Kids
This pre-K center has been a part of
the Long Island City community since
2009. Founded by Ilana Angeliades,
Lolly’s Learning Center services 2-,3-
and 4-year-olds five days a week.
Located at 5-44 47th Ave. the center’s
program follows a Universal Pre-
Kindergarten curriculum and New York
State Board of Educational Guidelines
for Academic Success. It services 100
children and aims to strengthen students’
literacy skills as well as incorporating
science, geography, cultural
studies, history, math and social studies
concepts.
“Classroom materials and manipulatives
have been strategically chosen
for their design and quality and when
coupled with water play, sand play, song,
musical instruments, and dance, our toddlers
are given a beautiful growing and
learning experience,” Angeliades said.
She also added that the preschool
differs from others because the staff
strives to be “accommodating and flexible.”
“We really work hard to make life
easier for my families,” she said. “I have
called parents from my home at 10
p.m. if they needed to talk to me. I have
met with parents on weekends, before
and after hours, and over breaks. I am
really always available and put parents
first, always.”
The center also rarely struggles with
staff turnover, which is “historically very
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high” in the childcare industry, Angeliades
said.
“We really do break the mold with
our consistency when it comes to teachers,”
she said. “Most of our teachers
have been at Lolly’s for at least three
to four years, some for five or six and
a couple since we opened seven years
ago. I never expect my teachers to stay
forever. I can only hope to be a stepping
stone for them to help them get to the
next stage.”
Teachers at Lolly’s Learning Center
make on average double what other
professionals in the industry make. Angeliades
also hosts staff parties and
lunch to keep up morale. As someone
who previously worked as a preschool
teacher, she knows how demanding
the job can be.
“My teachers are a fundamental aspect
of my school’s success and I always
let them know that,” she said.
Program options include morning sessions
from 9 a.m. to noon, full day sessions
from 9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. and extended full
day sessions from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“I want every parent to know that it
is not with ease that I take on the huge
responsibility of caring for their child,”
she added. “Whether the child is at
Lolly’s for 6 hours a week or 50 hours
a week, I am humbled by the fact that
they are trusting us with their child.”
To learn more about Lolly’s Learning
Center, visit lollylearningcenter.com
Lolly’s
Learning Center
Photo courtesy of Lolly’s Learning Center
Classroom
materials and
manipulatives have
been strategically
chosen for their
design and quality
and when coupled
with water play, sand
play, song, musical
instruments, and
dance, our toddlers
are given a beautiful
growing and learning
experience.
ILANA ANGELIADES
Founder