Academic Explorers Child Care Centers
Merrick Daycare Center, 1731 Merrick Ave, Merrick, NY 11566
About
Academic Explorers Child Care Centers uses The Creative Curriculum, a nationally recognized, research-based approach that focuses on curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Programs include infant care, preschool programs, Universal Pre-K (UPK) opportunities, and before- and after-school options, with classroom environments that encourage hands-on learning and social interaction. Each center offers developmentally appropriate classrooms led by experienced teachers, with curriculum implementation overseen by a certified teacher licensed by New York State.
• Ages: 0–12 years old
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:30pm, year-round with extended hours
Academic Explorers Child Care Centers is a family-owned network that has served Long Island families since 2017 and currently serves approximately 300 families in Nassau County. The program was founded by Danielle Paige, an experienced early childhood educator, who partnered with her father, Rodney Paige, to expand child care services across Long Island. Academic Explorers is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and its centers are described as high-quality, licensed day cares in Nassau County.
The program states a mission of partnering with families and the community to learn with, love, and lead children to higher education and a brighter future. This same mission guides its community involvement. One parent from Roosevelt shared that their child received the help needed to get accustomed to sharing and interacting with other children. A parent from Merrick described the center as understanding of each child’s individual needs and called it a “5 star” child care center. A parent from Uniondale reported that their child, who started at 1 year old, progressed from diapers to being potty trained, learned to count in English and Spanish, and began using sign language.
Last updated February 5, 2026.
• Ages: 0–12 years old
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:30pm, year-round with extended hours
Academic Explorers Child Care Centers is a family-owned network that has served Long Island families since 2017 and currently serves approximately 300 families in Nassau County. The program was founded by Danielle Paige, an experienced early childhood educator, who partnered with her father, Rodney Paige, to expand child care services across Long Island. Academic Explorers is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and its centers are described as high-quality, licensed day cares in Nassau County.
The program states a mission of partnering with families and the community to learn with, love, and lead children to higher education and a brighter future. This same mission guides its community involvement. One parent from Roosevelt shared that their child received the help needed to get accustomed to sharing and interacting with other children. A parent from Merrick described the center as understanding of each child’s individual needs and called it a “5 star” child care center. A parent from Uniondale reported that their child, who started at 1 year old, progressed from diapers to being potty trained, learned to count in English and Spanish, and began using sign language.
Last updated February 5, 2026.
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