Happy Toddlers Play Group

Our Teachers

Hello! I am Valerie Medina, the owner of Happy Toddlers Play Group, a home day care provider located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York. Opened in The Fall of 2006, Happy Toddlers has been providing loving and nurturing care to children between the ages of 2 months and 5 years old and school age 6 to 12 years of age, giving them a location to learn, play, grow and interact with other children. I take great responsibility in giving parents peace of mind to go about their day knowing and trusting that their children are genuinely cared for.

I am Licensed, Certified, First Aid/CPR by NYS/NYC. Bilingual Spanish. I grew tired of the corporate environment and decided to follow my passion in caring for children. I am a single mother of two grown professional males. They have proven to me that my techniques are consistent with  rearing children in the right direction. 

Children give me such joy even when they are at their worst temperament. It is a pleasure watching them develop from infancy, to toddlers, and into school age. A lot happens to their little minds that are like sponges which is a crucial stage in their lives. How can one not have a blessed day after working with them?

Testimonials

“When I first found Happy Toddlers Play Group, I was new, first-time mom and not just a typical mom, I was a very over-protective-type of mom. I spent my son’s first year of life caring for his every need and when I had to return to work- I was a nervous wreck! I was so relieved instantly after meeting with Valerie and leaving my son on his first day. The daycare has structured activities and is unified as a group, so my son gets a lot of social interaction. Yet at the same time, she and her staff are also extremely attentive to each child’s individual needs. She is caring, patient, flexible and always follows guidelines for safe daycare practices. My favorite part of the daycare is that Valerie and her staff are always working towards my son’s next social, physical and mental development and has taught him so much about the world. Choose Happy Toddlers playgroup and you will be so happy with the decision!” - Sarah M.

“I have personally been inside the home turned day care of  Miss Valerie. It is well organized to accommodate the kids with strollers/sleeping bags/ toys/games etc.  for the comfort and early learning stages of the toddlers and young children.   A wall with many photos of kids who have passed through this home greets you when you first walk in.   Miss Valerie is very caring & dedicated  towards these little ones in her care…… always smiling with a good attitude!!!  Only good things to say  :)  all parents would feel comfortable leaving their kids in this woman’s care !!!  ;)” - Genevieve Day

Philosophy

At Happy Toddlers Play Group, we believe that children grow, learn, and thrive by feeling safe, loved, and nurtured. It is our goal to provide an environment that helps each child to feel confident and capable. In our program, children will feel empowered to follow their own interests in a safe space. My goal through designing my program is to provide a loving home away from home. At Happy Toddlers Play Group, we teach children in both Spanish and English. Children gain experience learning and speaking in both languages.

Through developmentally appropriate play-based learning areas, children will develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively while interacting with peers and learning more about their individual interests.

Location

Happy Toddlers Play Group is located in a warm, welcoming apartment in the Upper West Side neighborhood. The best entrance is between the Subway restaurant and the Natural Foods health food store. Please check in at the front desk and head on up through the elevator!

We’ve designed our care environment with play and learning areas that allow children to explore various developmentally-appropriate activities based on their interests. Some of our favorite areas include reading / cozy area (for literacy, relaxation, and respite), block area (for gross motor skills and problem solving), and sensory area (for spatial awareness and learning through the five senses). Children will have some outdoor time everyday at a local park or playground. Children need space to run, jump, and move!

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About our program

Happy Toddlers Play Group offers child day care for parents seeking a “second home” atmosphere. We offer one on one interaction in a smaller environment, providing children the level of attention that would not be found in larger day care programs. Daily field trips, weather permitting opens a child’s awareness, senses and increases learning rate. Detailed daily reports are provided at the end of each day, giving parents a great feeling of inclusion while away. Valerie Medina, the founder is a mother of two and former child education professional with a focus in Early Intervention. Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, it is primly located in a beautiful safe neighborhood filled with parks and culture.

• Licensed to operate by the Department of Children Protection & Permanency (DCPP) and the State of New York Department of Children & Families Office Of Licensing
• In business for over 10 years 
• Dedicated and Friendly Family
• CPR and First Aide Certified
• Weekly developmental progress report
• Comprehensive & Fundamental Curriculum
• NY Preschool Teaching & Learning Standards

Admissions

Join the Happy Toddlers Play Group community in four easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Due to COVID-19. Please schedule a virtual tour to see what makes Happy Toddlers Play Group unique.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application. Please note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program.

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.