Sunshine Learning Center of New York 91st Street — Local services in New York

We had a deeply frustrating experience with this daycare and its director, Elizabeth, around the enrollment process for our daughter. We paid a deposit back in January to start in June but encountered a scheduling conflict and reached out in early March—three months in advance—to see if there was any flexibility in withdrawing and recovering even part of the deposit. We understood there was a contract, but we hoped the advance notice would allow them to offer the spot to another family. Elizabeth gave us a firm no, citing that the deposit is non-refundable whether or not the service is ever rendered.

While we ultimately accepted the financial loss, what made the situation worse was how difficult it was to get in touch with the director. The staff answering the calls are usually friendly, but they cannot make any decisions and can simply pass on the messages to the director who is almost never available. Every small change or question required multiple emails and phone calls, and when we did get a response, it was hasty and often without understanding the full situation. Communication felt like pulling teeth.

Most concerning, this morning (6/26) we saw a charge to our bank account for July tuition—even though our daughter never started at the daycare and we had already formally unenrolled in accordance with their policy. We tried calling and emailing again, but received no response. At this point, we are extremely disappointed not only by the lack of flexibility but also by the persistent failure to communicate and the billing issues that clearly violate the contract the director claims to abide by.

We’re sharing this in hopes that other families are aware of what to expect: a rigid policy and an unresponsive administration that makes what should be a collaborative and caring process feel needlessly stressful. Think twice before you make the deposit so that you don't spend $3,500 for a hard lesson and much...

I deeply wanted to contribute to this center, but the persistent operational issues made it impossible to stay. My primary concerns:

Chronic Understaffing & Safety Risks
Classrooms are consistently understaffed, leaving teachers overwhelmed and children without adequate supervision. Instead of addressing this, leadership prioritizes enrollment numbers and office gossip over solving critical staffing gaps. Lack of Resources
Basic teaching materials—requested repeatedly—are rarely provided, making it difficult to deliver quality lessons. It’s disheartening to see children and staff set up to struggle due to avoidable shortages. Unhealthy Environment
Many staff members (myself included) experienced recurring illnesses, suggesting potential building-related issues. Combined with poor management, the workplace culture erodes morale—what starts as passion turns into frustration. Superficial Fixes
The center relies on small incentives to retain staff, masking systemic problems rather than investing in real solutions. I truly hoped to make a difference here, but the lack of support and unsafe conditions forced my departure. ‼️‼️Parents: ask detailed questions about ratios, resources, and staff turnover before enrolling. Staff: advocate for yourselves—you deserve better. Wishing the children and my former colleagues the best, but this center needs urgent,...

A Dream Come True for Our Daughter!

Our experience with Sunshine Learning Center of New York (91st Street) has been nothing short of amazing! From the very first day, we felt the warmth, professionalism, and dedication of the entire staff. The teachers are incredibly loving, patient, and attentive, making every child feel safe and cherished.

Our daughter absolutely loves going to daycare—so much so that she never wants to come home! She is thriving, learning new things every day, and developing beautifully, both socially and academically. The environment is engaging, stimulating, and filled with fun activities that foster curiosity and growth.

A special mention goes to Gara, the incredible director, whose leadership creates a nurturing and structured atmosphere, and Elizabeth, who is exceptionally professional, kind, and always available for any request or concern. Their commitment to the children and families is truly unmatched.

As parents, there is nothing more comforting than knowing our daughter is in the best hands, surrounded by educators who genuinely care about her happiness and development. We are beyond grateful to be part of this wonderful community and highly recommend Sunshine Learning Center to any parent looking for a loving and enriching early...