On multiple occasions I heard the teachers in the older childrens' rooms raising their voices…read moreloudly at children who were simply touching things or asking questions (in other words, normal kid behavior that needed gentle guidance & redirection, not an emergency situation of any kind). I could hear this while standing outside the building during pick-up and I also heard it when inside the building in the halls. My child started as a very young infant and the 2 caregivers that worked with her most closely seemed annoyed that she was struggling to take a bottle, or cried, or wanted to be held, or struggled with the texture of some foods when she was later starting on solids. All normal parts of development, learning to eat, etc. Caregiver would make negative comments to my baby in front of me at drop off if the baby started to fuss when separating from me. The 3rd caregiver she had at the school did seem caring and attentive and started to do sensory activities daily. Prior to this, it seemed that there were no books read, songs sang, games played, sensory activities. Staff wanted babies to lay and play by themselves. When I entered the room on a few occasions, I saw most staff scrolling on their phones while sitting on the floor rocking babies in rockers or on their bodies, and with older babies crawling around and not being interacted with. My child seemed traumatized by the lack of nurturing caregiver with whom to bond on her first times away from her mom.

My daughter and I absolutely love Holmdel Preschool! I was so nervous to leave my baby and go back…read moreto work, but Debbie and her teachers have made us feel so comfortable and safe. My daughter loves going to school everyday, excited to see what new things they will learn. I've watched her little mind grow so much this year. I am so happy I chose Holmdel Preschool & will be bringing my son in September too!

My son started Goddard at 18 months after we had two not so great experiences at other local…read moredaycares. From day one we were welcomed with open arms. As a parent, the #1 thing you care about when your kid is at daycare is that they are safe. #2 is that they are having fun. My son loved this school so much that often when I would pick him up, he didn't want to leave. My son exceled on so many things since starting this school - at 3 years old he can write every letter of the Alphabet and even say all of his colors and numbers in Spanish! But most of all, my son who used to be painfully shy is one of the most outgoing and social 3 year old I know. I have all of his amazing teachers to thank for this. This school is more then just a daycare, you are treating like family. Again, my son started at 18 months in the room the "strawberries" - which was a great first room for him. He's been in 2 other classes since, and has had nothing but fantastic teachers along the way. We are leaving Goddard to go into our towns public school and we are heartbroken to leave but we are so grateful to have made the memories and friends we made along the way. We will forever remember our Goddard family.

Terrible experiences with the teachers, from witnessing wrongful/abusive disciplining to not giving…read moreenough lunch time for kids. Not many staffs have been there a long time except 3-4 teachers and 1 Ass Director, Michelle, tho they sell you like thats not the case. Moms need to share their exp honestly, otherwise, our kids will suffer.

My daughter was only enrolled here for 2 weeks, and I experienced multiple issues that forced me to…read moreremove her. On day one, I witnessed a teacher yelling at a crying infant. Throughout her short time there, I often picked her up dirty (with dried boogers), her notebook and bag were messy with food, and daily updates were just generic notes with no personalized feedback. Incidents like her falling in the yard or another incident of another child throwing sand at her were never communicated -- I only learned about them from my daughter telling me directly. I emailed the director each time, but nothing improved. Despite leaving due to these concerns, A deduction of 25% was taken out of the security deposit they require and was still charged for two remaining days of the week she did not attend to due to these events. Parents deserve a safe, clean, and caring environment, and unfortunately this daycare did not provide that.

Choosing KIDS Early Learning for our son was one of the very best decisions we've made as parents…read more He attended from 9 months through Pre-K 4, and his experience there left us all delighted at every turn. The teachers and staff at KIDS do far more than "watch children" -- they nurture, protect, champion, and cheer them on. Many have entrusted KIDS with their own children or grandchildren, which speaks volumes about how deeply they believe in and invest in this program. From infancy onward, our son received warm, attentive care. In the baby rooms, caregivers were gentle, responsive, and reassuring. In the toddler rooms, we watched him grow confidence, language, and social skills through imaginative play, guided exploration, and consistent support. The teachers tuned in to his temperament, honored his pace, and encouraged independence in safe, nurturing ways. Even through big transitions like potty training, the teachers partnered with us wholeheartedly -- offering creative strategies, gentle encouragement, and celebrating every small win with enthusiasm. Each month we received a detailed "snapshot" of the curriculum -- covering books, social studies, math, language, science, and more. I was consistently impressed with the director's thoughtfully designed program, which struck a healthy balance between structured learning and imaginative free play. The Pre-K 4 program at KIDS truly prepared our son for kindergarten. He entered knowing basic letters and sounds -- and graduated with the confidence and skills of a budding reader. The teachers challenged him, encouraged his curiosity, and made learning feel magical. The classrooms were vibrant and joyful, and every activity was intentionally crafted to build skills, self-confidence, and joy. He didn't just "learn" -- he truly blossomed. He also adored summer camp at KIDS. Between weekly swim lessons and energetic field trips (bowling, Urban Air, Monster Golf, and more), it's clear the director brings years of experience to creating a rich, growth-oriented curriculum. They say it takes a village -- and KIDS is the most caring, wise, magical village I could ever imagine for our child. If you want more than "just childcare," a place where your child is nurtured, challenged, and adored -- KIDS Early Learning is nothing short of a blessing. We can't recommend it more fervently.

Wonderful preschool with warm, loving teachers. My daughter is learning so much and loves going to…read moreschool everyday.

My son is currently in the Terrific 2's program with Ms Judy and I couldn't be happier. He has…read morelearned about his colors, things that move, sharing, and cleaning up. Just to name a few. He also has learned about the Jewish holidays and Shabbat. My son also has a severe peanut allergy which the school is mindful of. He currently does not stay for lunch but there is a separate lunch table for those with allergies. In addition he is not potty trained so they change diapers too. My daughter (currently 7 mths old) and I also take part in weekly Mommy n Me classes with Ms Judy. She absolutely lights up every time we see Ms Judy. I did mommy n me classes with my son which made the transition to school extremely easy. The school is also affordable offering 2, 3 or 4 day options. If you are a member of the synagogue discounts are also available. I would highly recommend to any parent looking for a loving and enriching environment.

We took a tour of the day care center and found it to be in excellent condition, very clean, good…read moreatmosphere with lots of things for the kids to do. Staff were very kind and friendly. Owner Rachel has 2 college degrees including a Master Degree in education. She was professional and engaging and took us on a tour of the new facility. She has worked as an administrator and teacher in this field for many years. Has Indoor and outdoor play areas. Outdoor area is secured by metal barriers. Staff has extensive training including CPR. Was impressed.

From the owner: Accepting New Students. Register now!read more

My daughters have gone to The Growing Tree since they were 3 months old. We love it there. The…read moreteachers are so caring and treat the kids like their own. My kids love going to see there friends and get sok excited when we see the teachers out in the community. My oldest is in the preschool program and we love the curriculum, The Letter People. My daughter gets excited every week to learn about a new letter. The teachers and the curriculum are making learning fun! We love The growing tree!

There is truly not enough time and words to Express all that the Growing Tree have done for my…read moregrandchildren. They go above and beyond every day. No matter what is going on they put the children first. The kids are lucky to have caring and devoted teachers. We are very happy with the preschool curriculum, the kids are learning so much and love going everyday.

My daughter attended school here for two years. Both years I was impressed by how much she learned…read moreand grew! As a teacher myself, I'm quite particular when it comes to my daughter's education and TLE offers a great curricula that is taught in a fun, caring way that encourages students to grow. It was also refreshing that the curricula covered more than the basics...my daughter is an expert on charitable work as well, since each month a new charity is brought to life! Beyond the curricula, I must also emphasize that all the staff, especially the managers & teachers make sure that every child's needs are met. They were great with giving my daughter her inhaler and if I ever had any type of concern, they were responsive and proactive. I should also mention that my daughter loved visiting the playground or "Make Believe" each day. In the summer, waterplay was a lot of fun as well! My daughter is overly prepared for kindergarten and I will miss her TLE Family incredibly! I recommend them without reservation! Ps-they offer a great "working families" discount too!

Ok 2 full months at this school and I still love it just as much as I did on day 1! It is amazing…read morewhen your 2.5 yr old doesn't cry when you drop him off. In these 2 months he's never cried. More importantly he is recognizing numbers and all the colors. He's speaking in sentences. He's grown in leaps and bounds over these two months and I am sooo happy I placed him in this school. I visited a few learning experiences in the area and this even though is a little bit of a drive for me is really a great school. Thank you Mr. sunny, Mr. Nico and Ms. Amanda :)

This school is amazing! The teachers are all so friendly and my daughter literally runs into the…read moreclassroom every time. My daughter has progressed so much since being in this school! I cannot recommend them enough.

Didn't have a good experience here b/c the chemistry w/ the teachers and school culture weren't…read morethat good. They have small classes w/ as many as 22 kids in one room. It was alot for my toddler to handle. Some of the teachers were not warm or played favorites, there were high teacher turnover rates, and they oversold us, so created high expectations. Once we wanted to leave, they told us we'd lose our $250 deposit. We told them that this was never disclosed to us and the should just return it and allow parents to change schools. The owner got angry and said they never return the deposit when parents leave. Up until then, he acted like a nice gentleman. Others may have a good experience but we just didn't.

such an amazing place to work and have my sons go to. i have been there for over 22 years. it's…read moreliterally my 2nd home. We are truly a family style preschoo/daycare center. The owner Tara is the best around. she puts the needs of all of us first before her own. she does it all. she does photo shoots throughout the school year,free of charge. she buys all of the children christmas presents plus does a Christmas concert at a hall free of charge. She Throws the best pre-K graduation around Free of charge. there is nothing she wouldn't do for all of the children and families. there is not one bad thing I can say in the 22 years ive known her. thank you TaraG for all you do. Truly incredible

I toured several daycare/preschool centers before falling in love with Miles of Smiles. The…read moredirector goes above and beyond and all the teachers are always on board. They're all wonderful women that are natural caregivers. Both of my children flourished under their care. I would highly recommend Miles of Smiles as a safe, nurturing, and loving environment for your child.

The Presbyterian Nursery School (PNS) was established in the 1970s and has a loyal local following…read moreand great reputation. It operates weekdays in the education wing of the First Presbyterian Church of Matawan on Route 34. I have been acquainted with a number of the teachers at this school over the years and can vouch for their experience, professionalism, caring and enthusiasm. I became acquainted with the founding director when I served as the PNS treasurer about 20 years ago. The classrooms and hallways are filled with colorful art projects that reflect the spirit of the students and their instructors. The school has a dedicated playground.