Schools in Port Washington, NY

“This experience has been wonderful! Our daughter attended for three years and our son one. He'd run in without looking back. She was more hesitant, then couldn't stop talking about it. We moved to Port largely for this school and were not disappointed. The references were strong when we were deciding, and perhaps we'll chat if you're considering it. Many parents were educators (we're not), and we developed some close friendships.The name comes from "Project Spectrum," a research program that ran at Harvard under Howard Gardner and Mara Krechevsky. It's unrelated to the autism spectrum. The idea is that there are several types of intelligence (a "spectrum" of knowledge), and they can be cultivated in early childhood. My Spectrum School combines elements of this theory and the Reggio Emilia approach.It excels at translating theory into experiences. That's mostly because teachers care about kids, and kids aren't interested in Gardner. There's a commitment to longer-term themes (e.g., creativity, cognitive skills, STEAM), which informs curriculum. And they have a moment-by-moment approach: Teachers incorporate kids' interests and provide remarkable individual attention and differentiation. Class sizes are small enough to make that work.There's also some structure. Teachers stick to a routine for activities like arrival, lunch, playground, and departure---even if there can be considerable flexibility in between. Kids call adults by titles. Dr. D, Ms. Jennifer, and Mr. Jason became household names.The teachers are amazing, and it's hard to say enough good. Mr. Jason and Ms. Jennifer are bright, engaged, and passionate about the kids. They're also all-around wonderful people. Dr. D brings considerable experience with education theory and practice. Everyone had helpful insight at our conferences. They love talking about the kids. They were willing to reinforce things that we worked on at home, like empathy, imagination, or potty training. They will also tell it like it is: You'll hear something if your kid is in diapers at four or five. It is Long Island, after all.The facilities are large and thoughtfully designed. Mr. Jason teaches Pre-K students in one room. Ms. Jennifer and Dr. D have younger kids in another. There's a fair bit of crossover, where younger kids join the Pre-K students for some activities, parties, and play. Kids without younger siblings play eldest to the little ones, and likewise.We'll have fond memories.”

“The teachers are extremely nice and so are the students. I wouldn’t ask to go to any other school. In my opinion I believe that Vincent smith school is the best school on Long Island!”

“Child's World Preschool embodies everything we were looking for in a school for our kids. Our family has been a part of their Mommy & Me program, as well as Preschool for several years and we continue to love the school more and more. The caring teachers and staff, along with the amazing activities and playground are just a few of the reasons both of my children have been so happy there. We are very lucky to have found this school and look forward to several more years with my second child there.”

“This is a wonderful establishment! I am happy that both of my children experienced day care, pre-k and after school programs at Friends Together.They have flexible hours which are perfect for working families. The teachers are dedicated and provide loving care in small groups with school prep curriculum! Totally happy”