Blueleo Guide

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Washington Market School We were very blessed to have Three AMAZING teachers in our son's class. He was in the 3's 1/2 day program at Duane with Kelly, Nia, and Kerstin. Our son learned social skills and patience that he didn't have before. Each of his teachers were caring and patient and answered any questions I had about him or the program throughout the year. Even when he would get antsy, or defiant, his teachers, true professionals told us that each child was different, ours liked to press boundaries, and that's ok, that's how he learned. They were very, very supportive. Each of his 3 teachers either had their master's in early education or were currently pursuing it. The director at both sites know and have spoken to both me and my husband even though we don't seek them out, they make sure to let us know parents are always welcome. During the admissions process, when I had questions about my tour, I was promptly called back and got all of my question answered. More importantly, our son LOVES it there and every day this summer has asked when he can go back. I know each child in his class, and most of their parents. I can't speak for everyone, but every child seemed happy, supported, and well taken care of. The school has many opportunities for children and parents. Children have a music program run by an emmy nominee, Oran Etkin, Art class, and Chess class. Programs for parents include a weekly coffee and chat session, info sessions on ongoing schools and other topics, as well as individual sessions and monthly open discussions with the school physiologist. I honestly can't say enough great things about this school. We commute our son from downtown every day for this school and have not once thought twice about it.
Washington Market Park Lovely playground and park where parents get a chance to catch up with friends in the neighborhood while watching their kids. The only negative is that it gets overly crowded on Halloween!
Tribeca Pediatrics I feel everyone in Tribeca goes to Dr. Cohen! What I like the most about this practice is that they have a very "practical" approach to medicine. Also, they always accommodate you whenever you have an emergency and don't have an appointment.
Mini Boden We get my son's clothes from Mini Boden. I like their design sensibility: Hip, practical and comfortable clothes. Their customer service is also very good and returns are easy.
92nd Street Y: Swimming I signed up for a baby swimming class. The class is held in the adult pool, where they close off a lane for the babies. The pool temperature, and the ambient temperature of the space was unpleasantly cold for me and my daughter. I was told to buy a body suit for the class. However, I have learned that other facilities have a separate smaller pool for baby classes and the water is lukewarm. I think a work-out adult pool is not adequate for baby swimming classes.
West Care Pediatrics Dr. Grant is THE best -- thorough, conservative, and intelligent. We may never leave Manhattan just because of her! She's great with our daughter and gives us great peace of mind.
Hands On! (Eastside Studio): Music & Movement I did not have a very good experience. The first instructor could not even play the violin properly, and looked like she had a late night. I switched to another time, the second instructor was using a voice tone, as if she was practicing for broadway trying to reach a large audience. My daughter was startled by the volume of her voice. Also, she was switching very quickly from one instrument to the other. I had already paid for the whole semester, and the refund policy is not great. So I recommend to really try out the instructors as they have many of them. The quality of the classes really depend on them and they don't seem to have a set standard.
Moomah The decor -- from the wall art to the tables to the couch in the entrance and is very charming, sophisticated and warm. The staff is very friendly. Weekdays is great, but weekends can be very hectic with kids. Also, the food can be better.
Downtown Pediatrics I used to go to this practice, but stopped going after a couple of visits where Dr. Porges practically yelled at me for not understanding how I should hold my baby while she checked my daugether's ear. There was also an emergency situation(an ear infection with fever)where we were told to go a hospital since they couldn't fit us into their schedule. So no unscheduled visits for this practice.
Premiere Pediatrics These our doctors and they all rock. We've seen Dr. Sylvain Weinberger, Dr. Barry Price, Dr. Jon Sarnoff, Dr. Tamar Magnas, Dr. Julie Gallombardo at one point or another - the hand over was seamless. I credit Dr. Sarnoff with saving my son's life! Cant recommend them enough!
Metropolitan Museum of Art Strolling through the MET's galleries (without spending a lot of time on individual works of art) is something I would recommend to parents looking for something to do on a rainy weekend. Just the grandness and the architectural diversity of the galleries can be amuzing for young kids who don't have the attention span for individual art works. My 8 year old's favorite is the Greek and Roman galleries. Â
Pearl Paint Home & Craft Center We are lucky to have this mecca of art & craft stores so close by. You can find almost anything you are looking for.
West Side Pediatrics I chose this practice for a few reasons: 1. it's associated with Mt Sinai where I gave birth 2. it's where my OB takes her kids 3. it's close to my home 4. it came highly recommended by friends and other moms who I overheard raving about their pediatrician, Dr Yaker. Dr Yaker is my son's (4 months old) pediatrician and he's been so patient and comforting with me - a first time mom. He never rushes us and gives us lots of opportunities to ask questions. He's not judgemental about our choices but offers alternative suggestions to make our lives easier. Dr Yaker is also really good with our son and engages him in the visit - even though he's just a baby. Dr Yaker is very quick to return phone calls and respond to emails. The nursing staff are also very friendly and responsive. They have a lactation consultant on staff, which has also come in handy. I have also been able to get same day appts for sick visits very easily and I have never had to wait long for any of our appts.
Duane Park Patisserie Would recommend this place for their custom cookies and cakes. They do an amazing job with the decoration. The staff is very professional.