I’ve had both of my children at the Y facilities in Essex County. I’m in love with how my children are treated and celebrated. Thank you for giving parents a place to send our children where we can breathe easier during these tough days.

as first time parents, Peanut Shell has transformed our experience providing us with the reassurance that our child is not only cared for but loved by the community it provides. it is truly comforting to know that our daughter is happy with her teacher and classmates, and knowing that they are providing an enriching environment for her to meet her milestones within the first year.

It's been a great experience for our daughter. She has grown and developed so much since starting at peanut shell.

We couldn't be happier with the care our daughter receives at this childcare center. What truly stands out is how personal and thoughtful the experience is. Not only do her teachers know her by name, but all staff members do, and they remember important details about our family, like special dates and vacations. That level of attention makes us feel truly known and appreciated. The director and assistant director are also very hands-on and involved in the day-to-day operations. They are present, engaged, and clearly aware of what is happening throughout the center. You can see that they care deeply about both the children and the families they serve. This is more than just a childcare center. It is a warm, welcoming environment where people genuinely care, and we are grateful to be part of it.

Have fully staffed classrooms with consistent teachers who are passionate about being with the kids. Most of the teachers are and it's unfortunate when there's turnover which is challenging for the current teachers and students in the class. This may impact consistent reporting and monitoring of the kids especially the younger age group.

Very professional

The staff and teachers are incredible and we feel extremely lucky to have had our son attend Peanut Shell.

Great school, excellent teachers and safe community. They make students feel welcome and comfortable. Small classroom ratio to ensure each student has a meaningful learning experience and opportunity. Classrooms and bathrooms are cleaned and sanitized often.

As a parent, leaving your child in someone else's care is never easy, but from the moment we stepped into this daycare, we felt an overwhelming sense of trust and comfort. The staff is not only professional and attentive but genuinely kind and nurturing. They treat every child as an individual, taking the time to understand their needs, personalities, and developmental stages. What stands out most is the supportive environment they create, not just for the children, but for parents too. Communication is consistent and transparent, whether it's a quick update on how the day went or a thoughtful note about a new milestone reached. I always feel informed and involved in my child's growth and learning. The caregivers go above and beyond to foster a warm, safe, and engaging space. Our child comes home happy, confident, and often bubbling with stories about the day's activities. We've seen tremendous growth, socially, emotionally, and intellectually, which we wholeheartedly credit to the love and encouragement they receive each day. It's more than a daycare, it's a second home. We're incredibly grateful for this caring community and would highly recommend it to any parent seeking a positive, nurturing start for their child.

Love it here for my kid!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about the childcare program at the YMCA! My daughter has been attending for a while now, and every day she looks forward to going. The staff is incredibly caring, professional, and attentive, making sure the kids are always engaged, happy, and safe. The activities are educational and fun, and it's clear that they really focus on the overall well-being and development of each child.

It has been the most enjoyable and secure experience with our toddler being at this Y! The staff genuinely care for our child. She learns so much. They have done an incredible job with facilitating potty training and implementation of great use of manners. I'd be lost without their ongoing and unwavering support. We are so very grateful to have made the decision to have our child establish a relationship with the Y and be able to sustain it so far. I'd highly recommend the Y to anyone who's looking for an early childhood program where their child could not only meet but exceed their milestones, flourish emotionally and socially, and really be the happy child we wish to have them experience during their formative years. Nurturing staff, clean facility, daily updates, active communication between home and school. Invaluable elements to have during these years.

My daughter just started the program and like many parents, I was worried about her transitioning to a new program. The teachers and directors have been so friendly which has led to an easy transition and my daughter came home from her first day with new friends. There is constant communication on Classdojo which keeps me in the know of what happening

Better organization plan implemented in the infant room

Peanut Shell is home for us! Two kids in now and sooo grateful for the place and team!

All of the teachers and administrators at Peanut Shell are incredibly warm and friendly with all the kids and their families.

I have enjoyed seeing my son feel welcomed and safe with the staff at the peanut shell; there has never been a moment I have questioned their trust with my son's care. Academically, the center has great teachers that integrate playtime with learning, which has made my son enjoy learning songs, numbers, and his alphabets. The Peanut Shell is more a second home than a simple Child Center.

The teachers and staff are wonderful

We love peanut shell, amazing teachers. My two year old is very happy, he has changed so much since he started at peanut shell, he is always singing, counting, dancing and more. I am at peace knowing my baby is is good hands.

Awesome caring staff and great to see my child loved and cared for so expertly!

Dedicated teachers and staff. Feel like a family.

Peanut Shell is an incredibly warm, inviting place. All of my 2-year-old's teachers have been kind and attentive. It's such a creative and nurturing environment. Now that we've experienced Peanut Shell, I can't imagine my son going elsewhere!

Love the teachers and the fact my son feels happy to go to school everyday. Facility is clean and neat. Management is always there to help and accommodate if I need an extra day for my son to stay for care, best choice I made when he was 4 months old.

My son sometimes cries to go to peanut shell

Teachers are very sweet, my son does not cry anymore when I drop him off which gives me peace knowing he is happy.

Love the care and love from the staff to my girls 🩷

More professional training for employers

Communications and costs

The teachers at PS are attentive and experienced with children development phases. At the heart of our PS journey, there was strong dosage of empathy. I remember both Ms Amanda and Ms. Robin said that they would get Jordan to Crack and talk at school and he is coming home with lots of positive stories. We experienced a village concept at PS... I am eternally grateful to the entire staff for their encouragement throughout Jordan's preschool years ( from lockdown to now; from strangers to now friends). We will miss you guys and THANK YOU!

I love the teachers and administrators however the decision to change the current structure of the facility to accommodate West Orange's UPK was not only poorly communicated and ubrupt, it was also not in the best interest of the currently enrolled students. This is a clear money grab. Money coming before what is in the best interest of the children receiving services is never ok - I will be disenrolling my child very soon.

Communications

Feedback from teacher and that there is open commutation and tadpoles allowing me to know what my child did eat and sleep

Making small changes such as allowing variety of food items, juices, popcorn, variety of shoes and clothing to wear such as cloggs and certain closed sandals. Other daycare are allowing this and not restricting a variety of foods so children has a chance to explore and eat better. Most toddler are picky eaters as it is and variation of food is already a challenge as it is.

Love the staff!!! Loves the kids and so good to them.

More teachers.

Great staff, great program.

Wonderful staff!

What we love our Peanut Shell -The teachers and Jaime/Mar truly know everything about Charlotte and care for her like she is their own - they are invested in her development -Everyone is kind, warm, and professional -The space is clean -There are multiple different activities to do ranging from soft blocks/toys/arts & crafts/sensory engagement/toys -They are communicative

Teachers are great in keeping us up to date and informed about our kids development.

Great Teachers and Management. All 4 of my children have gone there

Warm and friendly staff that all know me and my daughter by name, whether or not they are her teacher. It's a relief knowing she is safe and well taken care of throughout the day. Jaime and Mar are extremely responsive and everyone on staff has been flexible and worked with us on all the little challenges that arise during toddlerhood - from picky eating to behavior issues to potty training - I know I can count on them to do what's best for my daughter!

Twins are so happy there!!

The staff! They know all the kids names whether they are in their class or not. That's a big deal to me. My children love their teachers (old and new). People are right when they say it takes a community. It is so comforting knowing my kids are learning, having fun and are safe so that I can go to work. I also really appreciate Jaime and Mar. Creative, always responsive and great with all the kids!