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Your Trusted Child Care Partner in Dobbs Ferry, NY
Founded over 45 years ago, Days of Wonder Child Care Program has been nurturing and educating children in the tri-state area with a commitment to holistic development. Our licensed facility in Dobbs Ferry, NY, offers a safe, creative, and nurturing environment where children aged 18 months to 5 years thrive through play-based learning. Our experienced team, including staff with advanced degrees in early childhood education, prioritizes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. We maintain rigorous safety standards, including CPR-certified teachers and a pediatric nurse on call. Our unique programs integrate music, yoga, nature exploration, and cross-generational activities to foster curiosity and lifelong learning.With a focus on community engagement and parent education, we provide a home-away-from-home for working families. Our curriculum balances structured learning with imaginative play, preparing children for kindergarten success. We accommodate special dietary needs and offer full meals prepared fresh daily by our on-site cook. Our facility features age-specific classrooms, a secure playground with modern safety features, and dedicated spaces for art, library, and physical activities. For generations, we have remained a trusted partner in early childhood development, combining educational excellence with heartfelt care.
Services
Toddler Care
Preschool Programs
After-School Care
Summer Camp
Parent Workshops
Nutrition Services
Yoga Program
Nature Exploration
Highlights and features
- Over 45 years of experience in early childhood education
- Staff with credentials from Associates Degrees to Masters Degrees
- CPR-certified teachers and pediatric nurse on call
- Parenting workshops and family engagement programs
- Specialized programs in music, yoga, and nature exploration
Associations and certifications
- NYS OCFS
What people say
Warm and professional staff
Encouraged to learn through play
Integrated into the village
Creative, warm environment
Making memories daily
Services
Toddler Care
Our toddler program supports children aged 18-30 months through structured play and sensory exploration. Certified educators guide socialization and motor skill development in a secure environment. Age-appropriate activities foster independence while maintaining safety.
Preschool Programs
Three and four-year-old programs focus on school readiness through curriculum aligned with state standards. Teachers use Reggio Emilia-inspired methods to develop literacy, numeracy, and collaborative problem-solving skills in engaging classroom settings.
Nutrition Services
Full-service kitchen provides USDA-compliant breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily. Our cook prepares fresh, healthy meals accommodating special dietary needs while teaching children positive eating habits and table manners.
Nature Exploration
Daily outdoor activities and partnerships with local environmental programs promote nature appreciation. Children engage in hands-on science learning through garden projects, nature walks, and seasonal observations in our secure playground environment.
Parent Workshops
Regular workshops provide parenting resources on child development, behavior management, and educational strategies. These sessions strengthen home-school connections and support families through the early childhood years with evidence-based guidance.
People
Jennifer Dawber
Director
Certified in Art Therapy with a Masters in Special Education and Early Childhood from CUNY. Influences future teachers as adjunct faculty at Lehman College while leading curriculum development at Days of Wonder for over 13 years.
Mohini Shapero-Arditi
Co-Director
Dual Master's graduate from Sarah Lawrence College with extensive experience in progressive early childhood education. Former Assistant Director at Westchester Community College's children's center and curriculum specialist implementing Reggio Emilia approaches.
Cecilia DeMeo
Business Director
Manages day-to-day operations with background in business administration. Transitioned from costume jewelry industry to early childhood education administration through her passion for child development and organizational leadership.
Sophie K.
Lead Teacher
Experienced early childhood educator specializing in social-emotional development. Creates nurturing classroom environments that encourage peer interactions and individual growth through observational learning techniques.
Suzy P.
Classroom Teacher
Patient-focused educator with expertise in managing toddler behavior. Develops age-appropriate strategies for emotional regulation while maintaining warm, consistent classroom routines that support child development.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children aged 18 months to 5 years with specialized programs for toddlers, 2-3 year-olds, 3-4 year-olds, and pre-kindergarten students.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we serve fresh breakfast, hot lunch, and nutritious snacks daily prepared by our full-time cook, including accommodations for special dietary needs.
What safety measures are in place?
All staff are CPR-certified with a pediatric nurse on call. Our secure playground features safety surfacing and our facility maintains strict access controls.
Do you offer enrichment programs?
Weekly yoga classes, music programs, nature exploration with 'The Nature of Things', and field trips for older children enhance our core curriculum.
How do you communicate with parents?
Regular parent-teacher conferences, classroom observations, and our parenting workshops maintain open communication. Directors are available for consultations during operating hours.
Reviews (5)
Jessica Nunez
Oct 30, 2017
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Days of Wonder is an absolutely amazing place run by an equally outstanding team of caring people! My son has been attending DOW since he was 20 months old and he will be "graduating" from the school this June! Each teacher he has had has been caring, supportive, and nurturing and he genuinely loves going to school each day. In addition to the fantastic friends he has made and experiences that have enriched his young life so far, the wonderful team of Jennifer and Cecilia have been incredibly supportive to our family. We will truly miss the entire staff at the school when he goes off to Kindergarten
Ashley De Paola
Oct 23, 2017
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Days of Wonder Childcare Program is the best full day program offered in the Rivertowns. We consider them our extended family. Our children have thrived in their programs. They not only take the time to get to know your children but the experiences they offer are invaluable. The teachers are so loving and truly bond with each child. It is very reassuring to know that you are leaving your children with staff that LOVE them. I can't say enough to praise the wonderful staff and program at Days of Wonder. We love you!
Erica Rosenberg
Oct 07, 2017
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Days of Wonder is a very special place - a home away from home. We feel extremely lucky to be part of such a special community. We couldn't ask for anything more from the loving staff and teachers.
Libby Copeland
Oct 02, 2017
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Both of my kids have attended this wonderful school, which offers play-based learning in a fun and loving atmosphere. The school is well-integrated into the community; the kids go on visits to the library and to the local fire station. Days of Wonder thinks hard about how to offer food that's both healthy and fun, offers all sorts of wonderful enriching activities for the kids (yoga, music, karate, art class), and boasts thoughtful, committed, loving, knowledgable teachers. (There's very little turnover with the main staff.)
Mike Barish
Sep 14, 2017
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Fantastic daycare with loving and energetic teachers. No better place in the area for childcare that is supportive, educational, and fun!
