TPD will forever be our favorite memory of Forest Hills and New York! Our two children were there from mid-2020 to mid-2022 and we left only because we moved out of the state. We first found this gem because COVID restrictions shut down our previous daycare and forced us to find a new care option, but in hindsight, it was such a blessing in disguise and a transformative experience! The owner and teachers were so loving and caring - they prepared freshly-cooked meals from scratch everyday, ensured our young children propelyr rest after lunch and avoid being over-stimulated and going home cranky and difficult for the parents. Though not a Montessori school, they used many similar techniques and spirits. For example, they emphasized learning through five senses, taught practical life skills (like dressing oneself) and emotional regulation along with academic knowledge, involved children in hands-on real-life projects such as making their own snacks (with ingredients prepared and process guided by the teachers like squeezing orange juice), encouraged older children to help younger children, encouraged self-expression through weekly talent shows, and fostered a community among the families by facilitating weekend playdates. The experience was entirely different from the traditional programming in a chain daycare center. As a result, one of our children transformed from a timid child to an outgoing one, and we were embraced into a strong community with long-lasting connections. read more

We always say it takes a village to raise a child, and Toadlers Pond was a HUGE part of our village.  We sent in our son when he turned two years old, and due to the pandemic had never been in a daycare environment before, or even had many playdates or much exposure to other adults, and over the next year and a half the TPD staff worked with him on language, eating skills, coordination, confidence, and so many other things we didn't even expect (like facts about the different U.S. states).  What originally attracted us to Toadlers Pond was the passion and caring of the staff which was evident from our initial video tour, plus the incredible, fresh home-cooked food, which our son still misses very much and talks about.  We also credit TPD for (at least) 80% of our son's speedy potty learning progress, and helping him become a "big boy" about this typically anxiety-inducing chapter of toddlerhood, all with ease and a positive approach, keeping us up to speed every step of the way.  The staff were fantastic about giving us a glimpse into our child's day through pictures and videos posted on their private facebook group, and we absolutely loved the Friday talent shows.  By the end of his tenure at the Pond, our son was beyond prepared for the next step in his education, and we appreciate everything Toadlers Pond did to get him there. We will always be Toadies at heart, and can't wait for our daughter to become a Tadpole too! read more

It's been a month since our 15 month son started Toadler's Pond Daycare with Melissa and Crystal. I promised myself when it was a full month, I would write a review. So here it is. Enjoy. :) We are so pleased with the care and preschool curriculum provided by Toadlers. As a new Mom, it's a wonderful feeling to know your child is truly cared for once you depart. As an educator, myself, I see the time and detailed attention Melissa and Crystal place within the curriculum. I appreciate the no-excuses attitude they pass on to the students. (Yes, even though our son is 15 months, it is still expected for him to participate in class and he does. ) As a supportive, affectionate, health-conscious and hands-on Mom, I am more than pleased with the level of genuine care I feel from Melissa and Crystal. This means a lot. When you leave your child in the care of someone you want them to receive close to the same care you'd give them at home. And for me, this means - hugs & kisses, hi-5s, dap, fist bump, whatever. Lol. As long as its appropriate. One of the most unique qualities of Toadlers, are the fresh organic homemade meals that are prepared daily, for the children. This mimics what our son receives at home and was one of the deal breakers for us. Most importantly, the group style learning environment is very clean (another deal breaker) friendly, courteous, rigorous and FUN! Our son loves it. We highly recommend Toadler's to parents who are serious about their child's early development. Thanks ladies! read more

We have been very happy with this daycare for over a year. Everyone is really friendly and the kids seem happy. The owner does so much for these little guys and girls. When it became cold she made scarves for the kids who didn't have scarves just so they could go and enjoy the outside together in the fall. The owner tries to understand and work with each kid and knows their personalities, it's quite amazing how she tries to connect with each child. The kids learn a lot and participate in activities that teach them responsibility. The daycare has a garden and the kids learn about planting and harvesting certain vegetables. The staff is always smiling and cheerful. I would recommend this daycare time and time again. read more

I am very happy with this school. The teachers treat the kids very well and the kids are excited to see teachers. It is one of the reasons I live in queens. read more

My baby loves the teachers and is learning so much. I feel so at peace when he is there. Excellent.

Our son has been attending this daycare for almost two years. This is a great place where children learn, play and have fun. The staff is excellent led by the always smiling Miss Melissa. Thanks to great coordinating skills of daycare personnel, we as parents feel part of a big family and children and parents alike do many things together - from children birthday parties to going to the beach. The daycare teachers also happen to be some formidable cooks, they cooks food for children in house many times in front of the children so that kids can learn how it's done and appreciate what they eat. It is really an awesome experience and we are extremely happy to be part of it. read more

I couldn't agree more with the other reviews. I recall our first tour with this daycare. The nursery class was away, so we went to see the kids in the Preschool class. The first thing that caught my attention was how wellbehaved everyone was...and when they saw my son (back then a really shy and apprehensive 1.5 year old toddler) they were soo welcoming and tried to share their toys with him. I just remember thinking, "Wow." Add to that hearing stories about how their kids have grown throughout their daycare, it just really persuaded me to apply for a spot for my son. To sum it up, it is the little things that make this daycare stand out. There are so many, I cannot begin to detail here. It is an in-home daycare, kept small so that attention can be given to every child's development, both hands-on and academic, and Melissa (the owner, who is in herself, amazing) makes this a priority with every child. And she also places the parents as priority too. In my opinion, you probably cannot get a better situation for your child than this. My son is currently here in the Early Intervention/Nursery class, and he has advanced so much since being a nonverbal and shy 2 year old when he entered. He is now talking, singing, and dancing all over the place and not shy at all! He actually wouldn't have any issues being in a place with a larger group of kids (this is how much his confidence has grown), but I like the attention he is given here. 2017: Since my initial review, the daycare has applied to become one of the few under Queens Community House in Forest Hills. Not a bad thing since it improves credibility etc. Right now going through quite a lot of growing pains and reorganization. However, most likely will end up for the better, I suppose. A new house opened up to serve the 2-2.5yr olds, to bridge the gap between "Nursery", which starts with *walkers*, and the 3.5yr old "Hoppers". read more

They are the best !!! we are blessed to be TPD Family !! my son is been there for 2 years the amount of care love and affection omg I cannot even express so amazing they take care of the kid as their own kid and tech them guide them everything . Love they fresh cooking and dedication to Toadies and even us to so happy to be TPD , I can go on and on TPD the Best !!!! read more

We love our Toadler's Pond! Best kept secret in Queens! My son has been going there for almost a year now and we are so impressed with the school and the teachers that we opted out of UPK and will continue paying for another year at Toadler's Pond. My son loves being a 'toadie'! We are going to miss it when he has to graduate next summer. The best thing about this place? IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS. Never once did I feel anything was fake (and my son went to daycare in the city where it was all so fake... We felt so out of place there). Here, it's NOT about money. The teachers genuinely love the kids. The owner and teachers give these kids so much without asking anything extra from the parents. They are unbelievable. They try to make it the easiest possible for the parents. Love our little TDP (Toadler's Pond) community and my family and I feel so lucky to be a part of it! read more

This is the best place in Queens !!! Teachers are very loving, my daughter has learnt a lot. The place is very clean, they cook fresh food everyday, great learning activities. Teachers are extremely polite, they keep the parents well informed by sending pictures and videos about daily activities that their child is doing. Do not hesitate even for a single minute to enroll your child at TDP read more

Best daycare period. My daughter has developed leaps and bound since attending Toadler's. You won't find any other teachers that are as energetic and enthusiastic as the staff here. read more