My 2 1/2 year old son has been attending the daycare program since he was 7 months old, and my 10 1/2 year old daughter has been attending the summer camp and after school program since she was 8, so I've been with the school for three years. My experience has been very positive! My son started out in the infant room with Ms. Roe - who goes above and beyond for the babies in her care. She is very warm and gives all of the babies a lot of attention, care and love. At the end of each day I would get an itemized list of when he had a bottle and how many ounces he consumed, what he ate, when he was changed, etc. Prior to enrolling my son I struggled with the thought of sending an infant to daycare, however Ms. Roe and her constant communication made me feel very comfortable! After his first birthday, my son was moved to the toddler room with Ms. Laurie and Ms. Michelle. They were excellent! They had constant reinforcement of the building blocks of learning - they would go over the colors, shapes, and ABCs daily - and my son would always come home singing nursery songs. They were very festive and would have celebrations for holidays, birthdays, etc. In the few instances where he would fall ill under their care, I would find him in one of their arms as if he was their own child! Now my son is in the 2 year old room with Ms. Margret - and again, I couldn't be happier with the experience. The program is very well-structured - every morning they have circle time where one student gets to hold the flag and they all sing "God Bless America" (yes, my son can now sing "God Bless America" on his own without missing a beat) and they go over the alphabet, colors, shapes, etc. They also do daily projects which come home every day (many of which are inspired by professional paintings) and colorfully adorn my family room walls. During the summer they have outdoor play time - and one of the key factors in my decision to enroll my kids in Big Bird's was how well organized the indoor AND outdoor play areas are - each group has their own fenced play areas with age appropriate toys and rides. My son has learned so much in these past few years, and I'm very excited to continue to see his growth at Big Bird's. My daughter loves the summer camp and looks forward to attending every year. The school bus leaves at 9am and doesn't return to the camp until 4pm - they have well-planned trips (i.e. Museum of Natural History, Aquarium, Turtle Back Zoo, Medieval Times, etc.) as well as weekly outings to the bowling alley, movies, park, etc. After hours they come back to the premises where they have their own designated areas to partake in arts and crafts projects and other games. There is never a dull moment! The same goes for the after school program. Another important factor for me has been DIVERSITY. Our family is multi-racial and multi-ethnic, and the high level of diversity at Big Bird's has been a breath of fresh air for me as a mother. You will find all colors of the rainbow, followers of all faiths, and differing family dynamics here. To address some of the complaints - when I read that someone said that it was filthy, I couldn't believe it. Every evening there is a cleaning crew that comes in and disinfects the entire campus (I usually bump into them as I pick up my kids!). The campus is under intense surveillance, and it's even rumored that the Director has access to the security cameras from her house when she isn't on site. I've never needed to reach her and not been able to, and she is omni-present whenever I drop my kids off in the morning. Big Bird's has become a second home for my kid's and it's staff a second family to us. As a working mother, it's been a blessing. read more

Where Shall I begin? I want to start by saying Thank You!!!!!!!!!! As a parent you think everything YOU do as Mommy and Daddy is what mainly molds our children to be the amazing beings that they become. I am guilty of thinking that at first. But as I watched my kid blossom into theses amazing mini adults stuck inside children's bodies (my daughter 3 and my son now 7) I realized how much of who they have became and are becoming is because of all the great staff at Big Birds Play House. Both my children started as infants (my husband and I both work full time) so we needed a place that was flexible to our crazy and ever changing schedule. As a parent you cry your eyes out leaving your child for the first time, you wonder if they will be ok. As infants they cant tell you what is wrong and if they are being treated bad. I was a mess. I called 100 times a day the first week. Linda the owner was always there to reassure me. It felt great having compassionate people who understood what I was going though. So at first it wasn't about getting my child acclimated to the change of environment it was about getting me mommy acclimated to the change. Dont forget I was new to the mothering thing. Its scary (still is). But I lost the worry. And over the years my son would come home and just amaze me. I swear he would get smarter by the day. Once kindergarten came and I watched him blow through every assignment (there is an awful lot of homework in kindergarten for all you mommys who's children didn't start yet) at pick up I would talk to other parents and they would complain how it's so much advanced work. I was baffled because my son had no problem with it. As I spoke to other mothers who's children attended Big Birds Playhouse I realized how advanced our children were to the other kids. It felt good, I almost wanted to pat my self on the back and take the credit but the only thing I can take credit for is the school and daycare I chose for him. When I had my daughter it was not even a though of where I was registering her. I actually called then before I gave birth to tell them to be prepared fore Lavella number 2. I am so happy with the school that words cannot express. My children are amazing and their foundation is very important. I cant stress enough how important it is for them to attend a great day care and preschool. Big Birds Playhouse Molded my children and opened their world of learning. I am so very grateful read more

Long story short I worked at this place one year and let's just say this place has Linda and from the reviews you can tell that there is a reoccurring issue with this woman but I have to WARN ANY YOUNG WOMAN AND MINORS WHO WORK OR THINK OF WANTING TO WORK HERE when I had worked here Linda had multiple times had harassed and embarrassed at 16 years old she had attacked my appearance and would purposely target me I even heard her speaking about the SYEP WORKERS WHEN I WAS ON BREAK HERES THE STORY I was on break and Linda was right next to me in the room I was taking a break in she starts speaking to somebody about NO JOKE THE SYEP WORKERS IF YOU DIDNT KNOW THERE ONLY 13-24 and all the workers were minors including me at the time well she started saying to this other person who work there about NO JOKE A MINORS BREAST SHE GOES ON TO SLUT SHAME AND TALK ABOUT WHY WAS THE YOUNG GIRL DRESSED LIKE THAT AND WEARING MAKE UP AND IF YOU DONT BELIEVE ME HEAR MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH LINDA MYSELF HERE ONEDAY I was 16yrs of age I was working and I wore a shirt that I wore previously the week before no complaints Linda sees me the next week with the same shirt while im in the middle of taking care and assisting the children she SHOUTS "COVER UP YOUR NIPPLES ARE SHOWING" INFRONT OF THE STAFF AND KIDS MIND YOU I WAS 16 AND WORE THE SHIRT PREVIOUSLY NO COMPLAINTS so everytime she saw me she would FORCE ME THE ONLY WORKER TO WEAR THE SAME SHIRT SHE GAVE ME TO "COVER UP" EVERY DAY SHE WANTED ME TO WEAR THE SAME SHIRT EVERYDAY so YOU TELL ME HOW THATS NOT TARGETED HOW DARE YOU TRY TO RUN A DAYCARE, BUT LITERALLY SHAME, WOMEN AND YOUNG GIRLS IN THE SAME BREATH YOU LITERALLY HAVE NO RESPECT FOR WOMEN OR CHILDREN. NOBODY SHOULD BRING THEIR KIDS HERE IF THEY WANT THEIR KIDS TO BE SHAMED BY OLD HAGS mind you she literally could've took me to the side, pulled me to the side and said something to me. She had never done that from the start. She had always targeted me and screamed at me in front of people. She was embarrassing and honestly, it's sad because this place says that they fired her, but they didn't fire her because you could literally look in the reviews and see that they didn't fire her and they are deleting negative reviews about anything that has to do with Linda because they wanna cover up the abuse she does towards SYEP workers and young women let that be known read more

I owe my life to Linda and the school. when I went through my divorce I shut down. I had not support from my ex husband at first I couldn't even pay my cellphone bill no less school. Linda didn't charge me for Nicole to stay in the school and would always buy us things she knew we were in need of yet I was to ashamed to say I needed. The divorce was not only horrible on me but on Nicole as well. Linda and the staff gave Nicole extra attention to make sure she stayed on the right track to reach the learning goals necessary for kindergarden the following year. You can say all you want how bad the school is but all the parents who have had their children in this school knows how beneficial it was for their children, especially when their child is one of the smartest kindergardeners because of the foundation Big Birds Playhouse laid for them. I am heart broken that this has happened at Big Bird Play house because it is truly a great school and atmosphere. Don't worry Linda all your parents know how great of a school you have. We will keep blogging till everyone knows how great your school is. Its a shame people have nothing better to do then write bad reviews. Team Big Bird! read more

My two daughters age 5 and age 3 both attend Big Bird. They have been there since they were 15 months old. I have to say the teachers at Big Bird truly care for the children. My two children love going there and every morning look forward to seeing their teachers and friends. My older daughter attended Pre-K with Miss Julie and now I feel she is prepared for kindergarten this year. Miss Julie has given my daughter the foundation to succeed in kindergarten this year. My both children had excellent teachers Miss Dora and Miss Michelle teach them how to socialize with other children. My younger daughter now has Miss Louise and Miss Virginia this year. Both of my kids attended summer camp and they do many fun activities with the children and teach the children how to socialize with other children. I will continue to send my younger daughter here because I feel she will learn alot and be well prepared for kindergarten in two more years. I definitely recommend this school because there are teachers here who truly care for each and every child. read more

All three of my children were sent to daycare and school here. Ms. Julie and Ms. Deborah they had for Pre-K and my wife and I were very happy with their education and the personalized attention. My son has peanut allergies and my daughter has asthma a close eye was placed on both of them at all times. It was reassuring to know that when we left our children we didn't have to worry about their health and safety. My oldest son received many awards at his kindergarden graduations. The teacher always wrote in his book how well and advanced he was. She even asked us if he attended Big Birds Play house and when we told her yes and asked why she would ask that she said that most of her students who attend Big Birds are well prepared Kindergarden. Every Parent we speak to is happy with their choice in day care and preschool. There is no other place to send you kids. read more

My son has been at big bird playhouse since he was 3 months old. He is now 15 months old and this daycare is his second home. He has yet to ever be upset after being left there in the mornings. He loves his teachers! When he sees one of the teachers from his first class (from 3 months to 1 year), his face lights up. They have been very good at teaching him to drink from a bottle when we struggled at home, later teaching him to drink from a sippy cup and to eat by himself. Developmentally, he knows a number of songs and dances they taught him and he loves to have books read to him. They are not only a great day care but a great school Some places just pacify the children at such a young age but here they truly work hard in teaching them. read more

Both of my boys have attended big birds playhouse. My friends and family would always comment how smart my boys are, and I couldn't take any credit...it was all big birds, and the wonderful teachers. My oldest son was student of the month his second month of kindergarden, and I owe big birds UPK program and teacher ms. Deborah for that. I have never had any complaints in the past, and my youngest is still a student there. I have in the past visited other schools, and none have compared. All of the teachers, including ms. Linda, ms. Louise, ms Virginia, ms dora, and ms Theresa, have been nothing but wonderful and helpful to my family and I. All of the teachers at big birds really seem to care about the children. read more

Dear lord I hope the allegations are not true. However it is sad how one man can ruin someones reputation as a school. I feel so bad for all the employes and the owner of Big Bird Playhouse for having to deal with this, my son and daughter will still be attending school come tuesday. I am fully confident that my children will have a great and safe school year. Big Bird Playhouse parents will let our voices be heard! what the news and media is portraying this school as is a disgrace! This to shall pass! I hope its not true but if it is Mr.E is not the school and there is nothing that could have been done different. As a parent this is terrifying but I don't feel like my children are in danger! read more

My Wife and I moved to Staten Island when we first had our daughter. I work full time and my wife is a teacher who had to go back to work. We enrolled our daughter when she was 4 months old and she still attends bigbirds playhouse 4 years later. she loves it and we have never felt guilty leaving her to go to work. her safety is not a concern and i as well as my wife will make sure we let every review website know how great this school is. my sister is moving from brooklyn and this year is the first year her son will be attending the school. Linda and staff our hearts are with you all right now... see you tuesday! Samantha and chris are looking forward to their first day back!!!! read more

I would like to write a few words for an amazing woman. Linda is a beautiful person inside and out. She has created a welcoming, open, safe, and positive environment within Big Birds that radiates to everyone who visits. With any obstacles she is able to remain fair and understanding. It is clear that she genuinely cares about everyone's feelings and tries to be helpful in every way she can. Her true passion and drive for her work shows in her drive and organization. She is very accomplished and I am grateful to have met her. While there are many daycares/schools in the area, Linda is the reason Big Birds positively stands out. read more

I've worked at big birds for three years now and it has honestly been my favorite job yet because of the work environment and my boss Linda. She was always nothing but kind and respectful towards me and always leaves me smiling because she can be so funny and just always cracks me up. She cares about her staff and is always so understanding. Its rare for people to love to go to their job everyday but I can honestly say I really do. I have never felt so comfortable working at a job like I do here and it's because of the people I'm surrounded by and how welcoming Linda has always made me felt. read more

Both my son and daughter attended Big Birds Playhouse from 2013-2016. They are 11 and 13 now and still talk about their happy days at big birds! They even remember all the special events and loved their teachers and Miss Linda! Miss Linda is a compassionate, welcoming and giving person. I love the school so much I started working at Big Birds myself! Linda is respectful and so kind to all her teachers and staff. I am lucky to be a part of this great team that she has built. Big Birds has been here for over 30 years! Thank you Ms. Linda for being a pillar of this community! read more

It's not a bad daycare. They have a nice environment and all- major problems just Linda. She's the boss- completely agreeing with that review where she puts women in their place but not only that, shes always talking sh*t about some teacher. She is really racist so if she doesn't know or want to know your name, she calls you "your race/color" girl. She embarrassed me a few times in front of other teachers and call me useless whereas she does nothing but make money off parents when classrooms are already really full and there is barely enough space for kids to just sit or sleep. read more

I am a mother of 2 girls both of my girls started Big Bird Playhouse as infants. I loved the school and my girls loved the school. when my children started kindergarden they were well advanced and i thank Big Bird Playhouse for that. Beautiful Projects and activities, the teachers and staff treated my children as if they were their own. I am a single mother and this situation is so sad and i feel bad for Mrs. Linda because she does take a lot of pride in molding children. If i were to have another child down the line i would not hesitate to send him/her to them. read more

as i have read the reviews i must say the school is always clean and as far as the stuff goes they may look young but are all over 21 years old, are all finger printed back ground checked every 2 years all staff must have up dated medicals cpr and first aid every 2 years and child abuse so i would tell any one to take a tour a see for your self the staff are very loving and caring and program teach the children at there age level though stories,songs,arts and crafts, music is a must ,play time in there centers ,out door playgrounds for all age levels read more

I think half the comments on here are fake!!!!!! There is no way anyone can write a bad review about Big birds. My wife is the most anal, neurotic mother ever! I didn't have to go on a tour or interview people because if my wife gave the ok i knew it was great. After daycare and then pre-school and being a parent involved with my child and the school, i was very impressed with my wife's decision. We have our friends kids in the school too. My son loves Miss. Louise, every time we are in a store he wants to buy things for her. I back Big Birds read more

My son Tonio had a regression and stopped speaking for a year. In September, he was blessed with the most amazing teacher, Maria, who makes magic happen in her class. During Christmas break, my son started talking again and he hasn't stopped. Maria definitely prepares these kids for 3K. She has a heart of gold and my son absolutely adores her. His dad and I are forever grateful for bringing our son back to us. He is going to do great things in the future and she is one of the reasons. Best 2-year old teacher ever! read more

My sister and I went to linda when we were small. we both can remember how great daycare was when our parents were working. I now had my first child (zack) who is enrolled with linda. I would not trust anyone else with him. my parents live in florida and my boyfriends parents in north carolina and I remember feeling at home with linda and I want my son to feel the same. Linda was so happy to see me and meet my son I felt like I was back reunited with family. This School & Daycare is the best on the island!!!!!! read more