Our son started Honeydew daycare at 4.5 months and it's been wonderful (he's 10 months now). The teachers take great care of him, share lots of updates and pictures throughout the day. He's always happy to go to Honeydew (never cries) and he seems to have lots of fun there. It's quite emotional to start daycare but Honeydew made it very easy on us and our LO. Highly recommend! read more

To anyone looking for a place for their child, I highly recommend honeydew drop! My son enjoyed his time at the nook infant and toddler program and safari too. He is currently enrolled in their 3K program and is having the best time read more

Honeydew Drop was such a fantastic experience for our son, who attended from 3 months to 4 years old. The teachers were incredible and super supportive. As a first-time parent, I received tons of parenting advice from the teachers, who not only have professional childcare experience but are also parents themselves. I definitely recommend Honeydew Drop to any parent looking for childcare in the Brooklyn area. 10/10!!! read more

My daughter is more than halfway through her 3K program here at Honeydew Nook and she continues to wake up excited to go to school. This was her first school/non-family caretaker experience and she adjusted fabulously and quickly! This really shows you how wonderful and nurturing the program/teachers are. Cannot recommend them more. read more

We love Safari! Great caregivers, we always knew our son was safe and he loved it! We were sad when he graduated but also are loving the 3k at honeydew. read more

Safari excels in every aspect a parent could hope for: attentive and nurturing staff, a strong focus on developmental activities that spark curiosity, and a well-organized, responsive administration. Our child not only feels safe and loved but also comes home excited about the fun and educational experiences they've had each day. We highly recommend Safari for its exceptional care and enriching environment that supports every child's growth and happiness. read more

My 2 year old daughter attends the Safari program and we are very happy with it. The teachers are super sweet and very responsive and my daughter even comes home saying she loves them. My daughter is a pandemic baby and this has been her first experience away from mom and dad and she transitioned very easily thanks to the caring staff. The facilities may not look all impressive, but there is nothing that causes concern for my child's health and safety. Super awesome that they also provide breakfast, lunch, and snack because trying to get out of the house is hard enough without having to pack food. The administration office is also very accommodating and have been great dealing with all my billing questions. Highly recommend. read more

Honeydew is truly a gem and we love it so much. Our toddler has been to 2 of their programs and has thrived in each one. A big part of that has to do with the amazing teachers who truly care about each of their students - we walk away from every teacher meeting feeling like they really know our son and all of his quirks, and we love that they really try to make childcare a partnership with parents. He is always having a great time when we go to pick him up and he loves telling us about his teachers and his friends and all the things that he learns. Our son loving Honeydew is the most important thing but from a parent's standpoint, we love that they have day and summer camps for their 3K/UPK programs, which have been a lifeline from a childcare perspective while providing the consistency our toddler needs. For older kids, they also provide lunch and snacks (and breakfast if you do early drop off), which has also been great. We feel so lucky that we found Honeydew and we'll be sad to leave it once he starts K! read more

We have had our son at Honeydew Nook since he was 5 months old to now in the toddler classroom at 17 months old. Overall our experience has been great! He absolutely loves his teachers - and we can tell they care about him as well. This location has a a small side yard for outdoor space, and the teachers are really great about also taking the kids out and about in nice weather to the playground and parks nearby. The skills they develop are amazing, I absolutely credit his teachers with all the signs and words he has been able to pick up in recent months, it's incredible to see! They are so willing to help and advise in any stage of development, and the continuity of infant to toddler has been really wonderful for our family. We plan to continue with them as our son grows! read more

Our son started at Honeydew Nook when he was 6 months old, and we've had a great experience. The teachers are amazing, and our son is always happy to see them in the morning and when we pick him up at the end of the day. He has grown a lot in their care and we are glad he is there! read more

I sent my niece to Honeydew and she absolutely thrived there. Her creative energy and love for learning was constantly growing due to her teachers and their attention to each child. Many people have always mentioned how great her manners were and I completely attribute it to her days at honeydew. The kids are taken out almost every day, weather permitting, which is so important to me. read more

BEWARE! My daughter began attending Honeydew Nook in early January when she was 3.5 months. The teachers, who were fantastic, loved her and there never had a complaint. On April 24, out of the blue, I received a letter from the administration saying that she no longer had a space starting in September when she turned 1 because the toddler classroom was full. I immediately responded as I was extremely surprised and disappointed as I had been told that to move up to the toddler class, the child would have to be a strong walker and it wasn't strictly age-based. My daughter is physically delayed and in Early Intervention. She currently can't even crawl at 11 months. Furthermore, I have an older son and from my understanding if there isn't a space in the next room then they keep the child in the current room until a space becomes available. They also give priority to currently enrolled families rather than new families and don't just resort to 'kicking' the child out of the program. When I went into the daycare the next day, the teachers were not informed that the administration had sent me this email. There was no response for nearly a week. Finally, the owner/director of Honeydew daycares, Fabiola Santos-Gaerlan emailed me confirming there was no space for Madelyn. Between April and when we left the daycare in July several new children had entered the classroom which didn't align to what Fabiola had said. I'm not sure why our family was targeted by Fabiola as she appears very far removed from the day to day, but I think the whole situation is sad and unprofessional. It's hard enough for a child/family to get accustomed to a daycare only to be told there was no room for them 4 months later. I wouldn't want any other family to go through this situation. read more

My kiddo is in their toddler program and it's been cool to see all the new skills he has learned in only a few months of being there. They keep the kids engaged and happy! Teachers are great. read more

Our son attending Honeydew for 5 months before we moved from Brooklyn, starting from when he was 10 months old. Leaving Honeydew was the most difficult part of our move. The teachers were great - very caring and communicative with us. Our son was happy to arrive every morning and left with a smile each day. Even during the pandemic, we felt very comfortable with our son there each day. I couldn't recommend them enough. read more

We love honeydew! The teachers are capable and kind. Our kids come home w great projects. I highly recommend.

We were worried to put our youngest in daycare during a pandemic, but Honeydew Nook was very communicative and took many precautions. They were also very responsive when we needed to coordinate EI with the existing daycare schedule, and the teachers were wonderful in being able to accommodate that. We also appreciated all the pictures and updates, and food being provided throughout the day! read more

I can't say enough good things about Honeydew Safari. My son started in September 2017 when he was 3 and will be turning 4 in May. I appreciate their flexible hours (you can opt for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days/week with pick up options at 3, 4 or 6 - plus you can add a day as needed if there's availability, etc.). The fact that they serve breakfast, lunch and snacks is a huge bonus as I don't have to worry about packing something on already rushed mornings, plus sometimes they cook together which is awesome. The teachers - Sam, Naima, and Sana - are just incredible. So warm and nurturing but also firm. It's very play-based while also firm in a routine, which seems like the ideal combo. They have a nice backyard that the kids love and also take walks around the neighborhood and go to the playground, etc. They do tons of fun projects, bring in music, dance, and Spanish teachers for weekly enrichment, and my son is thriving. Even on days when he has a rough drop-off, by the time I pick him up my son is beaming. They have been amazing at working through a bit of a wild/behavioral rough patch he was having, and he's so much better off because of their guidance. I also love that the school places an emphasis on building community through potlucks and holiday events, as well as offering workshops for parents on weekends. Finally, they are awesome at communicating with parents by sending home weekly newsletters and posting photos daily on a private Facebook page. I'm so grateful that we found Honeydew and would recommend it to anyone. read more

The HoneyDew team has really become like an extended family. After my husband and I went in for the tour, I knew right away that this was the perfect place for us. Our 2-year-old son started there when he was about 14 months old. The teachers are so caring and knowledgeable. I love that the staff is diverse and how well they communicate with parents. read more

My children Diego and Serena attended Honeydew Nook when they were 3 and 4. The warmth atmosphere was very welcoming and they took care of my children as if they were family! The teachers were very kind and attentive, and hands on when it came to teaching and playing with my children. Loved being a part of the Honeydew community!! read more

Just a response to the people worried about the staircase at the prospect ave location--they're no longer located here. And note that none of the negative reviews are from parents with kids there. While the facility is not perfect, the staff here is fantastic and loving. My daughter talks about them all the time, and actually said one of the staff member's names as one of her first words. I've had friends see my daughter at the playground with the daycare and they always comment on how happy she looks. While not fancy by any means, I have never once questioned the care they have given my daughter. read more

We sent both kids to Honeydew at two different locations (14th Street and Church Ave), and we absolutely love the teachers and are so grateful for their kind attention. The spaces are varied and not as bright as they could be, but the hugs and warmth and care was extraordinary. read more

We loved Honeydew Nook! Our son has learnt so much and has developed so many skills thanks to the wonderful and loving teachers. They have an amazing curriculum and are extremely supportive. We felt very involved in our son's development by the daily feedback, the parent-teacher conferences, and fun activities that were hosted. We really felt like they were a part of our family! read more

Honeydew Nook has been a wonderful experience for our daughter. We had a previous bad daycare experience, so we were extra cautious going in, but she has had nothing but caring and warm treatment. The daycare is so professional it's almost more like a preschool, with parent teacher meetings and curriculum night, etc. We couldn't be happier with the caliber of this place. Carmen does a great job of overseeing everything at Nook and is very kind as well. I feel I'm leaving my daughter in good hands every day. read more

Both our daughters attended Honeydew (Safari and Honeydew Drop) and we're so glad they did ! We moved to NY from abroad 3 years ago and felt blessed to find such a caring environment for them. Always a warm welcome, great and dedicated teachers, a nice family feeling, and creative activities all year long. Even if the space is not huge, both locations have a nice backyard and it seemed that kids were outside a lot. Trips to museum or outside activities were also organized at Safari. I always felt that my kids were 100% safe and greatly taken care of. My daughters loved going there every single day and learnt so much. I highly recommend Honeydew read more

Both of my children attended Honeydew in three different locations, and while the spaces are not pristine, the teachers have been consistently the most loving and sweet caregivers possible. I do not question the safety and happiness of my children in their care, and I am deeply grateful for the gentle and kind and fun-loving teachers we have gotten to know. read more

I have been sending my daughter to Honeydew since she was 9 months old and couldn't be happier with both the staff and the curriculum. The teachers are warm, welcoming and completely trustworthy and they make sure the children have a safe, enjoyable, creative and learning environment with everything from yoga and music classes to field trips and art projects. Sure, the location on Prospect Ave is a little offputting at first and the access isn't the most convenient (they are actually switching to a much nicer location in the next month or so) and it is probably not where most Park Slope parents, given their ridiculous and pretentious demands of structure, location, cleanliness and vegan food only (although the meals here are mostly organic) would want to send their kids. So here's the bottom line: happy kids + great school = very VERY satisfied parents. Honeydew rocks! read more

I agree 100% with Alexandra M's review. The metal staircase is scary to walk up with a baby - I cannot even imagine how slippery it gets with rain or snow. It is dark and dingy in there - no windows, low light. It is not especially clean. The 2 women were very nice - one reeked of smoke though! Unless you are desperate, keep looking! read more

My son is now attending Honeydew and we are incredibly happy with the location, the facility, and the curriculum. Equally important, the director is professional and the entire staff is loving and very experienced. Our 21 month old son Ian LOVES the daycare and we are very happy with our choice for him to attend. read more

We LOVE Honeydew. Both my kids attended. My youngest just graduated Pre-K after 5 years at the center. On the last day she left in high spirits then realized she wasn't going back and cried and cried. The lead teacher was also my older son's teacher--and consistency like that speaks volumes about the school. They learned empathy and etiquette as well as reading and writing. Couldn't recommend it highly enough. read more

My daughter is now 4 years old and ready for Pre-K and I have to say our experience at Honeydew has been absolutely wonderful! The kids here always seem to have fun. There's lots of toys and things to do and a wonderful backyard. The teachers are caring and efficient (although the lead teachers Aileen and Kristina are leaving soon so I can't speak about the new ones!) read more

I love honeydew!! My daughter has been going to the 14th st location for 5 months and we love it. Carmen and the other teachers adore the children. The kids have a busy day playing, doing crafts, going out back and taking walk around the neighborhood. I wish my daughter could go to the 14th st location next year, unfortunately she will be too old. read more

Our daughter attended the 277 14th Street location for a year, starting when she just turned 2, and we're happy to give it a wonderful review. The teachers are incredible -- warm, caring, enthusiastic, patient, and with years of experience. We never worried about our daughter's safety in their capable hands. The kids did art projects, neighborhood walks, music, and had plenty of playtime in the fabulous backyard (a huge bonus in this neighborhood). The director sends regular newsletters and works hard to make it feel like a community of families. I can only speak for the one location we attended, but we found it to be a warm, caring place that actually makes things easy for working parents with affordable rates, very few closures, makeup day options, and more. read more

I have a very shy now 4 year old and she is very sensitive with people... We have been with Honeydew since January and it has definitely become her second home! The staff is caring and i never had any worries at all ever as I probably would worry at any other place but the teachers are really treating the children as they are their own. Also my daughters level of learning increased tremendously and we are looking forward to another great year! All Honeydews, staff and families are more so also like a one big family, I couldn't have found a better place for my child! read more

My daughter attends the Honeydew Little Stars location on Columbia Street in Carroll Gardens. She loves it there. The caregivers - Melissa, Jennifer, Enza, Christina - are all wonderful. She is so happy when she gets to daycare in the morning, she just runs out of my arms. I think they also have a very good curriculum, the kids really do learn a lot. She comes home and likes to repeat the songs, rhymes, lessons and concepts, etc. that she learns at daycare. I would highly recommend this location to any other family. read more

We have been incredibly pleased with the time our daughter has spent at Honeydew Drop. In fact, of all of the daycare situations our two children have been in, this experience has been the best. Carmen, the head teacher (who has been there for many, many years) is so warm, loving and attentive, and so enthusiastic about the children. She really knows each individual child and the parent/child conferences we have with her last more than a half hour. I learn so much more from Carmen than I ever do from my older daughter's school teachers. Carmen makes sure that she is surrounded by a wonderful crew of support teachers, who are also loving and tuned into the children. We also really love Ruth, who brings an vivaciousness and humorous understanding of who your child is. The days are engaging, the specialty teachers (like music, dance, etc) are great, and my daughter has a wonderful time there. She has learned how to play so nicely with other kids, and I have picked up some great tricks from them (like encouraging "kind hands" instead of just telling a toddler not to hit or manhandle another child). They have a great outdoor back space and they also make good use of local parks and do fun activities like hatch butterflies and chicks. The woman who runs Honeydew, Fabiola Santos, cares very much about the kind of curriculum and teachers she hires and she focuses on emotional and social development. She hosts parent meeting nights where she connects with parents about what the kids are learning and what is coming up. In addition, she has been incredibly flexible with us when it has come to last minute schedule changes. We have not one complaint from the year that our daughter spent at Honeydew, we only wish she was not aging out of this particular location! read more

We visited the Church Street location and met some off the staff. It wasn't the best place I've seen but we liked the staff, and they told us there was space available. We followed their instructions and emailed the Director at the email address given but it has been 2 weeks and no response. I thought at least a courtesy email would do. Also, I wonder why our application wasn't attended to seeing as the staff told us there was space available. Could it be we were only asking for 2 half days and that wasn't enough business? read more

I only visited the Honeydew Drop Treehouse location in South Slope, so this review only deals with that location, but I would never leave my child there. First, you have to go up a set of metal stairs, which I didn't feel especially stable on, to get into the facility. Then the main play area has no windows, and the lighting is kind of dim, which gives the impression that the place is dingy. There was food all over the floor from the kids' breakfast (even though it was clearly well past breakfast time), and there was someone's McDonald's trash sitting around. Some of the furniture appeared to be broken. The thing that really sent me over the edge, though, was that there were no covers on the electrical outlets! The one positive thing I have to say is that the staff seemed to genuinely care for the kids who were there. Unfortunately they don't seem to have a proper facility to keep these kids safe. read more

I was excited to start my son with Honeydew earlier this month (Church Ave. location). About one week before our confirmed start date, I emailed and called the director to confirm everything after hearing a rumor that there was an issue with their license. After a day or two, the director finally emailed me to tell me that they had to close down their under 2 section and it would probably take 3 to 4 months to resolve. She said it was due to a delay in paperwork with the City. By that time my son would be 2 already... This was a bug issue because I had already given notice to our wonderful nanny and she had found another position... Luckily, we heard of a much more affordable local daycare that is fully licensed and has no violations. I just don't trust that there were delays on the part of the city for Honeydew's paperwork. It seems more likely that they were operating without being fully licensed. This explains the shady responses when I called to get in touch with the director. I asked about my son's situation. She asked how old he was. When I said 2 the person on the phone said, "we don't serve any kids under 2" ...Well, you did already cash my $800 deposit!!! Come on. Just be honest. I don't think I will be sending my son there even once they straighten out their paperwork. read more