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Great Full-Day Preschools on Long Island

Toddlers enjoy crafts, along with many other activities, at Child’s World Nursery School in Port Washington. Photo courtesy of the school
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12/18/23 - By Gina Massaro

Finding a full-day preschool on Long Island can be daunting. Whether you need a preschool program that accommodates your work schedule or simply prefer a longer day to give your child a leg up on classroom skills, these Long Island preschools give you the option of sending your child full-time and/or taking advantage of extended-hours programs.

Check out our Guide to Long Island Summer Camps for Preschoolers and our full Preschool Guide for more ideas on keeping your preschooler active and engaged.

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Children can make lasting friendships at Buckley Country Day School in Roslyn. Photo courtesy of the school
Children can make lasting friendships at Buckley Country Day School in Roslyn. Photo courtesy of the school

Full-Day Preschools in Nassau County

Buckley Country Day School

Roslyn
Founded in 1923, Buckley Country Day School is a co-educational independent day school serving 350 children, from toddlers through Grade 8. Buckley is located on a 28-acre campus in the Village of North Hills. The founders’ vision was to create an independent school in the area modeled after some of the schools that their children attended in New York City. The school was designed as a rigorous learning institution to prepare students for entry into selective secondary schools.  READ MORE

Child's World Nursery School

Port Washington
During the year, the preschool offers programs for toddlers, nursery school, and pre-K. The pre-K program uses a developmentally appropriate approach to learning. The school follows Common Core Standards, much like New York State public schools. The school also offers extended-care options and a summer camp. READ MORE

Countryside Montessori School

Great Neck
Countryside Montessori School has two toddler classes and two primary classes. The toddler class is for children 18 months to 3 years old while primary includes nursery, pre-K, kindergarten, and first-grade students. Families are encouraged to keep their children in the primary program for three consecutive years to take advantage of the full curriculum. All curricula follow the Montessori philosophy. The school has an outdoor playground and access to natural surroundings that children are free to explore safely. READ MORE

Miss Sue's Preschool & Day Camp

Plainview
Miss Sue's Nursery School has been serving the public for over 60 years. The program focuses on honing fine motor, math, and reading readiness skills children will need for kindergarten. The day camp for preschoolers is run by the same team that runs its nursery school during the academic year.  READ MORE

The Green Vale School

Glen Head
The Green Vale School is one of Long Island's top early childhood through middle schools. Since 1923, families have chosen Green Vale for its academic excellence and emphasis at every age on character education, athletics, and both performing and visual arts.  READ MORE

Wee Friends Nursery School and Day Camp

Wantagh and Bellmore
At Wee Friends, preschoolers splash, paint, kick, sing, and play. Sports offerings introduce age-appropriate skills, and plenty of creative play is incorporated as well.  READ MORE

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Crestwood Country Day Camp and School

Melville
Operating on Long Island since 1956, Crestwood offers full, mini and junior days for ages 18 months to 16 years. Teen and L.I.T./Apprentice programs go from grades 7-12. The tuition includes door-to-door transportation, lunch, snacks, camp t-shirt, towel service, all activities, equipment, and all trips.   READ MORE

YMCA of Long Island - Preschool

Bay Shore, Huntington and Patchogue
The developmentally-appropriate curriculum at the YMCA of Long Island is designed for ages 18 months through 5 years old and includes art, science, music, fitness, outdoor play, circle time, and math and reading readiness skills. READ MORE

Ivy League Camp and Day School

Smithtown
Ivy League School is a toddler to 8th-grade learning community that promotes independence, fosters social competency, and inspires a love of learning. Ivy League Day Camp offers private tutoring for academics. Camp activities also include a ropes course, sports, aquatics, arts, and theater.  READ MORE

Best Preschools on The East End

Peconic Community School

Aquebogue
The Peconic Community School offers programs for kids ages 3 to 13. The school believes the purpose of education is to make the world a better place. Teachers encourage children to be resilient, reflective, creative and compassionate. Much of the classroom time is spent outside. This alternative preschool offers plenty of time for free play.  READ MORE

Raynor Country Day School

Speonk
Raynor Country Day School develops a love of learning in children as early as preschool. The school welcomes pre-kindergarteners through sixth graders. Students will become effective communicators, with a critical mind and a love of learning. The park-like campus sprawls across 12 acres. READ MORE

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About the Author

Gina Massaro
Gina Massaro is a Long Island native who believes in whimsy, fairies, and the idea of never growing up. She’s a mom to 3 young kids and a small zoo, and she has over 8 years of experience and childhood education expertise as a preschool educator. She tries to find time to write and paint between school pickups, diaper changes, and dog walks. For more of her art and writing check out her website: ginamassaro.com.
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