his classmates, but the parents as well.”