Just in time for the start of the school year, New Beginnings childcare center has opened its doors and is ready for business.
The center operates in the space left vacant by New Discovery childcare back in June. Owner Sylvia Bastone and staff were on hand Tuesday putting in some last minute touches, setting up new furniture and welcoming children from the Kings Park School District for the before and after care school program.
“We’re ready,” said Bastone. “I am very excited about it. I’ve wanted to do it for a very long time.”
Bastone, who lives in Hauppuage, taught preschool for 15 years and spent the past four years as the director for New Discovery.
“About 10 years ago I was going to open a location, but nothing was working out, but this did,” she said.
The previous tenant, New Discovery, according to the school district, was failing to meet its rent and their lease was ended in June. New Discovery owner, Kathy Ebert, said last May that declining enrollment was affecting their ability to make rent. Bastone said she is not concerned and has added infant care along with preschool and school age care.
“We will offer infant care at six weeks,” said Bastone. "The center opens at 6:30 a.m. Parents can drop off children as early as six." Bastone said about half of the staff from New Discovery stayed on.
An array of classes and care are offered. Pre-K classes range from full day, half day and a mini-day, which is slightly longer than half-day. The center will offer childcare year round including breaks and summer.
"We are trying to meet the community's needs by offering full day for those who need it and stay open on breaks for parents who work," said Bastone.
For the month of September, parents interested in learning more can bring their child in on Thursday evenings between 5:30 and 6:30 to meet the teacher where they will do a story time and a craft.
Bastone is confident that the hard work will pay off.
“The reward will be seeing the kids and the happy smiles on their faces.”
For more information about New Beginnings, call 663-KIDS or email them at sbnewbeginnings@aol.com
