Specializing in pre-school development

Kids by the Sea

223 E Park Ave., Long Beach

(516) 432-KIDS (5437)

www.kidsbytheseaoflongbeach.com

Offering all the comforts of a home away from home, Kids by the Sea (KBTS) provides expert care and attention in a safe, fun and structured environment for children ranging from 18 months to 4 years old. Goals are to lay the foundation for formal education while fostering high self esteem and confidence.

Owners Elisa and Rob Kolb, who took over KBTS in May, are New York State licensed and certified teachers and have two young children of their own. Elisa operates KBTS full time and holds credentials for pre-K through sixth grade. Rob, a life-long resident of Long Beach, teaches and is chairperson for Physical Education and Health at Lynbrook High School.

Children play and learn simultaneously, constantly being exposed to pre-kindergarten skills. They learn to share, socialize, and in an age-appropriate way, deal with numbers, letters, colors, shapes, art, dramatic play, music and a lot more. Activities include quiet reading time, arts and crafts, snack time and physical activity of many types. Group activities like storytelling, American Sign Language lessons, records/tapes, and singing happen daily. Science is addressed with seed planting, nature walks, cooking activities, and exploring rocks, shells, magnets and butterfly habitats. Math plays a large role at KBTS as they learn with calendars, puzzles, blocks, beads and more. Fine motor skills are enhanced through writing, lacing, peg boards, etc. And through music and dance, children get to prepare for an exciting graduation ceremony in June.

Kid by the Sea has been in existence for eight years. The Kolbs retained the former staff, and the previous owner works there as well. The two-room facility, which includes the main area and a back room for arts and crafts, with a kitchen, is located on the second floor. Children get daily snacks and bring their own lunch.

As part of the Black Heath program, the Long Beach District pre-kindergarten, KBTS offers a before or after school service. Children can be dropped off early or picked up late, with a flexible schedule.

On Friday and Saturday night, from 6 to 10 p.m., babysitting is offered for children two years and older. Advanced reservation is required and snack is included.

Already in progress, KBTS will also become a licensed day care center and be able to house infants six-weeks-old through 18-months of age. The staff is CPR certified and there will be an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on premises.