I would not recommend this daycare based on my family's experience. From the moment I toured the facility, I had concerns. During the tour, I witnessed a teacher raising their voice at a 2-year-old, which immediately left me questioning the environment and the level of training provided to the staff. I know some teachers can give tough love I gave it the benefit of doubt. My biggest concern came after my 3-year-old attended. I was informed by a staff member that he had made a sexual gesture or comment. As his parent, I know the behavior they were referring to was simply him picking his nose and putting his finger in his mouth--a gross but very typical behavior for a 3-year-old the other teacher even came out as I was extremely concerned to say it was innocent. The teacher accusing my son attacked me none the less at pick up not even a hello. The situation was handled in an extremely unprofessional manner, and I was shocked that such a serious accusation was made instead of approaching it with appropriate understanding of normal toddler development.What was equally disappointing was the lack of communication afterward. After this incident was reported to management, neither the director nor anyone from administration reached out to check on my child, discuss the situation, or address my concerns. That level of follow-up and accountability was completely absent. In my opinion, the facility also appeared unclean, and the overall professionalism of the staff did not inspire confidence. After this experience, I chose not to send my son back and enrolled him elsewhere. The difference in professionalism, communication, and care has been night and day. I also encourage parents to review the daycare's inspection history and any licensing violations through the New Jersey child care licensing records before making a decision. It's important to do your research and make an informed choice about where you entrust your child. Every child deserves to be cared for by patient, well-trained professionals in a safe, clean, and nurturing environment. Unfortunately, that was not our experience here. read more

My boys absolutely love this daycare, they are always doing cute activities and keeping the kids active. They are always excited to go to school and come home happy everyday. They learn SO MUCH in school I am always impressed by how smart they are becoming on their own with the help of their teachers. I love this daycare and my kids love it too 10/10 would recommend ! read more

We are lucky to have found Little Tykes. The daycare staff takes care of my 3-month old daughter so well, especially Ms. Fran and Ms. Jasmine! They are great about keeping us posted on her activities. My daughter always smiles when she sees Ms. Fran. read more

VERY unprofessional, most of the staff is extremely rude not willing to work with kids my son always not happy going there i will move him to different place read more

Our son started attending Little Tykes when he was a year and a half and recently he graduated PreK-4 program. We couldn't be any happier with the school. The teachers are excellent and the school has a lot of different activities for early learning. We loved the projects our son brought daily and that we could read his weekly program to discuss his school work. We love how the areas and the program are organized and appreciate our son's progress over the years at Little Tykes. Many thanks to Lyttle Tykes' teachers and staff! read more

We are so grateful for the wonderful experiences and education our daughter received at this preschoo . Thank you to all the teachers and staff for your dedication and support. We'll always cherish our time here! read more

Amazing safe place to bring your children. They will treat them like their own . The owner is a wonderful human being

Such an amazing daycare!! My daughter started when she was 6 months old she is now 1 years old. Little tykes has watched my daughter grow Into the smart 1 year old she is today. She knows how to say a few words, she started walking at 8 months old, she knows how to take a pen and write on a paper lol. Ms. Megan is amazing to my daughter she treats my daughter as her own!! My daughter refuses to come home sometimes! She loves her. Ian the director is great!! He is easy to communicate with and extremely professional!! The entire staff there is extremely friendly and treats my daughter so wonderful. Best daycare in the area!!! read more

Little Tykes is a fantastic daycare. The teachers care so much for the kids. We have been dealing with ongoing health issues with our infant son, and they have been so supportive each step of the way. They have even offered us suggestions on what questions to ask the doctors as we navigate figuring out what is wrong with our son's health. Our son clearly loves going there as well. It's truly a wonderful daycare! read more

Today was my son's last day at Little Tykes. I can honestly say that we will miss this place. Ms. Fran and Ms. Blanca are amazing. They had the passion and patience to help my son learn and grow. They took great care of him. The administration were attentative and communicative. Little Tykes is definitely a daycare to consider. Your child will have an amazing time here. read more

As a first time Dad I find it hard to leave my son with just anyone but ever since I met the wonderful staff at little tykes I feel so much calmer and at ease knowing that the care and professionalism that's given my child is safe and protected as well as learning at a fast rate. Thanks to everyone at Little Tykes...... Rudulfo Arroyo and Cindy Tejada read more

I'm a single parent and currently have my two children enrolled in little Tykes preschool for the past few years. They are great, the owner and staff are very professional and take wonderful care of my children. I can't say enough good things about them, they are a life saver for me. read more

I absolutely love Little Tykes Preschool. My son Christopher started off in the babies room. He is now in the preschool program and learning so much each and everyday. The staff is so loving and communicate so well with the parents. read more

My daughters have been attending Little Tykes since my 5 year old was 3 months old! I have always felt so secure that they are in safe, loving hands. The activities and learning opportunities they provide made my older daughter Kindergarten ready and she has excelled academically! I attribute much of that to her Little Tykes experience. My 2 year old's vocabulary and counting skills surpass many of her peers in our circle of friends. I love that there are so many opportunities during the day to learn, but also to PLAY and practice their social skills. I would highly recommend Little Tykes to any parent looking for a safe, loving, happy environment for their child. read more

Little Tykes - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

See all

Fran is the supervisor of this daycare and she really goes the extra mile with the kids! The one thing I feel a little uneasy of is that the door is open during the mornings which means anyone can come in and out of. read more

What a dreadful establishment. I'm only giving one star as Yelp doesn't allow zero stars. I had initially sought out an aftercare program because my son attends preschool and needs some aftercare until I am done work. The director of this daycare is a millennial who is running his parents business which was probably at one time, an awesome daycare. I do not believe he even likes kids, he never greeted my son, and he is barely in the office. First off, in order to reserve your place you must pony up $185 to fill out the paperwork. That's all fine and dandy, but upon filling out my paperwork and hearing the daycare manager scream at a child so loud that can be heard from the street, I became unsettled. I then mentioned once again to Ian that my son is speech delayed and requires some serious patience, and hearing a daycare manager scream at a child like that is actually nerve wracking, to then receive the response "that's just how Ms Fran talks". I got such a nasty feeling in my stomach by the lack of compassion in this establishment, I tossed and turned for days if I would send my child there. I decided against it, had my husband call to let them know that my son would not be attending based on our concerns, and no one cared. No call from the director looking for additional information. Nada. I then emailed the director Ian to give him the rundown on how I felt and request my enrollment fee back. I received a one line response that my fee is not refundable. I strongly believe that this establishment threatens you with losing your place if you do not pay the $185 fee, I think this is an unfair business practice and I also believe this place is not a place where your child would be nurtured and treated well. Looking up the NJ state inspection report for this facility is also very concerning. Parents do your research and always trust your gut! read more

I had my son start there and now have my daughter goes there. I have no complaints about this school at all. Teachers are friendly and they will work with you on an everyday basis if needed or get to your concerns as fast as possible. Kids learn a lot. Overall recommend this daycare to everyone! read more

My nanny moved away when my son was 2 1/2 and I was terrified of putting my son in Daycare. I went to little tykes and my son and I fell in love with this place. My son is now 4 and he is so well adjusted. They teach them something new everyday and treat them with love and lots of patience . I want to especially thank mrs Sally for being a great caregiver to my son I simply don't know what he will do when he goes to school next year. He is so very attached to her. read more

I currently have my 2 kids attending Little Tykes preschool.The teachers are amazing. Hayle(daughter) won't stop talking on how much she love her teachers and loves to go to school everyday. Nicholas(son) has been there only a year and he has learned so much. He is 2yrs and he knows his numbers, colors, shapes and sing song he learned in day care all the times. Overall I wouldn't have picked a better daycare for my kids. I am very grateful with Mrs. Fran and the rest of the staff for being such amazing human being. read more

seriously it's the best daycare in new jersey great environment best activities for kids my son is very happy with them they take care of him and they love him read more

My toddler started at Little Tykes last month and although I was super nervous since she had never been to a daycare all of the teachers made the process as easy as possible for my daughter and I. Ms. Ally is my daughters favorite and she is such a sweetheart. I'm really happy with my decision and with the care, my daughter receives and extremely happy with the curriculum. Since starting at Little Tykes my daughter has expressed herself better than ever and learned things that I expected she would learn in kindergarten. Best daycare in Lodi!! read more

My little guy started at Little Tykes last September shortly after he turned 1 and started walking. Little Tykes came recommended to us by our neighbor who has 2 children there and also by a business associate who knows the owners. The owners are great people and so are the staff. They are like a little family and I am very happy that I can say that my baby is safe in their hands. BTW the front door stays locked at all times and you have to be buzzed in at the door. There is also a camera on the door and in the rooms so the owner/ director can monitor what is going on all the time. read more

I have been taking my son to Little Tykes since he was 6 months old and just turned 3. My son has a hard time meeting new people , always has but this is one place that he isn't afraid of which says a lot. The ladies are great and I can see how much my son loves it there. I feel at ease knowing my son is very well taken care of. I definitely recommend it. read more

My 3 year old daughter has been attending Little Tykes for two months. Ever since enrolling in the program she can seamlessly name months of the year, days of the week, and shapes. She can count to 100 and count by 10s. She LOVES "Miss Lisa" and cannot exit the building without running to hug her goodbye daily. I love that she gets to play outside daily and fun "work" is done every morning to practice the basics of cutting, pasting, coloring, tracing, etc. As an elementary school teacher myself, I would recommend Little Tykes to another parent. S.K. read more

my daughter loves little tykes preschool she has attended now for two years and she enjoys her time there the staff is amazing welcoming and loving they all have assisted us in so many ways we are beyond happy to have our child there read more

Although the staff is friendly, I do not recommend this daycare at all. The owner says one thing then does another. She must be doing something fishy if she asks her customers to write out checks to a different business name "Papaya Hut". Its awkward. read more

There truly aren't enough wonderful things to say about this daycare. My son started in A week before he turned 2 and was barely speaking at all and was very attached to his Mommy. I expressed my concern about him speaking and his attachment to the director and he assured me that his staff would help him. Sure enough, within a month, he didn't care that Mommy was leaving and he was starting to speak. Miss Fran and Miss Luann are so amazing with my son in the morning. My son amazes me every single day with him knowing something new. I can't thank this staff and daycare enough for treating my son like he is their own. It makes going to work every day a little easier read more

The 1 star that I am giving is for my son's morning teacher, Luann who tried her best at this poorly managed daycare/preschool. Due to my son becoming instantly sick and inclement weather, my son attended Little Tykes for a total of 8 days over a span of 3 weeks. The first few days I picked him up, he had dried snot on his face. His daily tracking which I had to ask for daily, was written on pink construction paper. The next incident was a note stating that he needed more wipes, but was sent with an unopened pack of 72 wipes just 6 days prior. The next issue was the assistant teacher opting not to answer the daycare's phone because she "did not know enough to answer it". The same incompetent teacher who couldn't answer the phone, made an insensitive comment to my son "don't start crying because your mother is here", as I just had woke him up from the car ride and sat him down to take his coat off. The final incident was when I called to notify my son's morning teacher that he would not be returning. The phone was answer by Ms. Fran, I stated who I was and who my son was. I was told that his teacher was not available. I asked to leave a message with my name and number. Once the message was taken, Ms. Fran responded "I will give her the message when she returns from break, and (my son's name) is having a great day. He's sleeping right now"...my son was sleeping, but at home with me because he was sick. So after all of the small incidents, it was evident that not only were the staff as a whole incompetent, but they do not know who's in the building and who's not. I would not recommend this daycare/preschool due to lack of security, safety or sufficient policies and procedures. read more

Fun and safe place for your kids. Great staff...loving caring and fun but most of all trustworthy! Good hours and the children are definitely in good hands. Highly recommended! read more

After reading the negative reviews on Yelp I still decided to give the facility a chance since it's both affordable and close to our home. I placed my then 9 month old here last December and so far everything has been great. They open on time (at 7am) which is essential since I need to commute to Manhattan for my job. The staff are very friendly and my when handing my son over he jumps right into their arms. That says a lot. As a working mom of 3 kids I've dealt with a bunch of different daycares over the years so I know what to look for. As for the negative reviews, I am sure the reviewers have their reasons. I do need to make my checks out to "Papaya Hut". From what I was told the business owner had a previous (or current) Papaya Hut business and rather than change the name (which may take extra $$ and paperwork) they chose to keep it and in order for checks to be deposited the name on the account needs to match the check name. I have no issues with this. I believe you can also pay by credit card if you wish. When I go to drop off my son or pick him up I need to ring the bell in order to be buzzed in, so I feel that my son is safe and secure during the day. I'd like to emphasize that these are my personal feelings and experiences. I'm happy I gave this place a chance as it's worked out great for my family and most of all my infant son. read more

I've been taking my daughter to Little Tykes since she was 3 weeks old she is now going to be 4 and will start the Pre K program there this September. It's an excellent daycare the staff are very kind, caring and loving. My daughter looks forward to going every day. The teachers make learning fun, she comes home everyday with papers on what was taught; ABC's, numbers etc..She is always singing songs she learned there too. I highly recommend Little Tykes I am so happy I brought my daughter there. read more

I went for a tour of this facility and should have left before the tour even started. First off, the top floor is an apartment that is rented out so upon arrival the front door was not locked. The side door entrance was open as well with no one around. The director came around from the back playground and was the one was left the door propped open.. Extremely unsafe! She only showed me the one room where my son would be and said maybe 2 min worth of information on the school. No breakfast time or morning snack time is provided ( State Law is kids must eat every 3 hours) When I questioned this she shrugged her shoulders. She seemed to brush off a potential client so quickly. " This is the classroom, we do circle time, they eat lunch and nap" as basically all she said. I didn't need to hear more and thanked her and left. Don't even waste your time with this school. read more

I've been bringing my children here for a few years now and I have nothing but good things to say about this daycare! The staff and owner are great people and give all the children love. My son comes home every day and tells us great stories about his day. I also have friends of mine who bring their children there as well and we hear nothing but positive feedback!! Its very affordable and local. I would highly recommend this daycare to all. read more