River Vale

Melissa NAFASH

Brayden Pagan

I am a proud TLE mom! I interviewed 5 pre-schools before deciding to send my son to The Learning Experience in River Vale. I remember talking with Linda Emmich (the director) and thinking "yes, this is exactly the person I want watching over my son when I can't be with him." We are now going on year 2 and I'm still so pleased with my choice. All of my son's teachers have been hands-on, thoughtful, and understanding of the unique qualities of each child. Miss Kristen and Miss Vanessa were central in helping me to potty train my son. My son's educational growth was immediately noticeable, too. Within a couple weeks of enrollment, he went from a few words to full blown sentences. Now we are having conversations about the solar system! My son's made friends and that has now resulted in weekend play dates. I am a working mom. I wish every day that I could spend all of my days with my son instead of working. Since I can't do that, though, I am grateful to have an environment to bring my son where I know he's safe, cared for, learning, and having fun. Not only do I know that by all of the great crafts he brings home, but I can see it in the pictures uploaded to the app (great feature!). It's truly been an overall fantastic experience.

Jen D.

Hailey & Ryan

Before having my first child, I did a tremendous amount of research into daycare centers, never stumbling upon The Learning Experience because I was looking for places closer to work than home. I looked at numerous child care centers, and each time I walked out, I was left with a pit in my stomach. None of them felt like the right place for my daughter, Hailey, therefore I looked into other options for her and found an in-home option....I spent a year and a half thinking I was happy. Early last year, my search began all over again. Hailey was now just a little over 2 and I was pregnant with my son. I wanted a place that I could bring both my children with very different needs. Hailey was becoming more self sufficient and independent. She was quite verbal and active. She was ready to be challenged, ready to learn. I knew my son would need a warm, loving, nurturing environment. One where all of his little needs would be met from the time I dropped him off at 4 months. Looking for the right center was even harder this time. I searched and searched. Some I liked for my daughter, but not for my son, and vice versa. I was feeling discouraged, and at one point, considered having them in two separate places. That is when I found The Learning Experience. As soon as I walked into The Learning Experience, met the staff and toured the facilities, I knew I had found the right place for BOTH my children. I am happy to say that I have not doubted myself once in the 10 months Hailey has been there and the 7 months Ryan has been there. Since Hailey has been at The Learning Experience, she has learned her colors. She is learning her letters, numbers, and shapes. She gets so excited when she sees one that she recognizes and can point it out to me. Hailey can spell her name and even trace it. She loves doing the different projects at school and she can't wait to bring her projects home to hang up around the house. Hailey has met lots of wonderful friends in her class. She loves to go to school. My son is thriving. He loves all of the women in his room, as do we. He is so excited to see them in the morning and practically jumps from my arms to theirs. The women take wonderful care of my little man. He is eating well, moving all around, getting lots of snuggles and love, and he is always happy at pick-up. What more could a mom ask for. The Learning Experience is not just a place where I bring my children each day. The people I have met there have treated me and my family like their own. I am so grateful to have found them. I am so grateful for my children to know them. I only wish that I had found them sooner.

Caren FELDMAN

Jenna Feldman

After researching a number of early childhood programs, it is obvious that I made the right choice in landing with TLE in Rivervale. My daughter has been attending their school since she was one and has been thriving with her extensive vocabulary, social skills and emotional well being. From the first day she started, I felt confident and knew she was in safe, loving hands. The teachers are caring and know how to balance the right level of praise, recognition and discipline when warranted. As a single parent, there are times I need reinforcement of my parenting style. Linda, the TLE Director is a fantastic resource and a great listener. My daughter has made great friends and learns something new everyday. I am amazed by the comprehensive curriculum which includes learning how to speak Spanish,engaging in sign language and telling the weather. The imaginary playroom is incredible and truly sets the stage for children to grow their creativity. I highly recommend TLE Rivervale.

Danielle DEVINCENZO

Sophia DeVincenzo

As a full time working mom, my daughter has been at TLE since she was 12 weeks old full time. She is now four. She also attends their summer programs. In the four years at TLE, I couldn't have asked for better teachers. The teachers are wonderful - from the nursery to the preschool. Each one emulating their own characteristics that bring life to the classroom and experiences that my daughter has always talked about at the end of her day. Last year and this year, I have been beyond impressed with the academics of the school. Sophia can spell her name. She knows her colors, shapes, numbers and letters. I am comfortable and confident that Sophia will have an advantage going into Kindergarten when the time comes because of her education at TLE. Also, all the parents at TLE are nice!! Sophia has made so many friends, and I've become friends with all their parents. Everyone says good morning to each other, and good night. You find yourself knowing the names of children that aren't even in class with your child! Sophia says hello to children and knows their names of even the babies! It truly is that kind of family, loving environment. The few of the many things Sophia always talks about is the time spent outside in the nice weather. They have "wacky water Wednesday's." Time during the day is spent in what Sophia calls the "ball room"- which is that make believe land room. Sophia loved "Soccer Sam" their soccer program. She also did yoga, dance and music. Their "enrichment" programs are a lot of fun so Sophia tells me! And they come home with these CDs to listen to from their program. For soccer, they came home with a soccer ball and bag. For music, she came home with a box of musical instruments (she could have kept that at school and I wouldn't have minded). Sophia comes home with a backpack full of projects at the end of the week, and daily her clothes are indicative of the time she had at school :) The school also always has the Fire Department come in, and other groups. They do "Muffins with Mom" the Friday before Mother's Day, and "Donuts with Dad" before Father's Day. They definitely offer several events for parents to join their children in activities. They always have classroom parties for the holidays and always celebrate everyone's birthday. The food program offers healthy choices and healthy snacks. TLE is always open, has great hours, and rarely closes. The Director, Linda, is awesome! She truly is the child-whisperer. Any concerns or questions are listened to and addressed. My daughter LOVES her, and so do I. Last year, my daughter was having a difficult time with separation anxiety in the morning, and Linda truly helped the both of us get through it! She identified Sophia's need and tended to it with such a warm and nurturing heart. Irene always has an open door to parents, and children - even if they are rummaging through her desk! I really could go on and on about Linda, Irene and all the teachers at TLE. I have recommended TLE to my employees and they too have been pleased with TLE. Expectations of a school are exceeded at TLE.