Step PreSchool

"I Sent my 4 year old daughter to step academy summer program, and was deeply disappointed. I was promised a lot when I went to tour the facility. I was told that all camp counselors, though nice, would be certified teachers. None of her counselors were certified teachers. They grouped the 4 year olds with the 3 year olds and broke them down into 3 smaller groups. There was maybe one teacher who was "in charge" of the 3 separate groups and the rest seemed to be counselors in training/teenagers. One of the main attractions for us was the ice skating. She learned nothing from there ice skating program, if you can even call it that. They literally let the kids loose on the ice and seemed to have a fend for yourself mentality. Any kids that looked like they couldn't skate were left on a bench on the side of the rink. On top of this the whole summer program was very poorly organized."

"If you were on the fence about enrolling your child @ Step, or have other pre-k/day care options I advise you to steer clear. Last September Step expanded and opened a location in Smithtown, NY. My son’s teacher and the rest of the staff were fantastic. The management side of this school always seemed disorganized and “off the cuff” but we were willing to stick with Step and enroll our son in pre-k as he honestly did love the school. Rumors were swirling this summer that the location would not be re-opening. These rumors were “put to rest” by the manager Jeff who sent out a message to all parents admitting to some red tape but assured us that the school would be opening. Today, a little more than one week prior to most schools opening, we were notified that Step would not be opening for school this year. My son is going to be CRUSHED when we tell him as he made so many friends both with his classmates and the staff. We now must begin the search for a new school as my wife and I are both working professionals, both working 12 hr shifts. If your child is enrolled in the East Meadow location I must warn you about the INSTABILITY in the management of this school and the financial hardship this school will likely be facing, paying rent for a property they will no longer be using. Will they be able to maintain a full school year at East Meadow? Who knows? I feel awful for the fantastic staff who likely received the same last minute notice that we did. I can’t imagine the stress of having your livelyhood taken away from you with such short notice. Thank you Antonette, Chrissy, Mr. Mike, and all others who befriended and took such wonderful care of our son last year. Good luck."

"While the caring teacher may be wonderful, the gentleman Jeff, tasked with running the facility is a snake, who cares more about his own financial gain than the children or the staff who work tirelessly for him. School was supposed to open next week, today after holding the money collected at the end of last year myself ( a parent) and the staff were informed today, my son had been excited to return to his school, with friends from last year and his teacher. Now one week prior and for no good reason I am tasked with disappointing my so , it will break his heart. Forget still needing childcare. Any place that puts finances ahead of honesty and integrity is no place that should be open in the first place what a shame- to treat students and staff without any care or concern. It is incredibly selfish. So sad."

"My 2 and 7 year old Love it! Great safe environment tons of fun every day they came home with big smiles and stories of the day adventures. 6 stars...."

"Have both my daughters there for last two years. The staff is so incredibly caring and accomodating . Kelly and Jeff, thank you so much you guys treat me like family !! Thank you"