Special Offers & Deals
We're dedicated to making high-quality childcare accessible for every family. Explore our current promotions and seasonal enrollment specials designed to give your little explorer the best start.
Sibling Discount
Register siblings together and save 10% on the your tuition rate for each additional child. Helping families stay together.
Refer a Friend
Refer a new family to Little Explorers and receive a $100 credit toward your next tuition cycle after their first month.
Fueling Our Young Minds
Healthy nutrition is vital for active play. While we do not provide lunch at our facility, we are happy to offer wholesome, developmental snack options to our toddler and preschool students throughout the day.
Daily Snacks
- We provide a nourishing AM snack to jumpstart their morning and a refreshing PM snack to recharge after naptime. Please note these snacks are exclusively for our preschool and toddler classrooms.
Wholesome Bites
Our snack selection focuses on fresh fruit, whole grains, and nutritious dairy to keep energy levels stable and support growing bodies between their home-packed meals.
Nut-Free Policy
To protect every child, we maintain a strictly nut-free environment. All snacks provided by our facility are vetted for safety, and we ask that home-packed lunches also follow these critical safety guidelines.
Mealtime Support
Since we do not provide lunch, parents are asked to pack a nutritious, ready-to-eat meal for their child each day. We strive to create a warm, communal atmosphere during lunch where children can enjoy their home-packed favorites while teachers encourage positive eating habits and social interaction. For students in our toddler and preschool rooms, we will continue to provide the scheduled healthy snacks to ensure they stay energized.
Tuition & Fees
We provide transparent, straightforward pricing tailored to your child's developmental stage, including our new school-age care and flexible drop-in options.
Infant Program
Ages 6 Weeks – 18 Months
Toddler Program
Ages 18 Months – 3 Years
Preschool Program
Ages 3 Years – 5 Years
School Age Care
UPK – 5th Grade
$97/Day
$84/Day
$84/Day
$48/Day
Base Daily Rate
Base Daily Rate
Base Daily Rate
Before & After School
Providing compassionate care for life's earliest stages. Our infant suite offers a protected space where tiny explorers thrive with a 1:4 ratio, ensuring they receive affectionate bonding and devoted personal attention.
$87/Day
$96/Day
$25/Day
Not Potty Trained
Not Potty Trained
Before School Only
Step into a world of laughter and growth. Maintaining a close 1:5 ratio, this phase focuses on developmental goals through tactile games, rhythm, and sensory-rich activities.
Big inspirations start here. Our Preschool space provides a dynamic, imaginative setting with a 1:7 ratio where exploration flourishes and we spark a lifelong love for intellectual curiosity.
$30/Day
After School Only
$85/Day
Drop-In Rate
Our Drop-In Program is based on availability, as we strive to accomodate as many families as we can!
Registration & Security Fees
Enrolling requires a $150 non-refundable registration fee plus a two-week security deposit. This deposit is fully refundable and will be applied toward your child's final two weeks of attendance at Little Explorers Daycare.
Meet the Staff
Our educators are the heart and soul of Little Explorers. Dedicated to every little smile, warm hug, and big milestone, our team cultivates a safe, gentle environment where your child feels confident to explore, grow, and flourish.
Dana Verno
infant a lead teacher
I’ve had a passion for working with children since I was in high school, and I’ve been dedicated to childcare ever since. I truly enjoy creating a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where children can learn, grow, and feel supported. Outside of work, I’m a homebody who loves spending quality time with my family and friends. I value kindness, patience, and creating lasting memories with the people I care about. I bring that same caring, dependable, and family-oriented approach into my work every day. Thank you for letting me be apart of watching your children grow!
MaryKate Kenehan-McCaffrey
Lead toddler a teacher
I have been working in daycare for about 4 years now and childcare for over 10 years. I have taught Preschool, Toddlers, and "Mobile Infants"! I love childcare because we are able to introduce our little friends to so many new ideas and styles of play while watching their curiosity and creativity blossom. It is such a privilege to watch them learn, laugh, and grow! To help prepare for Pre -K we practice counting, colors, ABC’s, months of the year, days of the week, and more at circle time daily! In my class we also emphasize the importance of developing emotional regulation skills, naming our feelings, taking deep breaths, and using our words to help our friends communicate the many big feelings they experience at this age! It is such a joy to learn and explore with our friends each day! some of my favorite times of day are music and motion, arts and crafts, outdoor play, and sensory play!
Michelle Ferraro
Lead pre-k teacher
Hi, my name is Michelle and I love teaching Pre K. I have been teaching Pre-School for 12 years and I strongly believe that children learn best when they are having fun. I strive to make their time in my classroom a fun space to learn and grow. I love to read and encourage a joy for books and imagination. In Pre K I teach the children the life skills they will need to be successful and independent in Kindergarten. It’s a joy to watch and nurture them as they transition from toddlers into school aged children.
Infant A Classroom
Toddler A Classroom
Pre-K Classroom
Maranda Avello
infant a assistant teacher
Hi my name is Maranda I work in childcare because I love helping children learn, grow, and feel safe and supported. It’s a rewarding career that brings me joy and allows me to make a positive difference in their lives. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, creating special memories, and embracing life as a mom to my beautiful baby boy. Being a mother is one of my greatest joys and has made me even more passionate, patient, and caring. I love working with each and every child that walks through the door. Thank you for trusting me with your Children. 🤍
Keely Dolan
toddler a assistant teacher
Hi, my name is Keely Dolan, and I am 26 years old. I am a proud mom to my wonderful 5-year-old son, who has taught me so much about patience, love, and the joy of watching children grow. I have always had a special love for children, and I find so much happiness in watching them learn new things, gain confidence, and accomplish task they once couldnt. Working with Toddlers is especially rewarding because I get to be part of so many of their little discoveries and milestones. The children I work with truly hold a special place in my heart. I genuinely miss them when I;\'m away and feel so lucky to be part of their early years and watch them learn,grow, and become their own little people
assistant pre-k teacher
Hello! My name is Alayna DeSandre and I have been a member of the Little Explorers team for just over a year! I am originally from Syracuse and am pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at SUNY New Paltz. I have been working with children for five years and a fun fact is that I used to be a preschool dance teacher! I am passionate about working with children and providing them a safe and loving environment to grow and learn.
Simon Solomon
Director
Simon Solomon serves as the Director of Little Explorers Nursery & Daycare in New Paltz, NY, where he is dedicated to creating an enriching, safe, and engaging environment for early childhood development. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Combining hands-on operational leadership with advanced training in inclusive education, Simon is passionate about supporting diverse learning needs, building strong community partnerships, and helping every young learner thrive.
Administration
Sam Schrandt
lead infant b teacher
I have worked in daycare for 6 years and have cared for all ages. I love early education. A fun fact about me is I’m a book lover!
Natalie Beltempo
lead toddler b teacher
Hi! I’ve been working in childcare for many years and have been part of the Little Explorers family for 2 years. As the oldest of 10 siblings, caring for and being around children has always been a huge part of my life and one of my favorite things. In my classroom, I strive to create an environment where each child can feel safe, confident in themselves, and excited as they learn and grow throughout their early years. I love watching their personalities develop and getting to be part of all their exciting milestones—it’s one of my favorite parts of what I do!🩵
Jana Shaban
floater
Placeholder bio for our new staff member. We are excited to have them join the Little Explorers team!
Infant B Classroom
Toddler B Classroom
Floaters
Samantha LaFalce
infant b assistant teacher
Hi! My name is Samantha LaFalce, and I am a student at SUNY New Paltz where I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in History. I have taken several courses in Early Childhood Education and have been working in childcare for the past six years. I have been a member of the Little Explorers team for a little over a year! As a floater I have the opportunity to work in all of the classrooms, which allows me to get to know children of different ages and build relationships with many of our families. I love creating a fun, caring, and supportive environment for the children in my care and enjoy watching them learn, grow, and discover new things each day!
Melissa Squillante
Toddler b assistant teacher
My name is Melissa, and I am currently an Assistant Toddler Teacher! I recently graduated from Binghamton University with my bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and English, and I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in Education at SUNY New Paltz. I’ve always loved working with children and creating a warm, supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and feel confident. I’m so happy to be part of their early learning journey and hope to make each child’s experience a positive and memorable one!
floater
Placeholder bio for our new staff member. We are excited to have them join the Little Explorers team!
Jeana Fanelli
Owner
Jeana Fanelli established Little Explorers two decades ago, driven by her commitment to serving local families. As a mother of two and wife of 25 years, she builds caring environments where kids flourish. Jeana also founded Future Chefs, blending education with hands-on culinary fun. With a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology, she is a dedicated Ulster County community member who enjoys CrossFit, baseball, and quality family time. She remains inspired by the opportunity to positively impact every child in her care.
Stephanie Ferrara
Assistant Director
Hi, I’m Stephanie the Assistant Director! I’m a mom of two boys and years of experiences in childcare.
Ms.Susan
yoga teacher
Through music, instruments, and playful movement, Ms. Susan introduces our little learners to the joy of yoga! Her engaging sessions help children build balance, body awareness, and mindfulness while having a wonderful time exploring new poses.
Ms.Priscilla
Sign-language teacher
Through expressive movement, visual games, and interactive practice, our Sign Language teacher gives little friends a fun new way to communicate! Children learn key signs that boost early language development, fine motor skills, and inclusive communication.
Enrichment Teachers
Ms.Rose
spanish teacher
Through interactive songs, games, and storytelling, our Spanish teacher introduces children to the excitement of a new language! By making language learning hands-on and fun, students build early vocabulary and a natural curiosity for different cultures.
Ms.Allison
Art teacher
Through vibrant colors, creative textures, and open-ended exploration, our Art teacher inspires little artists to express themselves freely! Children experiment with diverse materials—from paint and clay to mixed media—building fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and a lifelong confidence in their own creative journey.
Our Facility
Experience a warm, nurturing environment designed for exploration and growth. Our space is thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in every corner.
Important Dates & Closures
Dec 31, 2025
New Year’s Eve
Jan 1, 2026
New Year’s Day
Jan 19, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Feb 16, 2026
Presidents Day
Apr 3, 2026
Good Friday
May 25, 2026
Memorial Day
Jun 19, 2026
Juneteenth
Jul 4, 2026
Jul 17, 2026
Aug 21, 2026
Independence Day
Sept 7, 2026
Early Summer Closing – 3:00 PM
Summer Early Closing
Labor Day
Oct 12, 2026
Veterans Day
Nov 26, 2026
Columbus Day
Nov 11, 2026
Nov 27, 2026
Dec 24, 2026
Thanksgiving Break
Day After Thanksgiving
Dec 25, 2026
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Book a Tour
Experience our nurturing environment and play-based learning spaces firsthand. We invite you to schedule a private tour to see how we support your child's growth and development.
Phone: (845) 256-2299
Email: littleexplorersdaycare331@gmail.com