My two daughters who went to Busy Bee from 3 months to 4 years STILL til this day talk about this DayCare. They are now 13 and 18. They absolutely loved coming here. They learned all necessary skills to enter kindergarten with ease, they enjoyed Mr. Roe's visits and still talk about Miss Michelle Miss Gayle and Miss Susan. My husband and I couldn't have chosen a better DayCare than Busy Bee! read more

A few months ago, I was a first-time mom terrified of where I was going to leave my daughter while I went back to work. I started by pricing stay at home nannies and soon realized that it would take a big chunk out of my paycheck so I decided to look at the local day cares. After several tours, I realized that there are mainly two types of day care: large state of the art (usually chain/franchise) schools with steril classrooms or tiny over crowded day cares with classrooms that looks a little like a ongoing garage sale. In the beginning, I was excited about the first type. They had shiny pamphlets going on about how you can watch your kid all day on their live video feed. Then I went for a tour and I was able to walk into the building because someone kicked the rug under the door and it wasn't latched. I then saw that most of the staff working there were college kids with a high turnover and later researched that day care video gets hacked. With the latter, I didn't see how an infant was going to get the attention needed with so many other kids. Not to mention, I learned what coxsackie was on one of these tours. Yikes! My last tour was the Busy Bee Academy. I actually almost canceled because I was so discouraged with all my tours, I was ready to foot the bill for a nanny. I'm so happy that I didn't cancel that day. I met with Susan one of the owners who gave me a tour of their very quaint facility off a quiet parking lot in Fairfield. She immediate started to tell me how Busy Bee is a family run business celebrating its 15th year. The lobby was super safe! No shared codes, the staff knows who you are and only lets approved pickups in the building. She then brought me down a small hallway with bright classrooms full of happy kids. The playground is built off the parking lot (like most day cares) but above it is a forest of trees which is neat for the kids. Susan actually stressed how Busy Bee focuses on education even with infants. I told her my little one was musical and she showed me foot pianos, xylophones, and explained how a gentleman comes in every so often to play instruments with the kids. Half the staff are experienced moms that have been with the academy for quite some time. Most the staff is referred word-of-mouth which I appreciated as well. It was an easy decision to enroll my little one right away. I have a flexible job so I was so happy that not only the daily hours but the days of the week too are month to month. Since joining the Busy Bee family, my little one has not only been happy at day care but I think she prefers it! Every milestone she comes home with a cute keepsake (seashell with a baby footprint! Too cute) and she has seriously advanced both cognitively and physically. I am so thankful to the staff at Busy Bee for making this transition so easy for the both of us! read more

My kids went to this warm, wonderful school for over 5 years. The women and young ladies all treated the children like they were their own, supplying lots of love, attention, behavior skills, and appropriate discipline when needed. This is not just a daycare. Their pre-K program is excellent. If anything, they did TOO good of a job in educating because my oldest child is now in kindergarten and is bored by the lack of challenges in public school. I got a new job which unfortunately moved me 12 miles away from Busy Bee. We love the school so much that I sucked it up for a full year and made two 24 mile round trips per day so my daughter could graduate there. We tried one of the large well known chains and there's no comparison. Busy Bee's small, family owned school made me feel like I was dropping my kids off with family. read more

My daughter has been at Busy Bee full-time since she was 5 months old. She's now 2 years old, and I still feel strongly that Busy Bee is the best. As a teacher, I searched high and low for a day care that was more than just a day care. I was looking for a place where my daughter could reach her full potential, both academically and socially. The teachers at Busy Bee are always on top of things, and they've always been team players; working with me to support my daughter's growth and learning throughout her time there. We've worked together to help my daughter through the weaning process and in learning to walk as well as her most recent milestone, toilet training. When something is not working out as expected, it's easy to discuss it with them and work out a different plan of action. They've always exceeded my expectations. read more

I have to say that I was not fond of Busy Bee Academy and I don't think my son was all that much either. The employees that I dealt with did very little to provide me feedback on how my son was progressing and the way they have things setup there made it very hard for asking questions. It is frustrating how they had their pickups/dropoffs handled. You come in the through the front door and stand in a tiny area waiting for them to open the door to either take your child for the day or to deliver them back to you. While I understand that this is a key part of security, it gives no openness to actually see what is going on behind the door, nor does it provide a comfortable area to speak with any of the employees there. You basically just had to pass the child between you and get out because there was barely enough room if another parent happened to be picking up or dropping off at the same time. There should definitely be a bigger drop off area and a way for you to peek in on your child to see them interacting as well as to check up on the employees themselves if only to make you feel more comfortable. read more

When I was 6 months pregnant, my husband and I toured most of the daycare centers in Fairfield and I cried when we walked into every one of them, thinking about leaving my brand new baby with strangers. Busy Bee was the only daycare center where I was given a hug and was assured that my baby would be part of their family and cared for as if he was their own. At the end of our visit, our minds were made up and we knew that Busy Bee would be our choice. That was almost 3 years ago and not a day has gone by that we haven't been thrilled with our decision. Busy Bee is, first and foremost, a safe, nurturing and fun environment but secondly, a fantastic place for learning. My son loves to go to school each day and is very attached to his teachers who provide a great balance of love, care and education to all of the children. Busy Bee is somewhat of a hidden gem in Fairfield but I recommend it to anyone looking for a top quality daycare center. read more

Busy Bee was the third daycare my son was in, and the best one too. It might not be perfect, but they can't adjust to the needs of every parent so anything "complaints" I have are just personal ones and nothing against them. Everyone there was great and always willing to talk if something came up. They actually came to me with issues and I was able to address them, and I do think they were overlooked elsewhere. My son is in K now and still talks about everyone at Busy Bee and ow much he misses it there. As for the complain about lack of information, all you have to do is ask! I was never once turned away if I had a question, the most that would happen is someone would call me later (I never expected them to drop everything during drop off though) but I always got information if I needed it. The staff are all wonderful and really do care for the children and families. When we had a family emergency they went above and beyond what was asked in order to help not only my son adjust but me as well. Sure there were silly things along the way but I would never hesitate to send a child here knowing they would be well cared for. read more

Susan and the staff are very open and helpful. They make you feel at ease when putting your trust into someone else with your child. They are very informative and always talk to me about what's going on. read more

My son attends Busy Bee and my two other children also went there for daycare and preschool. We could not have found better people to care for our children. The staff is extremely caring and approachable. Busy Bee did a wonderful job preparing my children for kindergarten both academically and socially. I actually prefer the way Busy Bee handles the pickups and dropoffs because it allows me to get off to work quickly and avoids tearful goodbyes in front of the kids. Busy Bee also puts so much thought into the kids daily schedule and it shows! My kids absolutely love Busy Bee and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a daycare/preschool. read more

In the last few years there has been an explosion of big-box/corporate day care centers in the West Essex area. When I began seeking out child care 4 years ago I feel upon a gem of intimate, family run center, Busy Bee Academy, in Fairfield. I am writing to let people know about this wonderful school. Busy Bee Academy has gone above and beyond what I ever could have asked for in day care and then preschool for my daughter Violet. I walked in without warming one morning in March 2010 to check out the school and found an incredibly warm environment. Busy Bee's owner, Susan DeAngelis opens her door at anytime to inquiring parents. Her motto is no appointment is needed as there is nothing to clean up or hide. Susan is a bright, animated and dedicated and puts in an incredible amount of effort and time to ensure that her school is a welcoming space full creative activities to help children learn and grow. It is because of Busy Bee influence that my daughter has developed a love of learning and exploring and an open and curious mind. Susan and her staff continuously expose their students to the environment and the world around them, be it through field trip or bringing someone into the school to speak to and visit with them. She structures the children's day so that they experience learning as fun and invigorating and also have enough free time to play and interact with one another. She and her staff have mastered the delicate balance of love and firmness that lets the children know they are loved but also expected to obey school rules and respect their teachers and one another. I cannot recommend Busy Bee Academy enthusiastically enough. Busy Bee has brightened both my and my daughter's life with positive energy. read more

Highly recommend Busy Bee Academy to all parents who want the best care for their children. We transferred my son last summer to Busy Bee Academy from another center who we were extremely unhappy with. That experience left our trust & hearts broken as parents. After a short month at Busy Bee, I knew we had made the RIGHT decision. A little over a year later and we couldn't be happier - we have full trust in Busy Bee and the staff. I know that my son is safe, well cared for and loved. The teachers at BBA are an extension of our family... they are our 'village' and we are grateful. My son is only 2.5 years old and knows how to count to 10, knows his colors, some of the days of the week, and his full name. He also has tons of fun with their weekly themes! The outdoor play area is state of the art and they have a music class twice a month, which my son loves! He has excellent social skills which I attribute to the center .... they have many group activities but also time for my son to be himself, an individual. He is learning concepts of sharing and manners, etc. I could go on and on about how much we love it here ... If you are looking for a center, go here now. You'll be happy you did. read more

ok i do agree with the reviewer (Joseph L) about the entry way, but why would you want to hang around?? you drop your child(ren) off and pick them up. if you have questions speak up to the owners or teachers. i have asked to speak with owners on the side and they were more then happy to do so. they talked with me and my husband in private. they also allowed us to peek on our daughter. we've also called with a few questions and they were great on the phone, if the person on the phone wasn't sure what was going on they didn't hesitate to get a teacher or someone who knew the answer to my question. security better be top notch where my child is staying, i don't want anyone allowed to just roam about. the owners and the other employees are wonderful people and absolutely GREAT WITH THE CHILDREN!!!!! just so you know i interviewed 10 or more places before i chose Busy Bee Academy Inc. read more

My daughter has been attending Busy Bee for the last five years, she is starting Kindergarten next week and I have so many amazing things to say about Busy Bee. First, I would like to comment on the first review of this page, only because I strongly disagree. The drop off area is small for a number of reasons. It provides bigger rooms for the children, tighter security, and from personal experience, it makes dropping off and picking up my daughter a very smooth transition. I find that the longer you take to drop your child off in the morning, the harder it is for them to say goodbye. I personally prefer the lobby being small. I am sure most , if not all of the parents agree with me. I was very surprised to hear something negative about it. Not to sound prejudice, but my daughter is one of the smartest 5 year olds that I know because of Busy Bee's focus on education and learning. You are not just dropping off your child at "daycare" There is amazing individual attention and I thank Busy Bee for my daughter knowing how to read at age 5, count endlessly, recognize Capital and Lower Case letters, knowing not only her address and her phone number, but how to write them as well, I could make a list longer then this page on how many things she can do that other children who do not attend this school can not. Although I would like to take credit for it all, I know Busy Bee is responsible. Honestly. As a parent, I am not just saying that to give a good review. I will miss this school so much. I will continue for many years recommend Busy Bee to anyone with children. Thanks to them, I have a well adjusted, happy, smart, emotionally ready little girl excited for Kindergarten. If you would like any other positive feedback, feel free to call me. 201-317-7172. Cheryl Tillery read more

I now have a toddler and 4 year old at Busy Bee. My only regret is that they can't continue all of their schooling in this wonderful place!

Fairfield is over-saturated with daycare centers, but Busy Bee stands out in the sense that it is a family business. The staff is caring and friendly, and they set a great example for children. Three of my kids went to Busy Bee, and people always comment about their social skills and friendliness, and I contribute a lot of that to the learning through play at Busy Bee. My oldest son will be entering third grade, and he still talks about how much he enjoyed Busy Bee. I would highly recommend this center (also they take very young babies through Pre-K, which helps if you have multiple little kids). read more