St. John's Kidz

- Park Slope
390 Butler St, Brooklyn 11217, NY
See Map | Get Directions - www.stjohnskidz.com
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Reviews (23)
Review from the Spring 2022 Early Childhood Education Survey
Type of facility: Daycare Review: Both our children have attended and loved SJK. Our youngest started in September at 1.5 years and will attend again next year. Patricia the owner and main caretaker is incredibly warm, loving and patient with the kids (I often wish I had her sense of equanimity!), as are her assistants. We are constantly impressed with the range of activities and projects the kids do, from cooking to art to music and dance to "science experiments" and class pets (fish, annual caterpillars). We've been surprised at how early our both children started reciting numbers, the alphabet, and favorite nursery rhymes. There is also nice outdoor space at the location which is used daily. What amenities does the facility have? Has outdoor space What would you change about the program, if anything? We don't get many pictures or videos from the children's day. This was fine before the pandemic when we could go inside and see the kids at dropoff and pickup and spend more time talking with Patricia, but is harder now that only the teachers and students can go inside. Is there anything you would like to add about how the school is handling the pandemic? We've been satisfied with the safety measures taken this year. Patricia is clear that safety is her #1 priority and has followed all recommended guidance. The daycare has only been closed once due to exposure.Review from the Fall 2021 Early Childhood Education Survey
Type of facility: Daycare Review: We had an absolutely wonderful experience with SJK – if it were age appropriate, I would send my kid there forever. My kid wanted everyday to be Monday so that he could go to daycare. Patricia, the owner, creates a very loving and fun environment. She teaches the kids how to play and speak nicely to each other. The kids do lots of fun activities – making play dough and slime, and some cooking. The kids are encouraged to learn about different tastes, textures, smells, and sounds. Each week has a theme where the kids are learning about something – the water cycle, seasons, bugs, etc. They also do a lot with days of the week, time, seasons, numbers and letters, etc. They have a well-lit and inviting space and a backyard with play structures, toys, and a garden. The environment is very inclusive. Patricia is so good with helping kids learn and cope with challenges. She really gets to know each kid and thinks about what works for them. It’s very low tech – a lot of the activities are with CDs and poster boards – which we liked and found calming. No screens. Parent communication is best by phone or chatting at pick up rather than email or through the app. There is an app with daily updates. Bottom line is that at SJK we knew we were sending our kid to a place where he was loved, had lots of fun, and would learn the social-emotional tools he needed. What amenities does the facility provide? Has outdoor space, Has after-school options What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? Walking on Gregory Place can be unpleasant. The walk on Butler from 4th Ave is much nicer. Is there anything you would like to add about how the school handled the pandemic? Pandemic safety was handled well. Patricia helps the kids to learn to wear masks. Very good hand washing protocols. As much time was spent in the backyard as possible.Review from the Fall 2021 Early Childhood Education Survey
Type of facility: Daycare Review: My Son LOVES his daycare! Patricia the owner really individualized care for each child. We have been doing early pottying (elimination communication) in our house though not fully trained yet. I explained how important it was that he be offered the potty. Daycare was very accommodating and worked with me which really meant a lot to me. Another great thing is the flexibility with days attending and full vs half day. We landed on starting with two full days a week. There was also no wait list and we started right away. Patricia takes the phasing in process very seriously and met my child twice outside of school before he started to get to know him. What amenities does the facility provide? Has outdoor space, Has early morning hours, Provides snacks Is there anything you would like to add about how the school handled the pandemic? We feel very safe2019-2020 Year Review
St. Johns Kidz is a wonderful, positive-focused, warm and nurturing day care. Patricia provides high quality, thoughtful and seasonally appropriate activities with a theme of the week. The activities are different each day and are child-centric to foster both creativity and active collaboration with peers. There is a strong emphasis of verbal interaction between teachers and children. It's amazing. My child often does not want to leave daycare at the end of the day! More importantly, we were looking for a local daycare that will work well in supporting our special needs child. Patricia was open minded and welcoming when we asked if she will accept Early Intervention therapists at the daycare. She helped make the transition from home-based to daycare-based therapies seamless and a positive experience for everyone. She was a collaborative partner in working with us as parents and therapists on schedules, checking in on developmental milestones and incorporating specific day to day needs. We are so fortunate to have Patricia to work with us and nurturing our child's development who has thrived and grown so much at St. Johns Kidz! … About the facility: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Has early morning hours … What would you change? The location may be a barrier since it's not on a major street or avenue. However, there is ample on-street parking, easy access to the daycare on the ground floor with plenty of hallway space. Very easy in and out. Once inside, it's a well-lit, clean and warm center with a open kitchen/play area.Review from the 2019 PSP Daycare, Preschool Survey
SJK is a joyful, warm, creative place, with daily activities inside and in the backyard. The experience and the love the teachers at SJK share with the kids is reflected every single day in the way they teach, speak and handle themselves. It’s inspiring to see the teachers interact with the kids: with patience, care and a smile, treating every kid as a fast developing young person. , Our daughter was 18 months when she joined SJK in September, after being with a full-time nanny. Initially we were looking at the +2yrs pre-school programs, but after meeting Patricia - the teacher and co-owner of SJK - we knew this is the place for our daughter. If you’re looking for a loving, safe, calm, playful and creative environment for your child, go and check it out. DETAILS: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options What you would change: NothingReview from the 2019 PSP Daycare, Preschool Survey
SJK is a very nurturing, warm, and caring environment, the caregivers treat the kids with respect and love. They do various activities everyday from baking, craft making, dancing, and spending time in the backyard for free play. We looked at many other daycare and preschools and chose SJK because Patricia showed that she provides a safe, supportive, and cultivates the young minds. All the kids learn how to share, be kind, and help one another. Even though it is a bit farther than I would like (15 min walk), we are sending our daughter there for a second year because nothing can compare! I can’t recommend it enough! DETAILS: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Has early morning hours What you would change: Other than dancing, I’d like there to be more body movement type of activities, but they have been very open to the idea and happy to incorporate yoga if they can find a teacher.Review from the 2019 PSP Daycare, Preschool Survey
I love St John’s Kidz. Patricia and Ansela create a warm and stable environment full of fun, age-appropriate, play-based activities. The kids play in the backyard, cook together, sing and dance, are constantly working on crafts, do puzzles. When I’m at work, I know that my daughter is safe, having a blast, and around people who are modeling good values. I feel like Patricia and Ansela really get and cherish her, and my daughter thrives in response. We plan to send our youngest - so no hesitation in recommending it to others. DETAILS: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Provides snacks What you would change: I wouldn’t change anything. I love this daycare.Shoutout to our magical daycare St. Johns Kidz (1.5yrs-3.5yrs old)
Every morning, my daughter is so excited to go to daycare. We feel very lucky to have found this amazing daycare - St. Johns Kidz - through the Park Slope Parents Community, and now is our time to pass on the love. SJK is a joyful, warm, creative place, with daily activities inside and in their backyard. The experience and the love the teachers at SJK share with the kids are reflected every single day in the way they teach, speak and handle themselves. It’s inspiring to see the teachers interact with the kids: with patience, care and a smile, treating every kid as a fast developing young person. , Our daughter was 18 months when she joined SJK in September, after being with a full-time nanny. Initially, we were looking at the +2yrs pre-school programs, but after meeting Patricia - the teacher and co-owner of SJK - we knew this is the place for our daughter. If you’re looking for a loving, safe, calm, playful and creative environment for your child, go and check it out.Recommendation for wonderful daycare - St. John's Kidz
. I can't say enough good things about it and my son's experience there, who has been attending for the last year and half. The teachers are skilled, nurturing, creative and thoughtful. The atmosphere is so warm. They do all sorts of fun things like baking, art, yoga, music, dancing, dress-up, getting dirty in the back garden/patio and themed projects. Also, there is a lovely parent community.St Johns Kidz recommendation
I second the recommendation for SJK. Both of my children went to St. John's Kidz, and we've maintained a relationship with them over the years. I can't say enough about the home away from home that is created at St John's Kidz -- for the children and the parents. It's a place full of play, singing, dancing, and comfort when needed. There's a lot of love -- and the kids feel it. Take a look.Review for daycare/preschool - St. Johns Kidz
I would like to recommend St. Johns Kidz, the daycare my son attended and where my daughter is currently enrolled. Bernice and Patricia, the owners/directors/head teachers are simply fabulous. They are warm,engaging and smart and really get the 18 month-4 year age group. Our daughter had a difficult adjustment to daycare after two years at home with a nanny, and they were endlessly patient with her, letting her come out of her shell at her own speed. She has blossomed under their care and can't wait to get to "school" in the morning. We moved out of the neighborhood and commute with our daughter - even though it is no longer as convenient, we just can't imagine sending her anywhere else. There is a lot of music, dancing, arts and crafts, story time, dress up, imaginative play, etc, etc. The children learn through play. Our son, who is now 7 years old, was very well prepared to enter pre-K when he left. Also the space/class size is great - no more than 12 kids and 3 teachers, full day and part time slots, and a large backyard.Childcare review for St. John's Kidz
My daughter has attended St. John'z Kidz for the past year and half (from age 18 months to 3 years), and has received exceptional care. St. John'z truly feels more like a school than a daycare. The school is owned and operated by Patricia and Bernice, who are generally always at the school and give this place a very unique and intimate feel. That it's owned and operated by the same people really gives St. John's a different feel than some other care facilities in the area. My daughter has learned so much about interacting with other kids, and the teachers pack a lot of art, music, and outside play (in the back yard of their brownstone location) into the day. The school has a very organic and cozy feel where I feel my child has received a lot of nurturing/loving attention. I also really appreciate that they offer some flexibility in offering part-time care. I sent my daughter for three afternoons the first year, and four full days the second year. I highly recommend St. John's.Review: St. Johns Kidz
We had our daughter there from age 3-4 and our son from age 2-4. St. John's Kidz is a nurturing and loving place for children. The caregivers Pat, Bernice and Ancila and now Tiara are warm, energetic, and experts at early childhood education, not to mention they really understand how to play and the importance of play in learning. Daily updates and check ins are helpful and informative. I feel the caregivers know my children very well. I appreciate the way they teach the children to be independent, as appropriate for their ages, and advocate for themselves using their "strong voices." There are creative activities everyday including music, storytime, crafts, dancing, cooking/baking and outdoor games and they have guest teachers come in for yoga, music, soccer. Both my kids loved going to St. John's Kidz. It is a joyful, lively place where my children have learned a lot about numbers, letters, colors, shapes and much more, but more importantly to me, they have learned a lot about themselves and how to be good friends to others. I highly recommend this daycare/preschool.Review for Saint John's Kidz
My son has loved spending the past year with his four wonderful teachers (two lead teachers and two assistant teachers) at St. John's Kidz. Like a real family, each teacher brings something unique to the mix. Bernice fosters a love of music and dance in the kids with her bongo drums and passion for creative movement. Patricia's kind and unflappable demeanor is always delightful and is especially reassuring when kids are new to school. The kids are busy every day, painting, puzzling, dressing up, baking, reading big books together, and best of all, playing in the backyard. Structured activities take place (black play-doh was a big hit not long ago, and Mr. Rob comes in for music class), but there's also plenty of time for whatever comes up, like when everyone huddled to observe a worm spotted in the yard recently. I would recommend SJK to families who value learning through play and who don't mind their children coming home with green paint in their hair now and then.Review submitted via the 2014-2015 daycare/preschool survey
Length of time: 3 Full Days Child’s Age: 1-2 years2-3 years Type of facility: Private, small daycare/playschool experience run out of a person's home with a very small number of children REVIEW: Our family has loved Saint Johns Kidz. The caregivers / teachers are wonderful. They are nurturing, patient, and creative. Our son has learned so much since he started going there, and has made some wonderful friends. Would you recommend? Highly recommend Would you send your child again? Absolutely2014 Daycare/Preschool PSP review
Length of Time: Full-Time Child's Age: 2-3 years Review: I found the childcare educators at Saint John's Kidz to be loving and engaged. Our son looked forward to going to school each day and has remained friends with the children from his class. Recommend (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend Would you send your child again? Absolutely2014 Daycare/Preschool PSP review
Length of Time: Full time Child's Age: 1-2 years2-3 years Review: This is our first daycare experience and really has been nothing but positive. We get a daily report indicating everything how well our child ate to who he played with to what skills he worked on. The caregivers are nothing but loving and nurturing. They are incredibly supportive around areas that I would like to work on my son with. They take joy in his accomplishments. Perhaps most importantly, as a working parent, I can go to work and focus on work, knowing that my son is well cared for, stimulated and loved. The one negative is the 5:30 pick up time. It's really difficult to get home by then, but the staff/caregivers are incredibly understanding and accommodating. In fact, one of the caregivers told me that she doesn't want me walking in to pick up my son looking so frazzled, that I shouldn't stress and that they understand how hard it is being a working parent. Recommend (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend Would you send your child again? Absolutely2014 Daycare/Preschool PSP review
Child's Age: 1-2 years2-3 years Review: We felt extraordinarily lucky to have had our daughter at St. John's Kidz from 18 mos - 3 years old. It is a small, warm, loving environment. There are a maximum of 12 kids in the ground floor space of a brownstone, which includes a backyard - perfect for little ones! Bernice, Patricia & Ancila gave our daughter constant, individualized attention, and we had feedback every day (at drop-off and pick-up). They were incredibly creative in their crafts, cooking, and exercise. (On rainy days, the kids dance to Bernice's bongo drumming!) We only left because we felt our daughter had aged out. Recommend (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend Would you send your child again?(no subject)
My 2nd was there from 18m-3 yrs and it was a wonderful experience. The staff is exceptionally loving. Its a warm and nurturing and I would highly recommend it. (Aug 2011)(no subject)
St. John's Kidz is fabulous. Our son attended for 2 years and we still go for the fundraisers and socialize with families from our time there. The staff is professional, caring and very talented in dealing with young children. My son learned so much from them, including reading a picture book "Lemons are Red", he grabbed one day when we were in the library and just started "reading" it to me. It was all picture cues but it made him feel very confident as he moved forward in learning how to read. (July 2011)(no subject)
I highly recommend St John's Kidz The teachers are wonderful. They are great in how they interact with the kids and help guide them in using their words and also in the way they explain things to the kids. And they are pleasant, professional, and have a great sense of humor. The kids do many creative activities, have lots of social interaction and outdoor time (twice a day). They offer full time and part time (1/2 day twice a week, or 1/2 day three times a week, or 1/2 day five times a week) childcare. I can't remember the ratio, but there are about 8-10 kids on the days my daughter attends. (There are probably more kids ... probably picked up before my daughter is picked up.) I know they have a waiting list, as with any great childcare, but I know it helps if you are flexible with your days/times. My daughter loves going to St John's Kidz! I visited several childcare places and they were the best by far. (May 2011)(no subject)
I can only speak to St John's Kidz from personal experience. We have LOVED this daycare. The administration and the 2 head teachers (patricia and bernice) are one and the same and they are the most loving and wonderful teachers, which is of course, in the end, the most important aspect of choosing a daycare. I had a nanny who I loved dearly before we made the transition to daycare, but this place has made me such a fan of daycare. At SJK, they start at 18m. (may 2010)(no subject)
our daughter was in St. john's kidz for 2 years. Bernice and Pat, the owners and teachers, are fabulous - they are so loving (and wonderful people). They both embody (in different ways) that delicate balance between being consistent, conveying a neutral attitude when children do things they are not supposed to do, and providing encouragement in a loving, fun environment. There are many expressions we still use in our family (our daughter is 5 1/2 now) that we learned from Bernice and Pat (eg when my daughter whines we tell her to use her "strong voice"). I loved the small space, particularly the backyard which they use all year round. I wanted a place where they did not have to haul the kids to a local playground because I figured that would discourage outdoor play. Also, the scheduling is very flexible especially as it might change as the children get older (ie you may want to enroll them in a longer day or more days). (may 2010)