Small World Preschool

1.9 (9 reviews)

Child Care & Day Care, Elementary Schools, Preschools

Open • 6:30 am - 7:00 pm

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Small World Preschool - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Staten Island, New York

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L L.

3 months ago

This place is a dump, my grand daughter went there, and it was the most un un unprofessional school I have ever witnessed. I also experienced a sort of favoritism attitude. At pick up, the class never, ever came out on time. Never felt welcomed at that place, teachers only friendly to their favorites. School seemed always dirty and a mess. Granddaughter ALWAYS sick! Don't waste your time abc money. read more

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John S.

12 years ago

Our 4&5 year old grandsons just finished a full year and summer school here at Small World School. I thought from the first day that the physical layout of the school was professional looking and well kept. It took awhile for our boys to adapt to their first time away from home, but there were no big issues and minor ones were managed with empathy for the children. The women in charge, particularly their primary teacher, Ms Jenn, were kind and understanding to all the children there. Our boys were sorry to leave today and we feel they had a positive first school experience and would recommend the school to anyone interested. read more

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Maria S.

Thank you so much for the beautiful words. It was a pleasure having…

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Incognito W.

197

9 years ago

I write this as a warning to parents even thinking of sending their child to this dismal daycare. I won't even put the word "school" to describe it. This is pretty much the most unprofessional "pre-school" you could send your child too. The director is NEVER there. I could count on 2 hands how many times I've seen this woman on premise. Her and the other teachers were always pushing their other money programs on me. It was very clear she only saw dollar signs on your head as you walk in. If you CARE about your school and are supposed to be RUNNING it, how are you doing that when you are never there.. When you ring the doorbell, usually someone on their cell phone will answer and just let you in. No checking of ids, no security cameras, nada. Very safe! At least a couple of times a month, when the door would be opened, I would be overcome with the smell of dirty diapers. Take out the garbage. Or the older lady in the 2 year old room would be screaming at the top of her lungs at the kids. My child's teacher shouldn't even use the word teacher to describe herself. Besides being extremely abrasive and condescending, she sat on her cell phone from the time she entered, until dismissal time. Most days she was too busy face booking, gossiping with the teacher next door or yapping to whatever parent she was friendly with to acknowledge mine or my child's presence as we entered the class. It was absolute CHAOS in the class every day. What kid was screaming, what day the assistant WASN'T screaming. I'd pick my child up and she would be sitting on her cell phone while the kids ran amock from center to center. During recess time, there would be a circle of EVERY teacher in this place with their heads down on their CELL PHONES. Really a disgrace. Half the time this woman wouldn't even be in class on time bc instead she would be sitting in her car ON HER CELL PHONE. There were many kids in the class with behavioural problems, which apparently was too much for her to address, so instead she would call the parents up and put them on speaker for the entire class to hear. These are just an few of the stories my kid would come home with or I would witness. Academics, there is none, bc from her own words "We are not supposed to teach them anything." Great answer. So you don't teach social skills, classroom routines? I'm well versed on what the "state" curriculum is. And know for a fact other schools on the island were incorporating this in little ways throughout the day. But that would happen at a professional educational facility, not here. Everything academic, sounds, letters, I taught my child. So the icing on the cake for me was when I went to pick my child up and bc she was "on her phone" my child left without her, the TEACHER, having ANY clue. I watched as she led 3-4 year olds up a flight of stairs in the front without any clue what was going on behind her. A few other parents had a similar experiences. Or the time the director was screaming at the top of her lungs at one of her staff members over a personal matter in front of 2 classes of kids. I can't even with the stories about this place. All the "good" reviews on this place are clearly written by friends. This place has a reputation of being horrible, something I found out after the fact, or I would have never wasted my time putting my kid here. There are sooo many other warm, caring, professional pre-schools on the island. Go else where! read more

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Maria S.

Incognito, fortunately for us your sentiment is not shared by our…

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D G.

7 years ago

I don't know what these negative reviews are here for...never have I experienced this when my son went there, nor any of my friends. The teachers were wonderful and caring to my child. My child would tell me he wanted to go to school when the school was closed. They discovered things about my son and his study habits that still hold true to this day. I think the bad reviews listed here are 2 "friends". I have never ever experienced or seen what these 2 reviewers have listed. I found Small world to be a wonderful school, the teachers were caring and treated you like their friends. If you want a loving and nurturing environment that promotes growth and creativity for your child..this is the place. read more

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Michele R.

13 years ago

DONT SEND YOUR CHILD THERE I REPEAT DO NO SEND YOUR CHILD THERE. The class my son was in the teachers pick their favorites and they ignore the other child and put to sit and play by themselves. When I bought my son in they didn't greet him or smile they just ignored him that right there said "FUCK this class" my child will NOT be mistreated. The old woman seems like she's there for a check and ready for her smoke break and the other woman looks like she has no idea what to do but sit and smile. This one class my son didn't like and never ignore your child's reaction that should tell you something. I cancelled my papers and now in another school and guess what??? My son smiles every-time he goes in. The best thing I can tell you is DONT SETTLE your child has a voice listen to it. read more

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Danielle D.

9 years ago

BEWARE BEWARE! This school should be closed down . I visited this location to see if this school was the best fit for my child who is getting ready to be enrolled in pre k . As I am walking into room all the teachers all talking to one another not paying Any ATTENTION to the 15 children in the same room (beyond) to me they were just bodies coming into work for a paycheck ! I then walk into 2nd room , same exact thing! No lesson planning no one sitting at a table doing any kind of activity & kids running all around ! No foundation at all! This is were it get better , secretary then shows me the 3rd dirty room which is so called pre k , as soon as approached the door , kids running teachers talking and 3 large hot coffee on the students table !!!!! A child could have got seriously burned !!!!! Are you kidding me? Is this a place of business or your house????? Then I leave and tell them that it disgusting and they are purely neglecting those children! Director calls to apologize, lol ! She tells me it was a parents coffee , really? ( like I am idiot) How is a parent going to hold 3 large coffee's and a child ? Basically this daycare / hole in the wall is dirty nasty & does not care about your child at all!!!!! Please parents listen to me , her prices might seem good because she will match to grab you in! Don't do it! Please look at other facilities that care about your child and worry if they get burned or not! Bottom line dump!!!!!!!!!!!! Reviews are everything and you pay for what you get read more

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Maria S.

Lina, we have no record or recollection of your claimed visit to…

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Chris M.

10 years ago

horrible place, i wouldn't send my pets there nevermind my children. first off the "teachers" in this school are too busy posting on facebook instead of doing their job & looking after the children!!! i have three friends who have sent their children to this school and i hear nothing but horror stories!!! please read the reviews! no summer school should have multiple complaints like small world preschool!!! ¿think? real carefully before deciding to send your child to this summer school!!! you have been warned!!! read more

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Jon D.

11 years ago

Do not send your children here. Teachers are horrible and incompetent. The office staff and director are worse. The director is never there and never returns a call. Any question about your child's care will be met with hostility until you have enough of answers such as "the two (2) teachers in the class cannot keep track of what 18 kids are doing at the same time." They literally do not have a clue what their doing. I pulled my child out and notice a significant change in how happy he was the very first day in his new school. I'm just trying to spare other parents the problems their child will inevitably have at small world. There are many other day cares and preschools on the island do yourself a favor and go with one of those. read more

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k l.

15 years ago

If you bring up any issues that you may be having with the school the directer is confrentational and dismissive. The teachers on the other hand are wonderful. read more

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More info about Small World Preschool

144 Bloomingdale Rd
Staten Island, NY 10309
Pleasant Plains
Directions
(718) 356-7795
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http://www.smallworldpreschoolny.com

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Free All Day Universal Pre-K For 4 Year Olds Small World Preschool of Staten Island has been help families since 1977. We have extended hours for our hard working parents, as early as 6:30am to as late as 7pm, 5 days a week. With 7 spacious rooms, and a huge safety surfaced playground, your child will feel comfortable and at ease. Parents can feel assured that their child is well taken care of and safe. We have a low child/teacher radio and offer a Sibling discount/city worker discount. Please call us to schedule a tour of our school today!

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PS 42

(3 reviews)

Eltingville

2nd child that has gone.to this school. Teachers and the facalty are top notch educators and in…read morestowe a lot of patriotism and community pride in our kids

Such a wonderful elementary school. The staff is very very nice & the kids seem to all love it…read morehere. There a two buildings, the older building is the one closest to Richmond Avenue.. The school yard is in between both buildings & has some super sweet art work. Super nice principal ! Rude crossing guards, just throwing that in there.

The Seymour Joseph Institute Asl

(4 reviews)

Arden Heights

I would tell everyone to choose a different school if they are serious about becoming fluent in ASL…read moreand especially if they wish to be an interpreter. In the ASL courses there are a lot of side conversations (voice), classes are taught by non-Deaf individuals who don't even have a certification to teach, class often gets off topic and little teaching is accomplished. In the beginning courses (1&2) there isn't much signing going on...the class is taught by voice. I've been taught wrong signs by these hearing teachers or they won't know the sign for something because they are not Deaf individuals. I've asked about this school and Deaf individuals in the area have nothing positive to say about it. If you want to do the interpreter program at SJI they want one payment of about 8,000 and no part of it is refundable if you drop out. They say it's "to make sure you are serious about the program" but I think it's more to just get your money just in case you decide to transfer to a better interpreter program. If you want to learn conversational ASL I suggest the Sign Language Center but if you wish to become an interpreter try LaGuardia. The only plus with SJI is once you pay that 8,000 dollars...an interpreter class will never be canceled due to low enrollment.

I took classes at a satellite site about four years ago. I have been calling incessantly after…read moremailing a check and transcript request. No one answers the phone, I've left mutiple voicemail messages to no avail. I still have not received my transcript, three months after mailing the request. I think it may be a scam.

Eltingville Lutheran School

(5 reviews)

Great Kills

I couldn't have chosen a more wonderful school for the begining foundation of my children's…read moreeducation. ELS is a warm caring family oriented environment. The small classes are the best, where the children get the attention they need and deserve. The teachers are wonderful and continuously reaching out to the parents on a personal level about your child's academic progress and activities. The older children help the younger children with their coats and back packs. I've never seen such a wonderful environment for children to grow up in. The staff is nothing short of wonderful. Every teacher in every grade knows your child. All the children in all grades know each other, play together and get along. A perfect example.. For Halloween I not only had my sons friends from class, but children from 3rd and 4th grade at my house for pizza and trick or treating. We are one big family. Ms. Cortez, the Principal.. Nothing short of wonderful! She cares about these children, substitutes classes when teachers are absent. She is a woman who wears many hats and I'm proud to call her our Principal. Bullying does not exist thanks to her! When all the children come out of school with smiles on their faces.... You know you've made the right decision.

This is my daughter's 7th year at ELS and I can't say enough good things about the school. It's a…read morewonderful learning environment where the staff truly care about the students. As a parent of a child with an IEP the small class sizes are a real plus and make it easier for her to recieve accomodations without feeling singled out. We couldn't be happier and my daughter feels like it's her second home.

N Y City of

(2 reviews)

Princes Bay

P.s. 3 became a better school last year when. Mrs. Wilson retired…read more This is a great school with a great schoolyard and playground For little kids I love taking my kids here to play ball, ride bikes and just have fun

No issues with the teaches but the administrative staff which is led by Mrs.Wilson who is beyond…read moreterrible. She immediately dismisses all concerns and feels the students over exaggerate the issues. Aides blow whistles in microphones during lunch (treating the students as if they are in a penitentiary the whistle blowing is done because the students talk during lunch. Then they go to the auditorium to and have to sit quietly during there recess because they talked during lunch. When you speak with teachers and they sympathize and tell you they don't agree with her supervision but unfortunately cannot change much on there own with this terrible leader in charge. When you read other reviews (greatschools.org) you will see similar reviews by parents mentioning Mrs.Wilsons pathetic leadership.

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Crystal C.

128

10 years ago

I was a young 24 yr old inexperienced single mother... Afraid to send my 2 yr old son anywhere and then I found small world... NOT only are the teachers amazing, me being the young neurotic mother I am calling 150 times day just to check on him lol... they had no problem updating me on how he was... they sent me pics of his day etc.... Of course in the beginning every child cries leaving their mother... my son Kai cried the first week... then the 2nd week he cried cause he didn't wanna go home lol... He said he wanted to sleep at school so he can see his friends faster in the morning lol... Not only that, the hours are amazing... 6:30am-7pm? when im working 9-5 in Brooklyn the last thing I need to do is stress whos gonna watch my kid or get him from school.... I cried when he graduated from there.... Then 7 years later.. BOOM surprise my daughter came and she was even more of a challenge cause she was diagnosed with dyspraxia, low muscle tone of her jaw and had very limited speech. I DID NOT WANT MY KID GOING ANYWHERE WHEN SHE COULDNT TALK AND TELL ME WHAT WENT ON IN SCHOOLL.... not only did she get her speech at small world, but her teacher would call me every hr or 2 hrs to assure me, my daughter was having fun and send me pics. IM THE MOST BRUTAL AND HONEST PERSON YOULL EVER MEET... AND IM A SINGLE MOTHER YET AGAIN OF 2 KIDS... THE LAST THING I WANNA WORRY ABOUT IS WHO IS CARING FOR MY KIDS.... HAVING THEM IN SMALL WORLD? I CAN REST ASSURED THEIR TAKEN CARE OF..... PERIOD POINT BLANK.... THE PRINCIPAL ALONE IS THE MOST DOWN TO EARTH MOTHER HERSELF, WHO WORKS WITH YOU AND UNDERSTANDS WHEN U NEED EXTRA HRS, RUNNING LATE... ETC. THIS SCHOOL IS A SINGLE MOTHERS GODSEND...... XOXOX read more

Erin G.

9 years ago

Not only did my older daughter attend daycare there but she went to pre-k there as well. I remember having to drag my infant twins with me to drop her off and pick her up and when Ms Maria and Ms Jen found out they would meet me either at the school door or even come to my car out front to grab her from me. And at dismissal I would call there and either one of them would walk her out to me so that I didn't have to take the twins out especially in the cold. While my older daughter was there she even went to Ms Maria for extra tutoring weekly. When I went back to work after having the twins they also attended there for daycare and Mrs Maria Raccuglia went out of her way to help me and work with my hours and finances. Additionally after the twins started pre-k, My younger daughter needed some extra help and she too went to Ms Maria for tutoring. I have had nothing but positive experiences at Small World and I left there feeling like they were more like family than anything else. And to this day I still speak to the staff there. We love you guys!!! read more

Donna D.

171

9 years ago

Small world pre school was my 1st borns second home, while attending the police academy these teachers, loved and supported my baby with everything when I became an officer if I was running really late a phone call and one of the girls would be there to tend to my little one, she became my babysitter and most of these teachers that were strangers became my friends, not only did my 13yr old attend but my twin 5 yrs old attended and my 2 yr old loves loves loves his school and teachers and class! Affordable, reliable motherly and friendly my 2 yr old says his ABCS 123s colors and is so sociable because of what this school does for him, clean happy classrooms and safe.... being a retired cop I trust only them with my baby every day 9-1 love this school, never heard of these bad jealous reviews! read more

Lisa K.

10 years ago

Small World Preschool is an amazing preschool! Maria is a very warm and caring person who clearly puts all of her energy into making sure that the kids are happy and well taken care of, as well as having a very organized curriculum. My daughter learned so much. No wonder it's been successful for 23 years...that's very impressive! My daughter has been going there for school and camp since she was 3 years old. She loves it, always coming home happy! The entire staff including Ms. Jen and Ms. Eleanor are very warm people who really care about the wellbeing of all the children. The school is so safe with the doors auromatically locking and it's super clean! I highly recommend this school! read more

Jennifer L.

9 years ago

I highly recommend Small World Preschool. My daughter is going into her second year there and she loves it her communication skills have improved tremendously in the few months she was there. She always comes home happy and always looks forward to going back. The Director/Owner Maria is such an amazing beautiful person who really cares about the children and their families that go to her school. From my experience it is very hard to find a place that you feel comfortable with sending your child but at Small World I know my daughter is cared for and is in good hands. I only have kind and generous words for Maria and her staff at Small World Preschool. read more

Richard L.

9 years ago

The best pre-school in Staten Island that my family has ever experienced. The staff is the best and the owner Maria is so goodhearted and caring to her community. She supported and was so caring to my wife Jennifer during her battle with stage 4 breast cancer. My family will forever appreciate how Maria and her staff made everyday at Small World Pre-school a wonderful day for my daughter Sophia during a very tough time for our family. My daughter absolutely loves it. She has so much fun there and is learning a lot every day. My family highly recommends Small World Preschool. It is by far the best of the best! Richard, Jennifer, Sophia Levoi and Family. read more

Sandra O.

11 years ago

Excellent school!! I worked as an assistant in Small World Preschool back in 1996 and if was excellent than!!! The director always accommodated the working parent with extensive school hours. The director and the staff always met the needs of the child. They have been in business for many many years and expanded with a new location several years ago. The director has extensive background in early childhood development. A few friends of mine sent their children there and were very happy!!! I live in NJ that's the only reason why I didn't send my kids there! Keep up the great work Small World Preschool!! read more

Daria W.

9 years ago

My son attended small world preschool from the age of two until he graduated Pre-k. The day that I first registered him, the owner hugged me and welcomed me to the small world family. Not only was my son nurtured by his teachers as a young toddler , but he was taught letter recognition and sounds , patterns, shapes and other concepts necessary for success as he moved on to kindergarten. Socially, he developed friendships that he still keeps today, as a fourth grader . Speaking from a parent and teachers point of view, I am proud to have been a part of the small world family. read more

Danelle S.

9 years ago

Highly recommend this school. My son who is now 17 years old went there from when he was 2 years old thru pre-k and he loved it and learned a lot. Now my youngest daughter is in the toddler class and she loves it! My daughter is very shy around new people and we were really worried that she wouldn't do well starting there. But, from day 1 she has loved it and loves the staff. Anytime I call to check on here the staff is always very helpful, and the one time she was upset they called me right away. I would definitely recommend this school. read more

Vincent A.

11 years ago

Don't know what Don D and Michele R are talking about bottom line is you cant argue with success, They been in business for over 25 years The director has a masters in teaching, all teachers are certified and licensed, and the school is Board of ED certified!!!! My two children went there and my two grand children are going there now, and everything is just great no problems at all. I would recommend this school to anybody and everyone you won't be disappointed A++++++++++ read more

Teddy F.

10 years ago

SmallWorld Preschool is fantastic. Both my daughter and son attended the UPK and 3yr old program there. The staff was very attentive and made it a wonderful experience for my children. Miss Maria and Miss Jen were wonderful to my daughter and comforted her as it was her first time being in a school setting. I highly recommend it. It's very accommodating to working parents as well. Thank you to Maria and her wonderful staff for making our experience a pleasant one!!! read more

Andrea P.

9 years ago

I love this school!! My daughter went here and we both loved the school. The staff became like family and they are just wonderful with the kids. They learn so much and I was so impressed with what my daughter had accomplished during the year.I have nothing but great things to say about everyone. The director is also a gem! Such a compassionate woman. You will not find a more genuine person than Maria. I highly recommend small world! read more

Rosario C.

9 years ago

Both of our boys attended Small World for their pre k program. Their teachers were very knowledgeable and caring. The graduation ceremony was one of our favorite memories from that school. We also sent the boys there for the summer program and the entire staff treated our kids like they were their own. We always felt that they were safe there and well taken care of. We would and have recommended this school to others. read more

Marnie P.

11 years ago

Excellent preschool, Sent both my kids there. Upon graduation, they were more than ready for Pre-K and have been excelling ever since. I thank the amazing staff I came to call friends. The administration is as involved as the teachers. Which makes it all work perfectly Great environment would highly recommend. A++++++ read more

Richie L.

9 years ago

Great school and amazing staff. The owner/Director Maria is a beautiful person with a heart of gold who really cares for the children that attends her school and their families. My daughter loves going there she is into her second year and also loves the art classes they have. Highly recommend this school!!! read more

Natalie B.

14 years ago

Director and Staff are great! The learning environment is a structured to have children prepared for Kindergarten. Maria treats the children as if they were her own and she includes many extras to enhance their learning, such as Chinese New Year parties, Harvest days and career week for the UPK program! read more

Lara S.

9 years ago

Would definitely recommend this pre school...both my kids went there from the 2 year old program thru pre k...my kids always felt safe and loved from the director to all there teachers...they both have wonderful memories from their time at small world...love the director and teachers my kids had read more

Christopher M.

9 years ago

Both my children attended Small world preschool.. Not only are the teachers attentive smart and caring but treat each child like their own... I recommend any one who is looking for a great place to send their children for their beginning learning to use Small World read more

Nick S.

9 years ago

Small World is a great preschool. My son has learned so much from their curriculum and the staff is very nurturing. I'm not sure what the other posters are talking about but I wouldn't think twice before sending my kids here! read more

Bobby C.

11 years ago

Excellent school ,,excellent staff both my kids went there and had great experiences there ,, they learned a lot there ,, highly recommended!!! Owner very nice and helpful with anything u need !!!! read more

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