Kiddie Academy Of Tribeca Empowers Children To Learn And Grow

This Patch article is sponsored by Kiddie Academy of Tribeca.

Kiddie Academy of Tribeca is a brand new educational child care center that serves children 6 weeks old through 5 years old. Through its unique learning approach and curriculum that encourages children to explore and progress in their own way, it helps children grow socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually.

Julia Ferrari, owner of Kiddie Academy of Tribeca, has always had a passion for working with children and takes pride in being a part of the Kiddie Academy community.

"There is nothing better in this world than seeing a child smile and be happy to be here," Ferrari says. "It takes all of the stress away from everything else that is going on."

Learn more about Ferrari and the newly-opened Kiddie Academy of Tribeca in this exclusive Patch one-on-one:

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Ferrari: We have actually only been open for about three weeks but we have been working on this project for almost four years now. Between finding the right area to open, finding a building that works for our use, construction and permitting, we have been here for a while. We are just so happy to finally be able to open our doors to the community!

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Ferrari: I have always known I wanted to work with young children in some capacity. However, I did not always envision myself owning a child care center. The crazy thing is this whole endeavor started from a radio ad. My dad was in the car one day and heard a Kiddie Academy ad and being the businessman that he is, he thought about how great of an opportunity it would be. He knew that nowadays both parents are working and they would need to decide what they are going to do with their children when they both went to work. He called me and said “Would you be interested in opening a child care center together?” At first, I was hesitant. First of all, working with family seemed like a mess, and since I had worked in all different child care settings, I knew what was out there and I wasn’t overly impressed. After looking at Kiddie Academy, I was sold and knew that this could be an amazing organization to be part of, and to bring to a community.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Ferrari: Children’s home away from home!

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Ferrari: The construction process, 100 percent! Between the three of us (my parents and I), we all have our specialties, but unfortunately, none of us are contractors or know the entire process. There were many long conversations about things that were totally over our heads, but ultimately we learned what we needed to do in order to try to get the process to move smoother.

Since the school has been open, I think the most difficult part is filling the school. It is scary for parents to send their child to a place where no other kid has been before. Parents will say to me that it is so nice because we are brand new and everything we say sounds great, but there aren’t parents to vouch for how well we do what we do yet. But we believe our educational philosophy and wonderful care will spread quickly!

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Ferrari: Of course, the children! There is nothing better in this world than seeing a child smile and be happy to be here. It takes all of the stress away from everything else that is going on. The best part of every day is walking into the classrooms to spend time with the children. The other day, our director, Lenae, and I just happened to be in the same room at the same time and decided it was time for a dance party. The entire room, teachers included, was dancing and having the best time. It is those moments that make it all worth it!

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Ferrari: This is a huge question we are asked whenever a parent comes in for a tour, and there are so many ways to answer. We offer a daily 12-hour schedule for all children enrolled from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. We have two large indoor play areas — one for the younger ones, and one for the 3s and 4s — which include a state-of-the-art virtual interactive digital floor device and digital screen that encourages collaboration among kids. We provide a nutritious lunch and two snacks every day, which are served family style. Germ fighting is also a big priority for us, so we have a Zono machine that sanitizes any toy within 30 minutes! That also includes cots, car seats and strollers!

The biggest thing that makes us stand out is our expansive educational program, which includes our developmentally appropriate curriculum, character essentials, health and fitness and technology. Our program focuses on hands-on, inquiry based and child-led learning. We focus on the whole child and how to help children grow up to be confident, happy and extraordinary humans! We also have enrichment programs each week for the children, such as music, dance, yoga and more! We want to expose children to many different things so they can find what they love to do at a young age.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Ferrari: I feel like the best piece of advice I have received from someone who knows me very well is don’t change your business to try to make everyone happy because it is impossible to do. I am a people pleaser and always want to be able to say yes to everyone, but I have already realized that is impossible. With that being said, we do try to be as accommodating as possible within reasonable limits!

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Ferrari: We are currently just focusing on being open and building a community here for children, teachers and parents.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Ferrari: We are planning for our Grand Opening and Health and Wellness event, which will run from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 9. The event will have different health care professionals and early childhood specialists in the area. It is a chance for families to see our school and ask questions to professionals in all different fields of early childhood! Check out our Facebook page to hear announcements about who will be there.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Ferrari: For more information you can go to our website or check out our Facebook page. This is also where you can find out about events that we have. And of course if you are interested in a tour you can call us at 646-973-1964 or email me.