HLC Kids Academy — Local services in West New York

Although it was a quick 6 months, from when our daughter was 6 months old to 1 year, we have enjoyed every single pick up and every drop off, and our daughter came home happy and fulfilled every single day. HLC provides an incredibly warm welcome from Day 1 and the personal connection with the staff and owner felt genuine was a very happy surprise. I didn't expect a daycare could set our whole family at ease like HLC did. Every staff member had a smile and everyone knew our daughter's name. It was very touching when teachers for older groups - staff I've never met - would say goodbye to her. The photos during the day sent through Brightwheel were also such an amazing part of this experience. Somehow they captured such joy on her face, something I didn't realize they did for each and every child with such skill until I joined a whatsapp group with other parents and saw their adorable photos too. Every kid looks so happy to be here. Knowing she was thriving throughout the day made me much calmer and helped me focus on work, which allowed me to be present when we got home at the end of the day. In that way, everyone at HLC who loved on her - took care of her nose when the winter sniffles were a nightmare, took care of her skin when she had eczema, took care of her tummy when she was transitioning from bottle to solids, took care of her bootie (we never had a diaper rash!), took care of her mind presenting the kids with interesting activities and explorations, and took care of her emotions through big smiles, lots of talking to her, and teaching her Spanish! - all of this became part of our extended village, helping us be better parents and giving her a supremely safe and playful start to school. We were very sad to say goodbye...

I moved 25 minutes away from HLC between my 1st and 2nd child and I still chose to drive everyday so I can send my second daughter to HLC as well… that’s how good this place is!

From the first time I inquired information and spoke with the administrative staff about touring HLC to the last day my oldest daughter attended the daycare, I have never been disappointed. The staff is incredibly warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in the well-being and development of every child. They always took time to get to know who my children are, their personality, as well as their needs and interests. My oldest daughter who is now 4.5yo has only fond memories of this place and runs in the arms of the teachers when picking up her little sister.

The facility itself is clean, safe, and full of fun, engaging activities that keep the children excited to go back each day. They are very organized and we get plenty of updates and pictures through the day. The curriculum is well thought about and a big seller to me was them sticking to what is core for the development of kids those ages: play base learning, lots of outdoor time, and an environment where our kids feel loved, nurtured and safe.

What really sets HLC apart from other daycare is the sense of community they create. They call it the “HLC Family” and it very much feels that way. I met wonderful families at HLC with whom I am now very close friend with, and I genuinely love and care for the staff. When I dropped off my youngest daughter for the first time this summer, it felt to me like as if I left her with friends and family.

If you’re looking for a daycare where your child will be loved and encouraged to thrive, look no further than HLC! We are so grateful we found this gem....

The most special daycare ever! Our daughter started there at 6 months and was there until she was a little older than 2 when we sadly had to move away… I considered driving her 45 minutes to stay with HLC and the hardest part of moving was leaving HLC.

1st of all… they’re like family… they treat the kids with care and love and they don’t just treat it like a job. 2nd- the education… my daughter was learned SOOO much. Not only was she able to identify colors, letters, shapes and numbers before 2 but she could count in English and Spanish by 20 or so months. (We don’t speak Spanish) 3rd- the projects/ school work are so amazingly creative. One day I got a picture of my daughter “milking a cow” in a cute farmer hat and they made the cow utters out of a glove with holes so she really milked it. That’s just one example but daily I was impressed with their projects. 4th- small size - the kids get more attention, they do projects in smaller groups so they can each actually participate (in our new daycare they’ll put 16 kids in front of whatever they’re doing and expect them to follow) 5th- communication- Ms. Maddie is wonderful! But so are Ms. Naz and Ms. Angie in the office - anything happens or you need to be alerted and they’ll let you know. Also despite not being in the rooms daily with the kids even they build relationships and care for them. 6th- pictures- you get pictures of the kids all day!!! Not just big group photos but ones of just your child.. it always brightened my day

I could go on and on and on. But I feel super strongly that this place is a unicorn and the kids there are beyond...