PRE K in Three Village Area (Stony Brook, Hope: day care, pre-school, university)

[snutes]

Hi,

First post here.

We are moving to the area later this year/early next year and was wondering if anyone recommended a pre-k and a nursery school for my 2 sons. I know there are no pre-k classes in the regular schools. Can someone please let me know of any nursery/pre-k options.

Thanks.

[snutes]

Anyone, please?

[AndreaII]

The University has a pre-school that's open to the public; also there's a pre-K on Christian Avenue that used to be a Montesori school - not sure if it is now or not. Also, there may be a pre-K in the Unitarian church on Nicolls Road south of the University Main Entrance.

Hopefully that will get you started looking for day care, which is probably what you're looking for.

[snutes]

Thanks, Andrea

[OhBeeHave]

My youngest attended the PreK on campus at SUNY. It's situated within the psychology building; do not be confused with the campus daycare center by South P and Stony Brook Road.
My oldest attended PreK at Setauket Presbyterian church.
Several people sent their children to Play Groups in Setauket on Old Post.
One neighbor sent her sons to the Montessori school on Christian (which AndreaII mentioned) Her youngest attended last year and she was very pleased.

[amoret68]

Originally Posted by OhBeeHave

My youngest attended the PreK on campus at SUNY. It's situated within the psychology building; do not be confused with the campus daycare center by South P and Stony Brook Road.

Actually, it's in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Building. If the OP is familiar with campus, she'll know that SBS is a more convenient location in terms of the drop-off. I've heard good things about the program but that building is...meh.

I haven't met anyone who wasn't satisfied with the North Shore Montessori on Christian Road.

Also, if you are even considering daycare, I can highly recommend the campus daycare--Stony Brook Childcare--in the big yellow building across from P lot (Stony Brook Road and South Drive). Even though it isn't a traditional pre-school, my daughter learned so much there. We hated to leave it behind for kindergarten.

[pjs_lori]

my daughter just finished 4.5 yrs at Kiddie Academy East Setauket (in Tech park). she loved it there & it more than prepared her for kg.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by amoret68

Actually, it's in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Building. If the OP is familiar with campus, she'll know that SBS is a more convenient location in terms of the drop-off. I've heard good things about the program but that building is...meh.

Also, if you are even considering daycare, I can highly recommend the campus daycare--Stony Brook Childcare--in the big yellow building across from P lot (Stony Brook Road and South Drive). Even though it isn't a traditional pre-school, my daughter learned so much there. We hated to leave it behind for kindergarten.

I stand corrected -- I had taken psych courses as an undergrad in that building years ago, but yes, it is Soc and Behavioral Science. The pre-k is on the main level, and the area was kept in very good shape, unlike some of campus.

It was my understanding that SBU Childcare Services was open only to staff, faculty, students and UHSB staff. Have they changed their policy?

As far as making friends within the community as a newcomer, I have noticed over the years that a fair number of Setauket parents sent their children to Playgroups.

[amoret68]

Originally Posted by OhBeeHave

It was my understanding that SBU Childcare Services was open only to staff, faculty, students and UHSB staff. Have they changed their policy?

It is primarily for the SBU community, but I knew two unaffiliated families when we were there. I have no idea if the tuition schedule is different for these families, but it certainly isn't cheap. That said, my daughter learned so much that I'd send her there again in a heartbeat and, if they had a kindergarten, she'd be there now. So far, kindergarten is a real step backward for her.

OP, feel free to PM me if you want more details.