10 Great Preschools in Nassau County for LI Kids

Child’s World Nursery School — Port Washington

An age-appropriate curriculum with an emphasis on engaging activities helps develop a solid foundation for basic concepts. The curriculum of its universal pre-K program for 4-year olds, taught by New York State-certified teachers, is designed to meet criteria for Common Core standards. Enrichment and extended day programs are available.

Discoveries Preschool — Seaford

This school’s mission is to help children express themselves creatively, learn through play, and become independent thinkers. Children enjoy daily and weekly activities, including music and movement, gym, library, computers, circle and activity time, journaling, and more. Three-, four-, or five-day preschool sessions are offered.

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A child-friendly design and plenty of outdoor space are hallmarks of The Green Vale School .

The Green Vale School — Old Brookville

Although this school goes up to middle school, preschoolers (and younger children) have a place all their own at the Schwerin Early Childhood Center. The facility boasts heated floors, child-sized cubbies, bathrooms in each classroom, and more. All teachers and assistants have backgrounds in early-childhood education and focus on a curriculum that builds and strengthens academic skills.

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Spacious classrooms and a well-rounded curriculum make North Shore Early Childhood Center a worthy consideration. 

North Shore Early Childhood Center Inc. — Roslyn Heights

Located on the grounds of St. Mary’s School, this nonprofit school is governed by a board of directors who are all volunteers. The curriculum focuses on daily guidance, individualized learning experiences, and more. Age-appropriate electives include art, science, dance, music, math, Spanish, and Mandarin. The school operates all year round.

Peanuts at St. Gregory's — Seaford

Each month offers crafts. activities, experiments, and more based on the month's theme. Daily activities include free play, computer time, storytime, art, music, outdoor and indoor play, drama, science, and more. Morning and afternoon sessions are available three or five days a week.

Seaford Community Preschool — Seaford

Around for 50 years, the Seaford Community Preschool is a ministry of the United Methodist Church of Seaford. Dedicated to preparing children socially, emotionally, and academically for kindergarten, the program focuses on early language and literacy development, writing, math, and science, and art. Outdoor and indoor play are also important parts of a child’s day.

RELATED: Easing the Preschool Transition for Kids and Parents

 "Little seeds blossom" at Tender Garden Early Childhood Center.

Tender Garden Early Childhood Learning Center — Levittown

This school takes a play-based approach to helping children develop academically and socially. In addition to an emphasis on cultivating social, emotional, cognitive, communication, and motor skills, New York State-certified teachers also focus on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and basic math skills. There are morning and afternoon sessions, as well as an extended-day program.

Tobay Day School — Syosset

Family participation is encouraged at this nonprofit, cooperative school, where parents volunteer in the classroom, on the board, and on fundraising committees. The focus is to let children learn through play. The curriculum includes language and communication skills, math, reading, music, art, nature, computers, science, cooking, and more.

Village Preschool — Bayville

This school was founded more than 40 years ago by a group of local parents and is based on the idea that "play is child’s work." Developmentally appropriate activities are emphasized and children learn necessary social and emotional skills. Four basic goals of the school’s program are development of self-esteem, respect for self and others, an understanding of responsibilities, and a love of learning.

Wee Friends Nursery School & Day Camp — Wantagh

Founded in 1978, Wee Friends is a neighborhood staple with a family atmosphere. The curriculum is unit based, with activities in math, science, language, art, music, and more. Children attend specials each week, such as library and yoga. The school offers a flexible schedule of morning and afternoon classes, as well as a full-day program from 9am to 2:30pm. There are also programs for 2- and 3-year-olds as well as mommy-and-me programs. 

A version of this post was first published in 2018. It was updated in January 2022.

Photos courtesy of the schools