Hip Hippo Daycare

Reviews (27)

• Shout out to Hip Hippo daycare

  August 2022

  My son is going to Hip Hippo and we couldn’t be happier! Sylwia and her whole team are very nurturing, loving, caring and they really take their job very seriously and love what they do! The kids have music classes, cooking classes, painting, so many different classes and entertainment, that our son loves to go there every morning! And what I especially like is that different from bigger daycare provider where they have many teachers and rotate them, which cause confusing among the kids, in Hip Hippo are always the same teacher and the kids trust them and are happy to see them every day! On top of that, Sylwia has a gorgeous backyard full with slides, water tables, trucks, toys, sprinkles etc etc Hip Hippo is hidden gem in Park Slope and I love that i discover it for little guy!

• Shout out to Hip Hippo daycare

  August 2022

  Just wanted to give a shout out to Hip Hippo Daycare at 16th and 4th Ave for being an amazing place for kids to grow up. Our daughter has been there for two years now, starting from 4 months old. Sylwia and her team are caring and fun and our daughter loves them. We loved that they had a curriculum and structured schedule. Even from an early age she could watch older kids during cooking and science classes, and of course now loves participating. Sylwia in particular was an amazing parenting partner. As first time parents, we found her so attentive and caring, and her feedback and notes really helped us feel like we were on top of [our daughter's] needs and developmental milestones.

• Review from the Spring 2022 Early Childhood Education Survey

  July 2022

  Location: Park Slope Type of facility: Daycare Review: Our daughter Andy attended Hip Hippo Daycare from 6 months to 20 months and loved it. It was relatively affordable for Park Slope. Ms. Sylwia Reyer is the owner and very involved in the day-to-day. All of the teachers are very engaged with the children and include activities such as cooking and science class. The daycare also does not provide the kids with any TV/computer screens which my wife and I appreciated. They have a nice backyard area and use it a lot. Andy looked forward to going to daycare everyday and spoke about her friends and teachers she had at daycare when at home. What amenities does the facility have? Has outdoor space, Provides meals What would you change about the program, if anything? Nothing Is there anything you would like to add about how the school is handling the pandemic? Hip Hippo takes COVID very seriously and follows current CDC/NYC guidelines

• Review from the Fall 2021 Early Childhood Education Survey

  December 2021

  Type of facility: Daycare Review: We've had our kid here for about 5 months, starting when she was about 15 months old — she goes 2 days a week. We like that it's a mix of ages. Their days and weeks are relatively structured, with particular activities planned for each day of the week (science class, cooking class, music class, etc.) We've generally had a positive experience here! What amenities does the facility provide? Has outdoor space, Provides meals Is there anything you would like to add about how the school handled the pandemic? The COVID protocols here are relatively basic and straightforward — the grown-ups are masked and I think are all vaccinated; they take the kids' temperatures upon arrival, and ask for the kids to be fever-free for 48 hours before coming back to daycare. We've never been asked to test her for COVID.

• Review from the 2020–2021 Daycare, Preschool, Pre-K, and K Survey

  July 2021

  Review: I recommend Hip Hippo whole heartedly. Sylwia, the owner, is a former teacher and develops monthly curricula that have the children exploring colors, numbers, shapes, oceans, caterpillars etc. My son attended Sept 2020 through June 2021, starting at 18 months and he’s learned so much. He loved going - even expressing disappointment one Sunday that he wasn’t headed there to paint. The kids (12, a mix of ages from about 6 months to 4) have music, a ton of art, and baking class. They learn their please and thank yous and they run around outside, even in the winter, making snowmen, shoveling etc. They were patient as he was potty trained (earlier than we expected because he was inspired by the bigger kids) and prepped him for the arrival of a new baby, with plenty of exposure to the younger kids. In a sign of what a fan I am, I even asked to extend my maternity leave unpaid until they have a spot for my second. (And am having some regrets about signing my first up for a more formal pre-school in the fall.) it’s also a steal compared to many other places in the neighborhood! Facility amenities: Has outdoor space, Has after-school options, Provides meals What would you change about the program? I’d love a bit more info about what my kid is eating. You also don’t get photos etc during the day, which I was fine with, but might be an issue for others. Is there anything you would like to add about how the school handled the pandemic? The adults wore masks; the kids did not. We thankfully never had an issue daycare was open the entire time. (I believe she closed at the height of the pandemic in spring 2020, at least partly due to lack of demand.)

• shout out for Hip Hippo daycare in Park slope ( 16th street and 4th avenue)

  June 2021

  I wanted to whole-heartedly recommend Hip Hippo Daycare, located at 86 16th Street between 3rd and 4th. Our daughter who is going to turn 3 has been there for a year and we have nothing but good things to say about the place. The owner saved us after an unexpected move in park slope in the middle of the pandemic- She is very kind , always very patient and SO flexible and has a master in education and it shows in the activities she organizes for the kids- Every month has a theme color and other "focus" items ( like dinosaurs for example and their playroom gets decorated accordingly . Kids do cooking classes, movement classes, art classes etc...there is a garden in the back and it is on the first floor ( not a basement ! ) so there is natural light coming into the main play room. The tuition which is very fair compared to other daycares is for an 8 am to 6 pm day including all meals ( lunch and 2 snacks) .

• Review from the 2019–2020 Daycare, Preschool, Pre-K, and K Survey

  June 2021

  Review: I loved this Daycare, so much so, that it in important to me to offer this review before we must leave NYC (even if I'm late too late to submit this). Hip Hippo has an AMAZING curriculum for the kids which include Spanish classes, music, art, science and yes...even cooking. It is adorable. The themes of each month make our daughter excited to go each morning. I would highly recommend this Daycare and am sad to leave it. Amenities offered: Has outdoor space, Provides meals What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? The hallway is narrow for dropping off/picking up children

• Daycare Recs?

  February 2021

  We LOVE Hip Hippo. It's a small in-home daycare with 8-10 kids ranging from 6 months to 6 years at 16th and 4th Ave. Our daughter started there in September when she was 4 months and it was crazy watching how quickly she developed socially and physically once she was surrounded by bigger kids. The owner, Sylvia, was a high school teacher in London, so she's very thoughtful about putting together a curriculum for the kids, and in a way where the babies can watch and interact while the bigger kids do the activities. I toured a bunch of daycares back in September when I realized I couldn't possibly WFH with my baby at home, and Sylvia was the only one who really asked me in depth questions about what my daughter was like, and it won me over. Even today, she feels like part of the parenting team - she helps us troubleshoot everything - feeding routines, nap times, bedtimes, diaper rashes, eczema. Extremely reasonable rates and our daughter LOVES her.

• Day care near Giocare?

  January 2021

  Hip Hippo on 16th and 4th. Sylwia is wonderful.

• Shout out for Hip Hippo Daycare - South Slope

  October 2020

  A big shout out to our wonderful daycare, Hip Hippo, on 16th Street in South Slope! We’re moving out of the neighborhood and are so sad to be leaving this gem. Sylwia runs a beautiful business filled with love and creativity. Our daughter started there when she was 6 months old and everyone was so kind and supportive as we figured out the logistics of leaving our first baby in the care of others when I went back to work. She’s been attending for more than a year now and runs in the door every morning and greets us with huge smiles when we pick her up - a concept I could barely imagine in the early days and is now such a pleasure to witness. I think there are a couple of spots open as they rebuild their business after losing some clients due to Covid moves. I’d be more than happy to give a reference to anyone interested.

• Daycare or school that requires masks?

  September 2020

  Hip Hippo was our previous daycare -- 16th in South Slope. I know providers are wearing masks and I believe the kids too. Last I checked, they had space for more kids. It is an EXCELLENT small daycare with truly fabulous providers and curriculum.

• Hip Hippo Daycare

  July 2020

  I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Hip Hippo Daycare, on 16th Street in Park Slope, which our daughter has attended for the last two years (starting at age one, to around age 3). The daycare also takes infants, I think starting around 6 months, up to pre-k students (and Ms. Sylwia tells us they will be taking kindergarten kids who are on a rotating school attendance schedule because of covid this coming academic year). When we first started looking for a daycare in the Park Slope/Greenwood area, Hip Hippo stood out immediately. Ms. Sylwia, the owner, was warm and welcoming, and the daycare environment is bright, clean, inviting, and engaging. The daycare also has a large, fenced backyard so that the kids can safely get fresh air and exercise without leaving the property, which I loved. My husband and I knew immediately upon touring Hip Hippo that it was the best possible environment for our daughter. We are so glad we made the decision. Hip Hippo was simply magical for our daughter, who was thrilled to be dropped off everyday and thrived in the environment. Hip Hippo provides a structured program, with activities that range from art projects and cooking class to music sessions and science; kids also receive snacks and a nutritious prepared lunch each day. All of the caretakers at the daycare are experienced, thoughtful, and truly care about these kids -- you can just tell in the way they interact with the children and the parents, and the way the kids interact with them. Hip Hippo is truly a special place, and I wish our daughter could attend for many more years. We feel so lucky to have found it, and are pleased to recommend it to other parents.

• Hip Hippo Daycare

  June 2020

  If you are looking for a daycare this summer or for the new school year, I would like to recommend Hip Hippo on 16th st & 4th ave. My son has been going there since he was 11 months (he's 3.5yo now) and we absolutely LOVE it. Almost all teachers are Polish-speaking (but my son is the only Polish child) and they are real educators with many years of experience. There is a backyard where the kids play every day, equipped with sprinklers in the summer, and Pani Ania cooks all lunches daily. They have a curriculum with music, Spanish, art, cooking and science classes, depending on the day of the week. The owner, Sylwia, is the most amazing and she truly loves what she does. There is usually a wait list but since many families in the neighborhood have moved out recently or pulled their children for other reasons, there are spots available. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll be happy to elaborate. Or you can contact Sylwia directly at hiphippodaycare@yahoo.com or 347-447-0572.

• 2019-2020 Year Review

  January 2020

  Sylwia and her crew are so kind and supportive. The projects are all age appropriate, helping them grow but not overly academic. The space is bright, colorful, welcoming and includes a fantastic back yard. Our kid comes home messy every day -- which is exactly as it should be. … About the facility: Has outdoor space, Provides meals

• Review from the 2018/2019 PSP Daycare, Preschool, PreK, Kindergarten Survey

  November 2018

  We were most impressed by the daycare curriculum. It is clear a lot of thought went into it, and I love knowing the kids are exposed to these variety of activities from not only music and art class, but also cooking and science classes. The monthly themes are adorable as well. About the facility: Has outdoor space, Provides meals What would you change? Unsure

• Review from the 2017/2018 PSP Daycare, Preschool, PreK, Kindergarten Survey

  April 2018

  We had a great experience at Hip Hippo. My daughter actually started PreK in September 2017 after going to Hip Hippo for two years, but we have had several "drop-in" days this past year since she loved it there so much and asked to visit. Sylwia, the director, has a Master's degree in education, and takes a lot of pride in providing a warm and caring atmosphere for children to learn and grow. There is low turnover and the teachers are talented, loving and creative. They do amazing art and science projects and play in the backyard space everyday. The kids get healthy breakfast and lunch + snacks. The price is also very reasonable for the area. We actually switched our daughter to Hip Hippo after she started at a pretty unimpressive daycare in the area, and the differences between the two were remarkable. About the facility: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Provides meals.

• Hip Hippo Daycare

  September 2017

  I can't recommend Hip Hippo daycare enough am really sad about us approaching our last day with them. They go from 18m to 5y and everything, absolutely everything about this daycare is amazing. In its play based approach, it compares with some of the best preschools in the area. The owner is extremely invested in the program, and passionate about her work. The teachers are loving and responsible. They also happen to be skilled artists, and award winning educators. The space is beautiful and they have their own cute little playground in the back. Also the fee structure is nominal.

• Review - day care provider

  April 2017

  Hip Hippo is wonderful day care located in south Park Slope, and there will be an opening this spring as we are moving out of the neighborhood. Our son has been at Hip Hippo for almost 4 years, starting as a 3 month old, and we consistently say this day care has been one of the best parts of our Park Slope life. To echo someone else's comments, Hip Hippo is a perfect mix of learning and play.The director provides a rich environment for children to learn and grow and the teachers are warm and loving with the kids. The projects are creative and thoughtful, and they have so much fun in all their classes. Our son loves going to school and we've loved being part of the community of Hip Hippo families. It's a really special place that I can't say enough good things about. I'm happy to talk to anyone about our experience at Hip Hippo and highly recommend to all PSP!

• Shout Out! Hip Hippo Day care has an opening!

  October 2016

  I'd like to shout out the day care my toddler, 23 months, attends. We are moving out of Brooklyn by the end of the year and there will be an open spot at Hip Hippo, which is on 16th Street and 4th Ave. In the short time our daughter had been there (3 months), she has thrived. The director and teachers are lovely and supportive, and communicate with us seamlessly. They have a great outdoor space as well. Hip Hippo functions like a pre school, with the intimacy of a family based day care and provides a good balance of structure and free play. Our daughter adores all the art projects and we now have a fridge to show for it! I'd be happy to share more stories and information..I highly recommend for anyone who is looking for a warm and creative environments for your toddler!

• Review submitted via the PSP Daycare/Preschool 2016 Survey

  July 2016

  Age: 3-4 years Review: We have had an amazing experience at Hip Hippo. My daughter has been there for almost 3 years and I could not have been happier. I addition to being a creative and educational environment for my daughter, Hip Hippo has a family atmosphere and we have become close friends with many of the parents. The daycare is owned by a wonderful, intelligent, organized and warm woman, Sylwia, who has a a degree in early childhood education. All of the teachers there are incredible with the kids and you can tell they want to be there. They are all very loving to the kids and the kids all adore them. Two of the teachers have been with the daycare since it opened in 2013. Every month there is a theme, letter, number, color and science focus. For example: cities, rectangles, black&white... The kids will work on projects and activities using the themes all month. There is also movement class, music class, Spanish and cooking. The kids do tons of art- there is at least one art activity every day (and it's not just coloring). My daughter has brought home animal masks, cabbage stamp paintings, birds made from milk cartons, etc. They do special projects for the holidays like build a tepee and paint it together for Thanksgiving or create T-shirts with their hand prints for Father's day. Hip Hippo has a large, new outdoor space. The inside is a little small, but it is filled with high quality toys. Sylwia invests in the daycare, constantly purchasing new toys and devising new activities. When the kids arrive in the morning there are 3-4 activities set out for them. PSP note, this member previously reviewed this facility in 2013.

• Hip Hippo Daycare

  July 2016

  My kids have been going to Hip Hippo since they were 1 and they are now about to graduate to UPK next year and we couldn't be happier with their time there. Sylwia and the teachers are a great team, working together to create a fun, joyful place that my kids love. They love the teachers and the friends they have met there. They do a lot with the small space inside but they are very organized so it doesn't seem cramped at all. And the outdoor space is wonderful - I know the kids are getting lots of time to play outside. And I almost can't keep up with all the artwork that comes home (I didn't know this was unusual until some of our friends compared it to their daycare.) Sylwia and the teachers are great about encouraging creativity in all forms, even with preparing their food. I couldn't recommend them more - they have learned so much there and we will really miss them next year.

• Shout Out for Hip Hippo Daycare

  June 2016

  My daughter is "graduating" from Hip Hippo daycare this summer and going to UPK. We have had an amazing experience at Hip Hippo so I wanted to let anyone know that there might be some openings in the fall when a few kids go to UPK. The daycare is owned by a wonderful, intelligent, organized and warm woman, Sylwia, who has a a degree in early childhood education. All of the teachers there are incredible with the kids and you can tell they want to be there. They are all very loving to the kids and the kids all adore them. Two of the teachers have been with the daycare since it opened in 2013. Every month there is a theme, letter, number, color and science focus. For example: cities, rectangles, black&white... The kids will work on projects and activities using the themes all month. There is also movement class, music class, Spanish and cooking. The kids do tons of art- there is at least one art activity every day (and it's not just coloring). My daughter has brought home animal masks, cabbage stamp paintings, birds made from milk cartons, etc. They do special projects for the holidays like build a tepee and paint it together for Thanksgiving or create T-shirts with their hand prints for Father's day. Hip Hippo has a large, new outdoor space. The inside is a little small, but it is filled with high quality toys. Sylwia invests in the daycare, regularly purchasing new toys and devising new activities. When the kids arrive in the morning there are 3-4 activities set out for them. In addition to being a creative and educational environment for my daughter, Hip Hippo has a family atmosphere and we have become close friends with many of the parents.

• 2014 Daycare/Preschool PSP review

  November 2014

  Length of Time: 2 days/week Child's Age: 2-3 years Review: Sylwia is the owner of the daycare and is a calm, kind, thoughtful person who really cares about making an exciting and caring environment for the kids. She also cares about providing a good working environment for the workers there too. The daycare is structured, but not overly strict and they have alot of activities for the kids. They have monthly themes around which they organize the activities. You can tell that a balance of interests/activities are important to them. They also send home little reports with the kids. They are resourceful and endlessly patient. Recommend (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend Would you send your child again? Absolutely

• Re:]: South Slope Day Care

  August 2014

  There's also Hip Hippo on 13 th between 5th & 6th. An amazing daycare- our daughter has been there over a year.

• Daycare recommendation

  February 2014

  Our daughter goes to Hip Hippo on 13th St. between 5th and 6th ave. We could not be happier. The owner has an early childhood education degree from Poland. The environment is bright, the toys are quality and plentiful. They have movement class, music and are starting to do a Spanish class too. As the babies transition into the toddler area, they start to do art projects, learn letters, colors etc. There is a calendar so you know what is the general theme of the month and some of the daily activities. She serves organic, homemade when possible food. There is a large outdoor space and the kids go outside everyday unless its pouring rain. All the women who work there are loving, kind and fun. My description is not doing the place justice...when you walk in, you just feel the activity and the joy of the kids and people working there. It's worth a visit. She doesn't have a website but here is her information: Sylwia Reyser hiphippodaycare@yahoo.com

• Review of Hip Hippo Daycare

  November 2013

  My daughter has been there since it's opening in June 2012 (she was actually the first kid). As the daycare has grown, I have only been happier with the care they provide. Sylwia, who is the owner, is creative, energetic and loving and has hired staff with these same qualities. She creates a theme for each month and then sends out a calender so the parents have some idea of what is going on each day (i.e. pretend your a cat, introduce letter B) She also has the kids doing art projects and Montessori-like creative play at an early age. Our daughters first art project there was a chocolate pudding painting. Now at 16 months, our daughter is helping make pumpkin pie, creating aquariums out of zip lock bags, dancing during music time and practicing deep breathing during circle time. The space is beautiful and she has a nice outdoor area too. At the end of every day you get a sheet with notes about the day so I always feel like I know how she is spending her time or if she did something special/unique.

• Re: DayCare Suggestions for 13mos old

  June 2013

  There is a new daycare opening on 13th St between 5th & 6th ave called Hip Hippo. My daughter just started there and we are VERY happy so far.