Children of America is opening its first location in Queens, looking to bring its services to parents in Jackson Heights.
The school is expected to open in early 2015 at the brand-new 40,000-square-foot commercial building being built on 87-10 Northern Blvd.
Jim Perretty, president for Children of America , said the location was chosen based on the lack of child care centers in the area and they are excited to open the new site in the community.
“We really felt there was a big demand for it,” Perretty said. “We identified [Jackson Heights] as a place where there would be a need for it.”
The site, which is expected to hold 170 students, will offer educational and enrichment programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners and school-age children. The programs include before- and after-school activities and summer camp.
The “Mind and Body Matters” programs involve a curriculum that allows the children to have flexibility and be part of the course. Students are allowed to learn subjects at the pace they want to, as long all subject areas are covered, according to Perretty.
“We found it engages them and keeps their interest a little more,” he said.
Children of America also includes a physical fitness program, a healthy food menu for students, and a reading program in which students help write and illustrate a book published online every other month which is read out loud by the school’s mascot, Bentley the Jack Russell terrier.
The school also tries to promote parent involvement in every activity such as reading and taking home healthy meal ideas. The school also offers a video monitoring service called “Always Close By,” which allows parents to see their children throughout the day on their phones, tablets or computers.
“Parents have to have a place where they can trust we will take care of their children,” Perretty said.
A playground for the students will also be located on the roof of the building.
Children of America will share 87-10 Northern Blvd. with other co-tenants such as the first Queens Denny’s restaurant, Red Mango, Dunkin’ Donuts and medical offices.
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