Sunflower Child Care

Reviews (32)

• Review from the Spring 2022 Early Childhood Education Survey

  July 2022

  Location: 8th Street Location Type of facility: Daycare Review: My son (now 25 m/o) has been at the 8th Street location since he was 11 months old. The teachers are all very loving and kind and he has flourished under their care. He comes home happy and full of energy and is constantly surprising us with new words and songs he learned at school (he also started walking 1 week after starting there!). The 8th street location used to be only 0-2, but they recently changed their format and now accommodate up to 3 years old. Since the change, they put in place more of a curriculum for the older kids, which includes more art projects, music, and learning at circle-time. They have flexible hours (open 8:30 - 6:00) and provide 2 meals and a snack every day. In addition, since it is a daycare program and not a "2s" School, they are open year round and there is no worrying about enrolling in summer camp or after school programs. Overall we have had a very positive experience at this location and would highly recommend them! What amenities does the facility have? Has outdoor space, Has after-school options, Has early morning hours, Provides meals What would you change about the program, if anything? I wish the space was a little bigger so the kids had more room to run around Is there anything you would like to add about how the school is handling the pandemic? I believe all the teachers are vaccinated and are still all wearing masks, even after the lifting of the mandate (the kids do not wear masks since most are under 2)

• in person child care centers/schools for full time...

  September 2020

  My daughter is at Sunflower Academy, on 5th and President, 5 days/week, and they currently have space. We've been with Sunflower since she was 6 months old and love it.

• 2019-2020 Year Review

  January 2020

  The caregivers are very sweet and loving and our daughter usually jumps into their arms every morning. They were very patient with our daughter while she adjusted and helped us to troubleshoot how to ease the transition for her. They also seem to have endless patience when it comes to nap strikes and are very flexible on hours. … About the facility: Has outdoor space, Provides meals … What would you change? The location has outdoor space but they only seem to take the kids out if the weather is perfect. I also wish they did more activities - as far as I know they do some circle time and singing in the morning, but that's it.

• Review from the 2019 PSP Daycare, Preschool Survey

  September 2019

  We’ve been sending our second kid to Sunflower Academy since he was 18 months old, now almost 3. Before that he was at the infant location on 8th Street and before that our first child did the same - all to say that we’ve stuck with it because the price is decent and we love and trust the caregivers. Diane, the lead teacher, is one of the best things they’ve got going on; truly caring and sweet with the children and we fully trust her to keep them safe. We like all the other teachers too! Our son is happy to go each day and is always still happy when we pick him up. And my now five year old says he misses attending Sunflower at least weekly! DETAILS: Has outdoor space, We take lunch each day but they provide breakfast and snacks; large open floor plan What you would change: When my five year old attended Sunflower, they had regular music classes, karate classes, and an animal teacher would come with fun little animals and insects for the kids to interact with. As far as I can tell, this isn’t happening any longer and I do wish it was as it was one of the best things my first kid talked about all the time. And, lastly, maybe more regular reporting on what the kids are learning each day, but it’s honestly not essential at this age.

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

  November 2018

  Our 3 year old child was there for 2 years and he aged out for UPK. We loved it. Diane and Janice (who are in charge and consistently there) were excellent. They took care of our son so well. And, the other women who came by were also very dedicated. They always kept us informed about his day and were always respectful to our family. Once a week, the kids had a special visitor: an animal teacher, a music teacher, and a karate teacher. Our son loved it and loved his friends there. The caretakers were so kind and sweet to him. They seemed to genuinely care for him and all the kids. Diane made sure the kids always did a fun craft every day and they learned something every day. They also always took the kids outside in the back during good weather. It was a huge relief knowing he was safe and well taken care of at Sunflower. It was a great experience and we were heartbroken to leave. I can highly recommend them. About the facility: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Has early morning hours

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

  April 2018

  My son is very happy at this daycare. He always has a huge smile on his face when we pick him up. The caretakers are kind and friendly. About the facility: Has outdoor space, Provides meals What would you change? Longer hours, but they have standard day care hours. My work schedule would just be appreciative of longer hours.

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

  April 2018

  My daughter started doing two mornings a week at Sunflower at 20 months. Because this location features primarily 2-4 year olds, and my daughter had been home with me full-time, her adjustment was rough in the beginning. Luckily, Diana and Janice from Sunflower were patient, supportive, encouraging, understanding and showed great care during this rough patch. Now my daughter happily runs in and seems to enjoy her time here very much. About the facility: Has outdoor space, Provides meals.

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

  April 2018

  The staff are very warm and forgiving with working and busy parents (ie; they'll wash your bottles for you, label your baby's clothes if you forget, etc...). You can tell they love the babies in their care. The space is very basic: a townhouse with a lower level carpeted space for the babies to play, and an upper level for naps. There is a backyard and a basic kitchen. The program is decidedly low-tech: no apps or other electronic systems for monitoring babies' meals, etc... You get a slip of paper at the end of the day. I really like that the staff are not tethered to iPads throughout the day, unlike some more high-tech programs. The prices are far more reasonable than comparable daycares in Park Slope. About the facility: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Has early morning hours, Provides meals What would you change? The babies never go outside (although, to be fair, we started in the fall and it's only April now...). Hopefully that will change when we have consistently warm weather.

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

  April 2018

  We have really loved our experience sending our child to Sunflower's Fifth Avenue location. The staff is friendly; the facility is spacious, and our son loves it there. One thing: unless there's a problem, they don't give a ton of feedback about what's going on at school. This doesn't bother us, but I understand that some people would want more info day-to-day. Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Provides meals.

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

  April 2018

  We love Sunflower! The caregivers are genuinely loving and affectionate with the kids, and my daughter beams when she sees them as we arrive in the morning. Plus, most of them have been working there for many years, so they are experts with babies and toddlers, and the kids have continuity with caregivers. My daughter started there when she was 7 months old and is now 14 months, and will continue on for as long as she can. They threw a cute Halloween party, and always decorate for holidays and birthdays. We feel very safe with her there and know she has a blast because of how excited she gets when we drop her off in the mornings. They do send cute pictures and videos sometimes but I wouldn't mind if they were more frequent.

• Review from the 2016/2017 PSP Daycare, Preschool, PreK, Kindergarten Survey

  July 2017

  Type: Daycare About the facility: Has outdoor space, Provides meals Review: Both my children (ages 3 1/2 and almost 2) are attending Sunflower Academy and absolutely love it there. The teachers are experienced and caring, there are different activities on certain days ("animal teacher" on Mondays, music teacher on Wednesday, "karate teacher" on Fridays etc), and the atmosphere is relaxed and playful. There is an outdoor play area, and the daycare provides breakfast and snacks (but not lunch). Compared to other daycares in the area, the rates appear to be reasonable and are based on the hours needed.

• Review submitted via the 2014-2015 daycare/preschool survey

  August 2015

  Program: Infant Length of time: Full time Child’s Age: < 1 year Type of facility: Privately run daycare/preschool with multiple classes and teachersThere is little/no parental involvement with the administration or running of the facility. REVIEW: We've been sending out daughter to daycare at Sunflower since she was 3 months old (she's now 6 months). We've had a really great experience—the teachers are kind and warm and seem genuinely happy to see her when she arrives in the morning, communication is good, and the facilities always seem clean and relatively well organized, although perhaps on the small side. Sometimes I wish things were just little more transparent with regards to what happens during the day, but overall we've been very happy with the care she's received there. We'll be moving in a month and I'm going to be sorry to leave. Would you recommend? Highly recommend Would you send your child again? Absolutely

• 2014 Daycare/Preschool PSP review

  November 2014

  Length of Time: Full time Child's Age: 2-3 years Review: My two year old has just started here, but my older son, now in Pre-k, went here for two years and *loved* it. The set up is very play-centric, but also has a pre-school like curriculum (the head teacher, Mahsuda, is warm and friendly and has multiple degrees in early childhood education--and three young kids herself); there's Spanish and music and a variety of art projects--I've noticed a little less emphasis on curriculum these days, but the current group is much younger than the group when my older son was there, so I suspect they've adjusted for age/ability (which is fine!) Recommend (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend Would you send your child again? Absolutely

• 2014 Daycare/Preschool PSP review

  November 2014

  Length of Time: full time Child's Age: 1-2 years2-3 years3-4 years Review: Both of my children attended sunflower on 8th st from 3 month to 2 years old. We were in the back house with Stayce and Diana and couldnt have been happier. They are loving, patient, easy going. They are spot on in terms of when to contact parents re: illness, injury, behaviour --they are attentive, but do not over-react. We spent 4 straight years with them and I have no complaints. They decorate the room elaborately for every holiday. Lots of singing and dancing. Outside time everyday. My kids didnt want to leave at the end of the day. My 2y/o just moved on to Sunflower Academy on 5th ave and he is also thriving there with Mahsuda, Elvia and Shantel. My 4 year old is now in pre-K but he still asks to visit Mahsuda & co, and we do. Neither child had any problems with discipline or transition (besides a week or so of tears at drop off) --but I think that is a testament to the teachers as much as my kid's easy temperament. Recommend (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend Would you send your child again? Absolutely

• Review from 2013 Daycare/Preschool PSP Survey

  July 2013

  Review date June 2013 (for 2012-2013 year) Program: Length of time: 5 days a week, half days (8-1) Child's age: 4-5 years Review: The teachers, and in particular the head teacher, Iman, are fantastic. Warm, caring and energetic. The facilities are big and spacious and filled with light. They also have a yard where the kids play. The drawbacks are that there isn't a distinct "philosophy" - it's a pretty basic preschool/daycare, but the kids are very happy and do learn a lot. I would have, at times, preferred a more progressive approach - a more gender neutral approach, for example, and I am not a fan of "star charts" and rewards for good behaviour, but no preschool is perfect and overall, my child is happy and has thrived. They had been very supportive with the transition, and my child adjusted surprisingly quickly. We have not had any discipline issues so I can't provide insight on that. They offer classes - Spanish, movement and music and lots of free play time, which to me was very important. I think it is reasonably priced, which is also important. The administration is extremely flexible with hours, admissions, registrations - a true standout in our neighborhood in that respect. They have year-round admissions and a very flexible cancelation policy. The bottom line -- we will likely send our younger child there next year, and that's probably the best endorsement I can give. Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend <<< PSP Note: this reviewer has recommended Sunflower in the past >>>

• Review from 2013 Daycare/Preschool PSP Survey

  July 2013

  Review date June 2013 (for 2012-2013 year) Program: 2/3s Length of time: 3 days Child's age: 3-4 years Review: The teachers absolutely rock! They were amazing with our daughter when she joined at 18 months and needed lots of attention. Now as an older child (3 yo) they give her guidance and independence but still enough individual attention. I wish the school had more of a philosophy or guiding mission. That's one thing that's lacking. The teachers have b een awesome about difficult situations- loving, attentive, caring. I receive broad feedback, text message feedback on random question-- as much as I want, which I appreciate. Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend

• Re: Two day a week day care

  March 2013

  I'm pretty sure Sunflower, where we have our daughter, does, as long as they have availability. For example we are there three days so they have someone else filling in those other days right now, I believe.

• (no subject)

  October 2012

  Our son went to Sunflower on 5th and President from 2-4 years of age. He loved it and so did we. Our daughter had gone elsewhere, to a much more expensive place, and we feel Sunflower was even better than where she went. I can't speak for all of them, but the one on 5th/President is great. September 2012

• (no subject)

  September 2011

  Our daughter goes to Sunflower part time in WT and really loves it. We have been very pleased with the staff there and the attention that our daughter gets. Additionally, the owner Ilene has been very accomodating with us as far as scheduling and some conflicts that came up regarding that. The staff is always very responsive to our questions and our requests. We had heard great things about SUnflower from other parents and have been very happy with it. (May 2011)

• (no subject)

  September 2011

  My son was there from 7 months to 21 months. As a first time mother, I was quite nervous about sending him to daycare. Within his first week there, I felt fine. The staff took such great care of my son. He became bonded to all of his caregivers, especially the lead caregiver Zekiye. It was very hard for him (and me) when he left there to go to Sunflower Academy. Thankfully, Sunflower Academy has also been wonderful. Some specific strengths of Sunflower Daycare were: lots of communication between us and the caregivers; when my son could eat solids, they provided healthy/organic meals and milk; they took the kids out to the play area in the back as often as possible, so my son wasn't stuck inside; I felt that the staff really love children; the owner responded to any concerns I had right away. (May 2011)

• Review from PSP Survey, 2010

  January 2011

  Program: 18 months- 3 years Length of TIme: 4 days/ 36 hours per week Child's Age: 1-2 years Review: Three young women work very well together to provide a stimulating and varied experience for the children with the help freelance professional coming in to offer special classes. While technically not an academic program, they have curriculum and lesson plans set in place that start by encouraging children to learn the alphabet , numbers, identify shapes and animals etc. The activities they have help: develop hand coordination (with puzzles or large beads to string or by scribbling, for example), do more things for themselves, such as putting on clothing, cleaning up, develop their language with singing an talking, play with other children, try out different ways to move their bodies. Weekly they have outside teachers come in to do Yoga, Foreign language and Music. They have transition policy in place to ease the stress of the children. They also when necessary institute "time outs", for pushing or hitting or other disciplinary things. Sticker rewards are used for praise. Provide daily feedback and encourage the parents to inquire about daily activities, progress and work together toward any problem situations whether at daycare or at home. Recommend (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend

• Review from PSP Survey, 2010

  December 2010

  Name of Program: 4 mornings/week KID AGE:2-3 years The three teachers are great. I feel very confident in their abilities, kindness, and understanding of children. The kids play outside all morning whenever possible on the fun, big playground equipment out back. There are tons of toys of every variety. There is also a huge floor-through play area in the bottom floor of the daycare for the kids to enjoy when it's raining or cold. Breakfast, lunch, and snack are served; all organic food when possible. Music class, yoga class--my daughter could do five or six real poses by the time she was 2 years old. The teachers seem very sensitive and cooperative to any concerns I've had, and let me know how my daughter is doing with discipline, potty training, etc. The environment is busy, but never hectic, and all the kids seem happy and engaged. Highly Recommend/Recommend or Do Not Recommend?--Highly recommend Review Date: Fall 2010

• Review from PSP Survey, 2010

  December 2010

  Name of Program:3 months-2 years 5 full days KID AGE:1-2 years Our family loves Sunflower: Our daughter is always happy to go there (from a very early age, she perked up whenever she saw us putting on the Bjorn, because she knew that meant she was on her way to "school"). The thing that impresses me the most is the chemistry of the three teachers--they are all incredibly loving, and it appears to me that each bring their own special skills and nice energy to the babies. (Zekia is the nap whisperer, Luba is the love-snuggler, Raquel is the party planner--they are all wonderful women with lots of happiness [and patience!].) The program includes outdoor time (weather permitting), and music, and "art"--some of the heartbreakingly cutest things in our home were made by our 15-month-old daughter (a headdress for t-giving, a handprint "tie" for father's day, etc.). Highly Recommend/Recommend or Do Not Recommend?--Highly recommend Review Date: Fall 2010

• Review from PSP Survey, 2010

  December 2010

  Name of Program: Full time KID AGE:2-3 years The teachers have added a lot more structure in recent years while still leaving lots of time for play. They are energetic and sweet. They love the kids and appreciate their different personalities. There is a private backyard, so the kids get out a lot. There are enrichment activities (yoga, Spanish/Italian, music). They are very respectful of working parents' schedules and take pride in providing high quality child care. I have sent both of my children to Sunflower daycares since age 4 months and I recommend it to everyone. Highly Recommend/Recommend or Do Not Recommend?--Highly recommend Review Date: Fall 2010 Sunflower Childcare8th St b/w 4th and 5th Avenue

• Review from PSP Survey, 2010

  December 2010

  Name of Program: Full time KID AGE:s are to see the kids in the morning, and the interest they take in all the little details. I was especially thrilled when I was even sent a photo via text of my little guy sitting up on his own for the first time! It really helped me feel like they cared, and kept us parents involved. The art projects are adorable too! But even those are merely extras on top of basics, like the fact that I feel comfortable and safe leaving my son in their care every day. And the fact that they got him on a nap schedule--something I wasn't ever able to do--was just great too. Highly Recommend/Recommend or Do Not Recommend?--Highly recommend Review Date: Fall 2010

• (no subject)

  July 2010

  Our daughter just turned 1 y.o. and she has been at the Sunflower located on 8thStreet for the past 6 months. Before we started there, I posted on PSP and I received about 4-6 positive reports (it should be in the archives). The only negative comment was regarding the initial commication during the application process. We had a similiar experience, but I believe it is due to the overwhelming amount of people who apply. I found Natalia to be very responsive via email. Overall, we have had a very positive experience there. I had some initial concerns that boiled down to communication issues, but they were all resolved as we all got to know each other in the first few weeks. Besides a few days when she was feeling clingy, she goes very happily and wilingly with the staff in the morning. I feel like the staff genuinely care about her and she seems to be connected with them. Although sometimes things are a bit chaotic around drop off/pick up time, I have never had any safety concerns. I looked at a few places and we decided on Sunflower because of our gut feeling about the staff and space but also because some of the other places did not have the following: an outdoor space, separate play/sleep area, they provide organic milk (+ now that she's 1!), provide a report at end of day that breaks down sleep, how many diapers, etc. Comparatively, I also feel that they are well priced. Although I am happy with the care/supervision at Sunflower, I wish it was a little more structured especially for 1-2 y.o. They have routines but wish it was more than just supervised play. They do have an outside music person who comes in each week, but it sounds like they used to have more structured time/activities. (may 2010)

• (no subject)

  July 2010

  I want to endorse Sunflower as well. My son went to the 8th Street location from 2006-2008. He was well cared for and loved his providers, most of whom are still there (Zekiye, Diana, etc) He "graduated" from 8th Street and went Sunflower Academy until September 2009 when started pre-K. We are such big fans of Sunflower that our son is going to Sunflower Academy for the summer because he really loves it there and we are confident that he will be in good hands. (may 2010)

• (no subject)

  July 2010

  We used Sunflower on 8th Street at 5th Ave. for our son William from when he was 6 months old until he was 2, and absolutely loved it. William is a serious, thoughtful, at times TOO well-behaved kid, and worry constantly that he will be set aside by his caregivers in favor of more animated or demanding children. The ladies at Sunflower (in the back) truly knew him though -- communicated with me about his behavior, his needs, his quirks in a way that convinced me beyond any doubt that they had truly taken the time to know and love him. A shy, stand-offish kid, he lunged into their arms every morning, and insisted on saying goodbye to them one by one before he left each night. When we finally graduated in December, I cried! I am now big-as-a-house pregnant, and the main thing that is giving me confidence about coming back to work in the fall/winter is that my second son has a spot reserved there. Of course I respect that people have varied experiences, but I thought it was worth putting my two cents in! (may 2010)

• (no subject)

  July 2010

  We pulled our child out of this location after a couple of months for a number of reasons: the staff was always busy tending to kids and not really playing with them and getting on the floor to read books, etc. Our child's diaper blew out every day which resulted in soiled clothes EVERY SINGLE DAY. We were told that it was the volume of his stool that did it, but after we transferred him to a different location, the problem went away and we never had soiled clothes again. I think that he had been left sitting in his soiled diaper for too long at the first location. The staff used to "restrict" kids by putting them into high chair for a long time, we were told that it was done to prevent bigger kids from hurting little ones on the floor????? There were other minor issues (like running extremely hot water for a long time to heat up bottles, etc) that made us switch, we are very happy we did. This was our experience with Sunflower. (may 2010)

• (no subject)

  July 2010

  I can't speak for 16th street, but I had absolutely no safety concerns with the 8th St. location. My son was the first baby there when Natalie opened in 2005. He stayed there until he graduated to the 5thAve location. My daughter was there from age 4months-2years and is now at 5th Ave. I found the staff to be incredible with babies and I never had any worries. The caregivers actually cried when it was time for our daughter to move on (we did, too!). We feel tremendously fortunate to have found such amazing childcare. (may 2010)

• (no subject)

  July 2010

  I wanted to reply in defense of Sunflower. I do not know the specifics of the safety concerns mentioned by the previous poster, but my daughter has been at Sunflower (on 8th street in the back house) since she has been 4 months old and I have never had any concerns. She is now 11 months and has never even come home with a bump or scratch. We use one of the workers as our babysitter too, as we trust her and the other women so much. They currently have about 6 kids under the age of one at that location and always provide loving and safe care. My daughter loves it there and we do too. The staff is warm and responsible and communicate well with parents. There are never more than 10 kids at once and 3 workers. Good luck with your search. I know it is a hard and difficult decision to make. (may 2010)

• (no subject)

  July 2010

  In repsonse to experiences with Natalie's Sunflower Daycare--we had some serious safety concerns (which I reported to OCFS) with our then-1 y.o. at Natalie'sSunflower on 5th ave and 16th St. They had recently opened and seemed understaffed and unable to really deal with infants. I had read the great reviews of Natalie's Sunflower on PSP. My sense is that they do better with toddlers. I'm not even sure that the 16th St. location is open anymore. In any case, we pulled our child after 2 weeks. (may 2010)