News

Why We Use the Creative Curriculum Program

By Jan Madura | Published January 15, 2025

When founder Jill Rooney started Harbor Child Care with eight children in 1973, it was to offer assistance to working families. Fast forward to 2025 and there are now six centers spread across Nassau County, representing the largest not-for-profit organizations dedicated to full-day child care, early childhood and, school age education on Long Island. The centers, located in Glen Cove, Shelter Rock, Herricks-New Hyde Park, Manhasset, Union Dale, and Mineola each offer programs for children of many ages, including:

Infants (3 months to 18 months)
Toddlers (18 months to 36 months)
Pre-Kindergarten (3-5 years – full day)
School Age (Breakfast Club and After School)
Summer Camp
Enrichment Programs

Make Bath Time Fun and Educational

By Jan Madura | Published January 9, 2025

For busy parents, bath time for their children is usually something on the list of things to get done before a child goes to bed. Even at a young age, there’s a different approach that can be taken to make bath time both fun and educational. When a child is taking a bath, it’s a great opportunity for exploration and learning without them even realizing it. Continue Reading

Harbor Child Care Parent Testimonial Highlight

By hbrAdmin | Published December 27, 2024

At Harbor Child Care, all our staff members are dedicated to helping early learners throughout Nassau County grow and thrive. One of the things we love most is hearing what parents have to say about their children’s experiences at Harbor Child Care. Here are a few parent testimonials that brought joy to our hearts.

Harbor Child Care Holiday Care Program Highlights

By hbrAdmin | Published December 17, 2024

As we mentioned in our previous post, Learning Through Experience: How Fun Trips & Visits Enhance Education, field trips are a fantastic way to provide early learners with new experiences outside of the classroom. In this post, we are going to highlight some of the unforgettable moments during our Holiday Care Program.

What is Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)?

By hbrAdmin | Published December 10, 2024

Funded by New York State and the federal government, UPK provides families with top-tier early learning programs at no cost. Harbor Child Care currently has three locations that offer UPK, helping early learners thrive throughout Nassau County.

How to Handle Separation Anxiety When Your Child Starts School

By hbrAdmin | Published December 3, 2024

When your child starts school, they are bound to experience some separation anxiety (as well as their parents!) They are accustomed to spending most of their time with their parents, and going to school is one of the first environments where they are forced to part with them.

While the transition can be difficult and school drop-offs can result in lots of tears, there are certain steps parents can take to ensure that their child’s separation anxiety will improve.

What to Look for in a Child Care Center: A Parent’s Guide to Safety and Reliability

By hbrAdmin | Published November 25, 2024

When it comes to childcare, parents will want to ensure that their children receive the best of the best. While selecting a daycare center, there are essential factors that parents need to consider before sending off their children to ensure that they will have a safe, nurturing and interactive environment.

Here are a few things parents should look for when choosing a daycare center for their children.

Creating a Learning-Friendly Home Environment for School Readiness

By hbrAdmin | Published November 14, 2024

Before sending your children off to school for the first time, it’s always a good idea to prepare them for what their schedule may consist of.

Their school days are going to be filled with new experiences for them, including socializing with other children their age, learning academic subjects, and enhancing their listening skills.

The best way to prepare them for the transition starts by preparing them at home.

Here are just a few ways parents can create a learning-friendly environment for school readiness in their own homes.

Key Social Skills Your Child Should Develop Before Starting School

By hbrAdmin | Published November 8, 2024

When you send your child to school, they are going to be socializing with other children their age. While they will pick up on essential social skills and cues in the classroom, there are a few key social tips and tricks that parents should strive to teach their kids at home to best prepare them.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when teaching your children how to socialize with others.

Ways to Foster Your Child’s Independence

By hbrAdmin | Published November 4, 2024

Letting your child do little things for themselves with your supervision helps them develop independence, which will promote their self-confidence. When involving your child in a task, it’s always good to praise them for their independence. Whether your child got themselves ready for bed all on their own or they put their toys away, praise your child for the progress. As your child’s thinking skills develop, they will want to do more for themselves. Here are some ways to support your child’s independence. Continue Reading