Manhattan Kids' Club II

its a good school education arts and craft is excellent but I notice the teachers that work there is just ummpphhh. And basically i just mean curriculum and storytime and teaching is great but i notice and i have seen some teachers pulling on students. It dosn't look very professional. And yelling at them. I mean I don't even yell at my children. poor behavior on teacher's part.

Our 18 month old daughter has been there for about a year now. We have nothing but positive things to say about MKC. Beth and Johnny are great as are most of the teachers and other parents. All of the kids seem clean, happy, and healthy. Our daughter is lucky to have this place and we couldn't be happier.

I took my child out of MKC after one month. They insist on a frightening "circuit" training where kids are abruptly pulled from what they're concentrating on. Helps with transitioning, but destroys concentration. Also, the teachers are constantly seeing what's wrong with the students, not what's right. Very tense atmosphere.

My daughter LOVES this place. We drop her off in the morning and she goes running in to kiss her teachers + friends (and is often so over excited that she knocks them over) and never looks back to say goodbye. I am hugely grateful to Beth & Johnny the owners, and Bouasavanh the brilliant, manager I guess? every single day. I have to say that I'm SHOCKED by all the negative comments, and can't help thinking they were all written by the same angry person with an axe to grind. I work a few blocks away, so I'm in and out of the school constantly, at odd hours and have never seen anything but 100% consistency!!!! Seriously, this place is about as transparent as it gets and there are parents wandering around all the time, so I have no idea what they're talking about. This school has become family to me and they have even embraced my extended family. My mother teaches nearby, so she stops by 2x a week to visit my daughter for an hour and they are always so welcoming to her and let her hang out in the room. And while nothing's perfect (including myself) they're incredibly receptive to feedback. My only small issue is the food, which I wish were a little more whole-grain focused, but when I recently brought that up with Beth I was told they're already in the process of switching everything over to whole wheat. But they'll feed her my food every day if I want them to, so it doesn't matter that much... I send home-made food as well as yogurt and berries regularly, and they always show me what my daughter didn't finish. Anyway, I LOVE this place and cannot imagine what we'd do without it. And my daughter is learning so much! She's only 1 1/2 and already knows every body part, lots of animals and noises, some numbers (2, 3, 4 & 6) and all the other kids names. She hands me her plate when she's done eating, says thank you, pushes her chair in (then pulls it out, pushes it in, over and over) and using a guide that Beth wrote up, she's starting to use the potty at home. I'm blown away.

as a former employee of MKCII this is what I have 2 say.... I loved my kids a great deal and i miss them dearly. I enjoyed my 2 years working there MKC was my other family and the teachers treat children as their own. we work hard and not all parents are cooperative. In all I still visit frequently and recomend the school for any 1 looking 4 a wonderful place for their children.

as Bette Davis said

My infant daughter attended MKC II from 6 to 11 months. We had to leave for logistical reasons, but it is not without a lot of heartache. We loved this school! So did my daughter. She was in the Koala room and the teachers there are wonderful. You know that your child is happy when she doesn't even notice that you've left her in someone else's care. Every morning my husband would drop her off and she would be so happy to see her favorite teacher. The teachers keep the children busy all day w/ all kinds of activities. This is definately a nurturing environment. I never had to second guess our decision to put her in daycare. And any parents that have their child in the Koala room should consider themselves very lucky!!! We were and still are so sad to have left.

I love this school. It took us 2 years to get in and we have two children there, who are very happy. Some of the negative comments about the school are a little unrealistic, I feel. The infant care is first rate. The three carers have been working together for a long time and all are very loving. It is true that not all the teachers are qualified, but many are. And to be honest, my first concern is there ability to love and care for the children. Many of the carers have been working together for years and seem to love their jobs, children and the community that the owners have created. There is going to be a high turnover of teachers in most pre-schools in Manhattan, be realistic, this is NYC. If you want highly qualified teachers, you'll pay a lot more and I'll bet there are long wait lists for those schools too.

Strange how some think it is the best place ever, others think there are major issues. Must be priorities. I had thought the teachers were certified, very disappointed to find out a good deal were not. Books on tape I thought was as lazy as could be especially for 4 yr old. moved and signed our child up at local true preschool- not daycare. The difference is staggering in terms of organization, teacher qualification -all are college grads and quality of learning. Two interesting things...My older child who went to MKC was sick all the time, contant. My younger in two years has yet to have a fever, rash, pink eye, etc...Really take the time to research many places and tour them. Wish we had with child #1

My grandson has been at MKC for nearly two years, and we couldn't be happier. It was well worth the wait. Kids smile their way in early. All the staff converse with children by name. Academic progress is outstanding, and social skills are taught with warmth and patience. This is a very special place.

Strangely, there a lot of intelligent children sent to MKC by intelligent, well-schooled parents, yet the staff is not very educated. Be wary of the phrase "NY State certified." That doesn't mean a thing. With the exception of the Pre-K group, the staff does NOT have any formal teaching or education training. They are $9/hr workers -- highly supervised nannies. It's not all bad there, but it's not nearly as fantastic as many people claim. What it is is convenient. The art work they do with the kids is very teacher directed. They rarely read books to the kids -- only "books on tape." Definitely take a tour more than once. Observe the staff closely too -- they are not fantastic, only adequate at best.

Infants do not get the care that they need and deserve at MKC. Some employees are poorly trained, border on incompetent, and may even put your child's physical well-being at risk. Research very carefully before placing your child with MKC.

I can not think of a better place to bring our son. The teachers are extremely caring and stimulate the kids to learn via play. Our son started in the Koala group when he was 5 months old. When we bring him over in the morning he imediately starts to play and does not even notice that we leave. He has learned so much and is developing extremely well. I can recommend this center to anyone..

My son has been going to MKC for 5 years and my daughter for 5 months. As a working mom it is so wonderful to have the peace of mind knowing your children are in a warm nurturing environment. I feel That MKC is more then a daycare/preschool it is a family and I am so glad that my children and myself are a part of that family.

Our son has been at the school since he was 3mo old and I cannot recommend it highly enough ... we waited to hear on our acceptance until the day before he was born and have had nothing but wonderful experiences since. I had no qualms about leaving him as an infant because the staff are trustworthy, communicative and genuine people--and was immediately assured at our orientation by other mothers who had older children at the school. I've recommended it to many who are all equally happy with their choice!

I attended this school's scheduled tour and put my child on the wait list. At the time they were "redoing" the wait list and told us to call them in the next week to find out our status. It's now over a month later and they still don't have it together. Everyday I'm told to call back the next day and that the owner hasn't looked at it yet -- since she "makes her own schedule". This doesn't offer a lot of confidence in the owner's engagement with the school, nor their organization skills. If they're this rude and disinterested in you before you attend the school, how much attention could they be paying to people they already have?

My children got in here after two years on the wait list. THere is a reason it is so popular. It is a very special place, run by caring, loving and talented teachers. Both my kids are really happy. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

we were at the daycare / school for more than 7 years and have nothing bad to say about it. we can't even think of where to begin on expressing what's great about it. our children had a tremendous experience there. the friendships made during these years have carried into elementary school. the cirriculum is very thought out to prepare them for later years while balancing learning with just pure fun. a loving, caring environment is created by all of the staff and most importantly the kids love going to school there. I would have to think that any negative comments would be limited to families that do nothing but complain (always a few of those out there!)

MKC is not just a daycare/preschool, it is a family, one of which we are proud to be part of. MKC cares about the child as an individual and encourages your child to be themselves. The founders and teachers care about every child and devote counteless hours every day. Our eldest child still looks forward to going back to visit and has remained friends with many of his classmates. Our youngest, a recent grad is thrilled to be going to kindergarten with his MKC buddies. In a city that is so hectic it was wonderful to have MKC as a constant in our lives.

We could not have chosen a better option for our daughter than MKC. Our family in particular is so grateful to the "Panda" class teachers -- who are still there -- and to the director for helping our adopted one year old adjust to a new world and a new language. The MKC staff patiently taught us so much about parenting a toddler. Over ther last four years, we have seen our daughter and her friends grow as sociable, confident, happy kids who adore their teachers, their classmates, their classmates' siblings, and their classmates' parents. It is not easy for children in Manhattan to enjoy such a sense of community, but the MKC kids are lucky. They are also very well prepared by their teachers for new challenges, like kindergarten. Director Beth Garcia does a tremendous job helping the MKC families select and apply to schools that suit their children, including fabulous public school programs, which make staying in the city affordable. We wholeheartedly recommend MKC to others.

our son loves the school as do we- there's a reason MKC has such a long waiting list. it has caring, nurturing teachers, wonderful curriculum, i can't say enough good things. there is one disgruntled woman who posted all of those negative reviews in august- don't pay any attention. silliness.

I am extremely satisfied with my child's experience at MKC. She attended the school for the past five years and has really blossomed. Not only has she learned the expected things (alphabet, basic math, etc.) but more importantly, she has learned social skills like conflict resolution and problem solving. She has grown into a confident young lady ready to face the world. Thank you, MKC, for all you have done for us.

My daughter just left MKC for kindergarten and my son is just starting out there. Everything about MKC is right. When my child is there I have total peace of mind that he is as safe and as happy as if I were with him. The staff is caring, nurtiring and firmly in control. They teach and prepare the older kids for kindergarten in the better schools. My daughter really loved her teachers. Pre-schoolers do not always know how to treat one another, of course, but every one of her classmates was a nice, good kid with whom she connected in some positive way. I can't imagine a better place.

I want to add yet another vote in favor of MKC. We've had our kids there almost as long as the center has been open and though I might not have agreed with every decision management made, my kids truly loved it and still clamor to go back for First Friday Fun (movie) night. I never feared for their safety and never doubted they were in good, caring hands. My 9-year old wistfully recalls the days she spent there with her friends and her favorite teachers. The friendships my eldest forged there endure to this day and I don't doubt it will be the same for my son, who graduated last month. We made lasting friendships with other MKC parents as well. Our kids were taught by people who truly cared about them, and they have emerged happy, healthy, polite and with their basics well in hand.

We have had 2 kids go right through MKC from 4 months old to graduation at 5 years old, and our third has been there for coming up to 2 years. The teacher turnover has never been a problem for any of our kids. Of course they miss teachers for a while when they first leave, but they soon adjust to the next great person that comes along. Surely it's normal for kids to get used to the usual comings and goings of life, and equally normal for teachers to want to move on to something different as their careers develop. A couple of our kids' teachers left to go back into full-time education - you can't blame anyone for that. Don't forget that we live in New York city - this is by no means a static environment on any level. This is truly one of the best places in Manhattan for quality day-care.

We are immensely grateful that our children made it off the waitlist and were able to attend MKC (the 14th street location for the first year and the 13th street location until they each graduated). The curriculum, teachers and staff at both locations were so much more impressive than anything we had seen previously, and both of our kids flourished. Over the years, we were continually impressed by the quality of the teachers, the wide array of cultural and educational experiences our kids had at pre-school and the joy expressed in the classrooms. We were also impressed by the superior benefits offered the teachers and by the accreditation of the school. We also appreciated how hard the teachers and director worked to support the families during the process of applying to both public and private elementary schools. Our second (and last) child graduated from MKC last month and we will miss it sorely.

I don;t care how smart or educated any parent is. Their is NO WAY a parent or nanny can offer to children what the staff at MKC can in an average day. They learn to respect others thru sharing with other kids, they learn cooking, dance, music, spanish, chinese. They go to museums, pumpkin farms, the fire station, the zoo, the aquarium, they have water play, they paint, learn their alphabet (and yes will read by the tinme they are 5). They learn to potty trained themselves, brush their teeth after lunch, drink from a sippy cup and eventually from a regular cup, they learn to be independant and the best of all, they learn to make friends and understand that we operate in a community where every member is different and special in it's own way. Other day cares may have all this to offer, but if you interested in raising children that are well adjusted and have a natural love of learning that will take them through their whole life, you will want your children at MKC. I am so proud to have been part of this community. Discovering MKC 9 years ago was the best thing our family could of wished for. I feel very priviledge to have been part of it and STRONGLY recommend it to parents who want their children loved as much as well educated.

An absolutely great school full of amazing, caring, thoughful and intelligent teachers who have created a wonderful early learning experience for both of my children! I can only think of very good things to say about MKC and HIGHLY recommend it regularly!!!

I've had two children graduate from MKC. Is it perfect? No, what place is? Would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely. Not crazy about all staff members but MOST are wonderful and really care about the kids. The main thing is my kids were both extremely happy there, loved going, making new friends, learned a lot and felt loved. The feeling I had after drop off everyday was that they were in a safe, fun, learning environment and you cannot put a price on that. No place is perfect and I accept that. MKC might not be but it is sure better than some of these negative posts make it out to be.

Our children have had wonderful experiences at Manhattan Kids Club. The teachers are kind and caring. The range of activities, including field trips and daily trips to the Parks in summer, movement and music teachers, and daytime art, gym, and cooking, among others, make for a stimulating and creative environment. The rules are taught and reinforced positively: "walking feet" instead of no running and "inside voices" instead of no yelling, and my favorite, "you get what you get and you don't get upset". The kids learn how to be sociable while still being free spirited. The community of parents and families is also a wonderful one. Many of the older children have been together at MKC since baby-hood. Lots have friendships have developed amongst the families.

MKC has been a warm, nurturing, stimulating learning environment for our children. Teacher turnover has never been a problem for us, and the teachers whom our children have had, many of whom have been with the school since its inception, have always seemed to love their jobs. Several of the negative reviews below appear to have been written by the same disgruntled family. I recommend discounting them heavily.

We had a great experience the first few years but it is not a place for a high energy boys. If your child doesn't fit into their mold your child will be singled out. Our son was asked to get an evaluation - the therapist told us that only problem he had was low self esteem because they kept telling him he was "making bad decisions". He strongly suggested we remove our child from the school. We did and he is thriving in the new environment. We are all much happier in our new daycare.

See the children in Union Sqaure Park almost everyday and they are very poorly behaved and not well controlled by staff. They take over and frighten the other kids there, cut lines for slide, throw sand. Now we leave when we see those orange shirts walk in which is terriby unfair to my child

would have recommended three years ago with five stars, now I am with those counting the days until it's behind us. Too many changes especially in the older classes which are so important when preparing for ongoing tests,etc...

I was so surprised to read these unfavorable reviews- my son, who is 3, has been at MKC 13th street for 2 years, and he absolutely loves it. None of his teachers have left. Beth Garcia, who owns and operates MKC, is totally committed and caring, and all the kids seem enthusiastic and engaged- i had no idea anything weird was going on. My kid has learned so much there- it wasn't me who taught him to say "no thank you" instead of just "no"- and he looks forward to going to school with great enthusiasm. He brings home the most hysterical art projects- there's no way a teacher who was unhappy could have been in charge of the multitudes of paintings and collages he comes home with- the teachers were so helpful and supportive during the whole potty training struggle- that can't have been fun for them- and now my kid is so proud of his accomplishment in that area, i really give credit to the teachers for being so committed to getting that done. i really can't say enough good things about the place. if there is something going on behind the scenes, this parent did not know about it. we are expecting our second kid any day now and i will be happily sending her to MKC also.

Agree with Sad Mom review completely. Was a really great place, started changing about three yrs ago. We moved, so we left at the end of last year and very pleased to do so. Sorry to read they had more problems with the Butterfly class and teachers leaving. Wonder if they cut pay or stopped offering benefits or something...It's a shame, the city needs good daycare centers and it seems MKC is going down the tubes.

glad some other people wrote things. We loved one of the infant rooms and one of the "panda rooms- teachers have been there forever, but from when our child started, none of his teachers for "panda' (after infant) are still there, chipmonk (after panda) are still there) kanda (after panda) only one is there and Butterfly (last one) only one is still there and none of the ones remaining are head teachers. Really different from my experience with my older child. With my younger for two yrs in a row, three teachers left in the middle of the year which I thought was really disruptive. Makes me think they must not be treating them like they used to...to bad, we used to love it. Now our son graduates in three weeks and we are happy. Sad.

Teacher turnover at 13th St location is out of hand as is lack of urgency to seek permanent replacements. If my child was not completing in a couple of weeks I would make alternative plans for next year

PSD is rarely around. Constant turnover of staff and not quick to find permanent replacments. Do not have certified teachers in rooms, including rooms for preschool age children. Found out after several teachers left how poorly they felt they'd been treated and how taken advantage of they felt. Very unhappy staff, many looking for other jobs. Would not send my children there or recommend others do.

Initially unsure about how to school our children this has been one of the best experiences we have had as parents. The director and staff are completely committed to the students and the feeling of community established by the school and the parents is unequaled.