New! Third location with extended hours

Wee Friends Nursery School & Day Camp

2600 Regents Place

Bellmore

(516) 783-0600

The vision of Wee Friends emerged circa 1978, when two mothers researched local nursery schools, wanting something more unique. Rena Kramer had a background in early childhood education, and Barbara Feman, early childhood and administration. Together, they developed an exciting curriculum, an innovative philosophy, and most importantly, a Wee Friends “feel.”

“Children should have a sense of self worth,” said Kramer. “When children feel good about themselves, they will respect others. If they feel they can do something, then they will. We get to really know the children and treat them as if they are our own, and we stress that each child is different, which is what makes him or her special. We also get to know the people behind them — parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. And we offer the children fun, hands-on learning.”

As of September, there will be three Wee Friends locations. The Wantagh nursery school has been a landmark for 35 years. Merrick has been in existence for the past seven. Bellmore is the newest addition. Each building looks different but offers the same core programs and feel. Bellmore, however, will provide more of a day care program with extended hours.

“We listened to the parents and changed with the world,” Kramer said. The new Bellmore program caters to working parents who need longer hours of child care, from as early as 7 a.m. to as late at 6 p.m. Infant child care is offered from three months of age, and children up to age six can attend. In all three schools, children can attend full nursery through kindergarten programs.