Trusted Family Daycare in Upper Manhattan

Your child grows into their best self — surrounded by people who genuinely care

At LittleHands, every child is known by name, nurtured at their own pace, and encouraged to explore through play. We've built a home-like space in the heart of NYC where curiosity thrives and little hands build big futures.

Schedule a Visit (212) 928-4755

Happy children playing together in a bright, warm daycare classroom

Small groups, big hearts

Every child gets personal attention

Max children

15+

Years of care

Ages 6w–12

Infants to school-age

Discover More

Warm and inviting daycare interior with soft lighting and child-friendly furniture

15+

Years nurturing
little minds

About LittleHands

More than a daycare — it's a second home for your child

When we opened our doors on Audubon Avenue, we had one simple belief: every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated exactly as they are. LittleHands Group Family Daycare grew from that conviction into the warm, intentional community we are today.

We're not a factory with rows of cubicles and rotating staff. We're a small, family-run program where the same caring faces greet your child each morning, where milestones are noticed and shared, and where the bond between caregiver and child is built on trust and consistency.

Located in the heart of Upper Manhattan, we offer a peaceful retreat from the city's pace — a sunlit space where children explore, create, and grow at their own rhythm, guided by experienced educators who treat every child like their own.

Nurturing

Every child feels loved and secure

Play-Based

Learning through joyful exploration

Small Groups

Personalized attention for all

Safe & Secure

Certified, monitored, and caring

Our Programs

Programs designed for every stage of early growth

From your baby's first steps to your kindergartener's first "I can do it!", we tailor our approach to each age group — because a one-size-fits-all approach never works with children.

Ages 6 weeks – 18 months

Infant Care

Your baby's earliest days deserve the gentlest hands. Our infant program focuses on responsive caregiving — feeding on cue, comfort through cuddles, and sensory-rich activities that support brain development.

Individual feeding & sleep schedules
Tummy time & sensory exploration
Daily updates with photos

Curious toddlers engaged in creative play activities

Ages 18 months – 3 years

Toddler Program

Wonder is everywhere at this age. Our toddler room is a carefully prepared space where little explorers discover cause and effect, practice words, and learn to share — all through guided play and patient encouragement.

Language-rich environment
Potty-training support
Outdoor time daily

Preschool children painting and doing arts and crafts together

Ages 3 – 5 years

Preschool Prep

We don't rush childhood — but we do prepare for it. Our preschool program weaves early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills into creative projects, storytelling, and collaborative play that makes learning feel like an adventure.

Pre-reading & math foundations
Social skills & conflict resolution
School readiness portfolio

School-age children doing homework and playing games after school

Ages 5 – 12 years

After-School Program

The afternoon shift doesn't have to be chaotic. We offer a calm, structured environment where homework gets done, snacks are enjoyed, and there's still time for free play, reading, and creative projects before parents head home.

Homework help & reading time
Healthy afternoon snack provided
Flexible pickup until 6 PM

Why Families Choose Us

The difference is in the details — and the love

Parents tell us they chose LittleHands because it felt different from the start. Here's what makes our program the kind of place families stay for years.

Consistent Caregivers

Your child builds real relationships with the adults who care for them. No rotating substitute wall — just familiar faces who know their quirks, comforts, and milestones.

Curriculum Rooted in Play

We follow a research-backed, play-based approach. Children learn math, literacy, and science naturally — through building, pretending, experimenting, and asking "why?"

Fresh Snacks Daily

We prepare wholesome, homemade snacks each day. Nut-aware, allergy-conscious, and always made with care — because what children eat matters as much as how they learn.

Easy Commute from Everywhere

Located at 101 Audubon Ave near the A/B/C/D and 1/2/3 trains, we're accessible from Manhattanville, Harlem, Upper West Side, and Inwood. Drop-offs are smooth, even on busy mornings.

Real-Time Parent Updates

We send daily reports — meals, naps, diaper changes, and little highlights — so you never wonder what your child's day looked like. Peace of mind is part of the package.

A True Home Environment

No fluorescent lights, no institutional corridors. Our space feels like a home — soft corners, child-sized furniture, warm colors, and the gentle hum of children being children.

A Day at LittleHands

Here's what a typical day looks like

Structure with flexibility, routine with room to breathe. Every day at LittleHands follows a rhythm that helps children feel secure while leaving space for spontaneity and surprise.

7:00 – 8:30 AM

Drop-off & Free Play

A warm welcome at the door, a chance to settle in, and quiet play while parents head to work.

8:30 – 9:00 AM

Breakfast & Morning Circle

A nourishing breakfast together, then a cozy circle time with songs, calendar, and sharing.

9:00 – 11:30 AM

Learning Centers & Outdoor Time

Rotating activity stations — art, blocks, sensory bins, dramatic play — followed by fresh air outside.

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Lunch & Quiet Time

A homemade lunch, then a period of rest — books, music, and naps for those who need them.

1:00 – 3:30 PM

Afternoon Adventures

Storytime, creative projects, music movement, and another outdoor session before pickup.

3:30 – 6:00 PM

After-School & Pickup

Snack, homework help, and relaxed play until families arrive. A calm end to the day.

From Our Families

Words from parents who trust us with their world

"We toured three other daycares before finding LittleHands, and the difference was immediate. The moment we walked in, our son grabbed our hand and said 'I like it here!' Two years later, he still runs to the door every morning. That kind of joy doesn't happen by accident."

Parent of a preschooler

Family since 2022

"As a single mom working long hours, the daily photo updates and detailed notes meant everything to me. I never felt in the dark about my daughter's day. And when she started reading at home out of the blue, we knew exactly where her confidence came from."

Parent of a kindergartener

Family since 2021

"We put our son in at 10 months old and kept him through preschool. Watching him go from a fussy baby who cried at drop-off to a confident, curious kid who now asks 'Can I go to LittleHands tomorrow?' — that's the kind of thing you can't put a price on."

Parent, infant & preschool programs

Family since 2020

Get in Touch

Ready to give your child a place they'll love coming to?

We'd love to meet you and your little one. Schedule a tour, ask a question, or simply say hello — there's no pressure, just an honest conversation about whether LittleHands is the right fit for your family.

Call or text us

(212) 928-4755

Visit us

101 Audubon Ave

New York, NY 10032-2214

Hours

Monday – Friday

7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Schedule a Tour

Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours to arrange a visit.

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