Lefferts Garden Promise Brooklyn NY 11225

The holiday season is often filled with family time, travel, special treats, and changes to daily routines. While these moments create wonderful memories, returning to daycare after the holiday break can be an adjustment for young children—and their parents.A smooth transition helps children feel safe, confident, and ready to re-engage with their friends, caregivers, and daily activities. Below are helpful tips and reassurance for families as children return to daycare in the new year.Why the Transition Can Be ChallengingAfter a break, children may experience:Changes in sleep schedulesIncreased separation anxietyEmotional sensitivity or clinginessDifficulty adjusting back to routinesFatigue from late nights or travelThese reactions are completely normal and usually temporary. With consistency and support, most children readjust quickly.Tips for Parents to Ease the TransitionRe-Establish Routines EarlyA few days before returning to daycare, begin resetting bedtime and wake-up schedules. Consistent sleep helps children regulate emotions and improves focus during the day.Talk Positively About DaycareRemind your child about:Friends they enjoy playing withCaregivers they know and trustActivities they love, such as art, outdoor play, or story timeKeeping conversations upbeat helps children feel excited and secure.Keep Drop-Offs Calm and ConsistentEven if your child feels emotional, try to:Keep goodbyes short and reassuringFollow a familiar drop-off routineAvoid sneaking away, which can increase anxietyChildren often settle quickly once they begin participating in activities.Be Patient With EmotionsSome children may need extra reassurance in the first few days back. Acknowledge their feelings and let them know it’s okay to miss family time while still enjoying daycare.How Daycare Centers Support Returning ChildrenMost daycare programs understand the challenges of post-holiday transitions and support children by:Gradually reintroducing daily routinesOffering familiar activities and comfort itemsProviding extra emotional support and reassuranceEncouraging social interaction at a comfortable paceMaintaining consistent schedules and expectationsConsistency helps children regain confidence and feel secure in their environment.What Parents Can Expect During the First Week BackIt is normal if your child:Seems more tired than usualShows big emotions at drop-offTalks more about home or familyNeeds extra comfort and reassuranceThese behaviors usually fade within a few days as routines become familiar again.When to Reach OutIf your child continues to struggle after the first couple of weeks, consider speaking with your daycare provider. Open communication helps ensure your child receives consistent support both at home and at daycare.A Fresh Start for the New YearReturning to daycare after the holiday break helps children regain structure, independence, and social connection. With patience, consistency, and teamwork between families and caregivers, most children transition smoothly and settle back into their routines.The new year brings new opportunities for learning, growth, and joyful moments at daycare.

Winter brings sparkling snowflakes, cozy sweaters, and plenty of excitement for young children. These practical tips will help you and your little one enjoy the season safely, comfortably, and joyfully.1. Keep Little Bodies Warm (But Not Overheated!)Preschoolers are active and love outdoor play, even when the temperatures drop. To keep them safe:Dress them in layers — a base layer, a warm middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer.Don’t forget hats, gloves, and waterproof boots.Check clothing labels to make sure items are warm and breathable.Keep a spare set of clothes in your child’s bag in case they get wet while playing.2. Boost Immunity With Healthy HabitsWinter is peak season for colds and flu. A few simple habits help keep little immune systems strong:Encourage handwashing before eating and after playing.Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals.Make sure your child gets plenty of rest, as sleep is one of the best immune boosters.3. Safe and Fun Winter PlayOutdoor time is still important in winter! Fresh air helps children burn energy and supports emotional well-being.Outdoor ideasBuilding a mini snowman“Ice painting” using colored water in spray bottlesCollecting winter nature treasures like pinecones and branchesIndoor ideasSensory bins with cotton balls (“snow”), scoops, and cupsWinter-themed arts and craftsStorytime with cozy blankets4. Watch for Signs of “Winter Wiggles”Preschoolers can get restless when they’re indoors more often. To help:Plan short movement breaks at home — jumping jacks, dancing, or obstacle courses.Use indoor-friendly toys like tunnels, soft blocks, or balance stepping stones.Encourage imaginative play with winter themes (penguins, polar explorers, snowy forest animals).5. Establish Cozy Winter RoutinesWith longer nights and cooler days, winter is a good time to create calming routines:Enjoy a nightly storytime tradition.Start a weekly “winter craft afternoon”.Use warm baths and soft lighting to create a relaxing end-of-day routine.These habits help children feel secure and reduce stress as schedules shift.6. Keep Communication StrongPreschoolers may struggle with changes in routine, darkness, or cold weather. Talk with your child:Ask how their day felt — was it chilly? fun? tiring?Use simple language to explain why winter requires different clothing or earlier bedtimes.Stay in touch with your child’s preschool about weather-related policies and outdoor play guidelines.7. Embrace the Magic of the SeasonWinter can be full of joyful moments your child will remember:Hot cocoa after outdoor playWatching snow fallCreating holiday craftsFamily walks bundled up in scarves and hatsEven the simplest activities can feel magical through a preschooler’s eyes.Winter is a wonderful opportunity to slow down, snuggle up, and explore seasonal learning together. With a little preparation and plenty of warmth—both literal and emotional—your preschooler can enjoy every moment of this chilly season.

Helping Your Child Express Big Feelings in Healthy WaysPreschoolers experience a huge range of emotions every day — joy, frustration, excitement, sadness, fear, and everything in between. Learning how to handle these “big feelings” is an important part of growing up, but it’s not always easy for little ones (or their parents!).Here’s how you can help your child understand and express their emotions in healthy, positive ways.1. Name the FeelingsChildren often act out when they don’t have the words to describe how they feel. You can help by putting their emotions into words:“You look really sad that it’s time to leave the playground.”“I can see you’re frustrated because the blocks keep falling.”When children hear you name emotions, they start to recognize and label their own — an early step in developing emotional intelligence.2. Listen and ValidateSometimes all a child needs is to feel heard. Instead of jumping straight to problem-solving, try listening first:“That must have felt really hard.”“I understand you’re upset — I get upset sometimes too.”Validation helps children feel safe and teaches them that all feelings are okay — it’s the actions that matter.3. Teach Healthy Ways to CopeOnce your child feels calm, talk about what they can do next time those big feelings come up. You can model or practice simple strategies like:Taking deep breaths (“Smell the flower, blow out the candle”)Hugging a stuffed animalDrawing a picture about what happenedAsking for a cuddle or helpThese coping tools help children manage emotions instead of being overwhelmed by them.4. Model Emotional ExpressionChildren learn from what they see. When you calmly express your own feelings, you’re showing your child how to handle emotions in a healthy way:“I’m feeling frustrated right now, so I’m going to take a deep breath.”This teaches them that it’s okay to have big emotions — and that there are calm, respectful ways to deal with them.5. Praise Positive EffortsWhen your child expresses a feeling appropriately (“I’m mad!” instead of hitting), notice it and praise it:“I love how you told me you were angry with your words.”Positive reinforcement helps those healthy habits stick and builds confidence in managing emotions.RememberEvery child develops emotional skills at their own pace. What matters most is creating a calm, loving environment where they feel safe to express themselves — the good, the bad, and everything in between. With your patience and support, they’ll learn that all feelings are okay, and there’s always a healthy way to express them.If you'd like more support or specific strategies for your child, please talk to your child’s teacher. We’re here to help and can suggest activities or ideas tailored to your child’s needs.

Halloween is an exciting time for children — full of costumes, candy, and creativity. Here are practical, family-friendly ideas to celebrate a safe, happy Halloween with your child.1. Choose a Comfortable, Kid-Friendly CostumePick costumes that are easy to move in, weather-appropriate, and safe to wear. Avoid masks that block vision — consider face paint, hats, or headbands as alternatives.Make sure shoes fit well and are suitable for running and walking.Add a glow stick, reflective tape, or a small flashlight to keep little ones visible after dark.Layer clothing under costumes if the weather will be cool.2. Make Halloween About More Than CandyNon-candy treats and home activities can be just as exciting. These ideas reduce sugar while keeping the magic alive.Pumpkin decorating or coloring paper jack-o’-lanterns.Reading Halloween-themed storybooks together.“Spooky snack” night: fruit kabobs, veggie monsters, or popcorn with raisins.Indoor or backyard Halloween scavenger hunt for small toys or stickers.3. Practice Trick-or-Treat SafetyIf you go trick-or-treating, follow these simple safety habits to keep the night fun and secure.Always walk with your child and use sidewalks or well-marked paths.Visit well-lit houses and avoid entering strangers’ homes.Check treats before eating — be mindful of allergies and choking hazards.Set clear boundaries and a buddy system if older kids go out together.4. Keep Healthy Habits in MindIt’s okay for kids to enjoy a few treats. Help them learn balance and moderation in a positive way.Encourage saving some candy for later or trading for non-food rewards.Offer water or milk alongside sweets and include healthy snacks.Use Halloween as a chance to talk about sharing, gratefulness, and moderation.5. Create Your Own Family TraditionsFamily traditions make Halloween memorable. Pick a few special activities your family can repeat every year.Host a costume fashion show or parade at home.Watch a kid-friendly Halloween movie together.Bake or decorate pumpkin muffins or cookies as a family project.Visit a local pumpkin patch, fall festival, or corn maze (age-appropriate).Wishing You a Safe & Happy Halloween!From all of us,, we hope your family enjoys a spooky, safe, and joy-filled Halloween. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, crafting, or simply enjoying pumpkin season, may it be full of smiles and happy memories.Contact us to learn more about family resources, seasonal activities, and child safety tips.

For many parents, balancing the demands of work and family life can feel like a constant juggling act. Between deadlines, groceries, and bedtime routines, it's easy to feel stretched thin. Choosing quality daycare isn’t just about finding a place for your child to stay — it can be a strategic decision that supports your family’s well-being, your career, and your child’s development.Daycare brings consistent, reliable careOne major source of stress for working parents is uncertainty: who will watch the child, what if a plan falls through, and is my child safe and happy during the day? Licensed daycare centers offer structure and dependability. Knowing your child is in trained, caring hands frees you to focus on work with greater clarity and less worry.Children build social and emotional skillsWhile you work, your child is learning important life lessons. Daycare provides everyday opportunities to make friends, share, take turns, and navigate emotions — all essential skills for later school success and emotional resilience.A supportive community for parentsDaycare centers connect you with other families and caregivers who understand what you're going through. Those connections can become a source of practical advice, emotional support, and even childcare swaps in a pinch. Feeling part of a community makes the work-parenting balance feel less isolating.Routines that calm the whole householdChildren thrive on routine — and routines make life easier for parents, too. A consistent daycare schedule helps regulate your child’s sleep, meals, and playtime. When the day is predictable, mornings become less frantic and evenings more restful.Supporting your career and mental healthDaycare gives you the time and headspace to pursue professional goals while still being a present parent. That separation of roles can improve focus at work and reduce parental burnout, leading to better mental health and stronger family relationships.Modeling independence and resilienceWhen children see parents engaged in meaningful work and family routines, they learn about responsibility, independence, and perseverance. That modeling helps children develop confidence and a healthy view of work-life balance.Daycare is more than convenience — it’s a partnership. It helps children grow, gives parents space to thrive professionally, and creates a shared support system for the whole family. When caregivers and parents work together, everyone benefits.Ready to explore daycare options that support your family?Talk to our team about enrollment and tours

A Parent’s Guide from Lefferts Garden PromiseLefferts Garden Promise — 502 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225 · 718-210-8261Finding the right daycare for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. This guide walks you through the key factors to consider, the questions to ask, what to watch for on a tour, and how to choose a center that fits your family's needs in Brooklyn, NY.1. Decide what you needStart by clarifying your priorities so you can compare centers fairly:Location: How far are you willing to travel for drop-off/pick-up in [City]?Hours: Do you need full-time, part-time, or extended hours?Age groups: Infants, toddlers, preschool, before/after school care?Budget: What can you afford (and what’s included)?Philosophy: Play-based, Montessori, religious, academic/prep?2. Licensing, accreditation, and safetyMake sure each center you consider meets legal and safety standards:Is the center licensed by the state of [State]? (Look up your state’s childcare licensing website.)Does the staff have current CPR/First Aid and background checks?Ask about health policies: illness exclusion, medication procedures, and emergency plans.Is the facility well-maintained, childproofed, and free of obvious hazards?3. Staff qualifications and turnoverThe people who care for your child matter more than fancy toys or bright walls.What are the caregivers’ educational qualifications and experience?Ask about staff-to-child ratios for your child’s age group (lower ratios are better).How long have teachers typically been at the center? High turnover can affect consistency and quality.4. Daily routine and curriculumLook for a predictable daily rhythm that includes play, rest, meals, and learning.Does the center have a written schedule or curriculum? Is it age-appropriate?How much time do children spend outdoors each day?Is there a balance of free play and structured activities, and how are learning goals measured?5. Health, nutrition, and nap policiesDoes the center provide meals/snacks? If so, are menus posted and do they meet your family’s dietary needs?What are the nap/rest policies for infants vs. toddlers?How does the center manage allergies and special medical needs?6. Communication and family engagementGood centers keep families informed and involved.How does the center update parents (app, daily sheet, email, in-person)?Are there regular parent-teacher meetings, progress reports, or family events?Is the director approachable and responsive when you raise questions or concerns?7. What to look for on a tourWhen you visit, pay attention to the environment and interactions—not just the decorating.Do teachers greet children warmly and engage at eye level?Are children actively playing and visibly content (not listless or overly chaotic)?Is the space clean, organized, and stocked with age-appropriate materials?Do classrooms post schedules, learning goals, and sample lesson plans?Are security measures visible (locked doors, sign-in/out, visitor policies)?8. Important questions to askBring this quick checklist when you call or tour:Is your center licensed and insured?What are your staff-to-child ratios for my child’s age?What is your illness policy and how do you notify parents?How do you handle discipline and behavioral guidance?What is your staff turnover rate in the past year?Are meals and diapers included, or are they the parents' responsibility?Can you provide references from current families?What are the fees, billing schedule, and contract terms?9. Red flags to watch forBe cautious if you notice any of the following:Unexplained odor, dirty or cluttered spaces, or overflowing trash.Staff seem disengaged, hurried, or unclear about policies.Children are unsupervised or consistently crying without comfort.Center avoids showing licensing documents, inspection reports, or references.10. Trial periods, waitlists, and final checksOnce you narrow options:Ask about a trial or short-term introduction to see how your child adjusts.If the center has a waitlist, confirm how it works and whether sibling priority exists.Check your state’s licensing website for inspection history or complaints.Local tips for familiesTo make a local search easier:Search for reviews and parent groups on Facebook and local parenting forums.Visit nearby parks and playgrounds to observe other local families and ask for recommendations.Check if the center participates in community events or partners with local schools—this strengthens local trust and fit.Contact Lefferts Garden PromiseVisit us: 502 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225Phone: 718-210-8261