Where Little Hearts Take Their Gentle First Steps
Personalized care, early learning and a warm family environment for children from 6 weeks to 12 years in Nesconset, on Long Island (Suffolk County), New York.
About Us
Grandma's Gentle Steps is a licensed home daycare and learning center created to give children a safe, nurturing and personalized environment where they can learn, play and grow.
We combine the safety and structure of professional childcare with the closeness, patience and personal attention of a family home — so your child is known, not just watched.
Our Programs
From six weeks old through the school years, each program is built around what children need at that stage — with the same warmth throughout.
A gentle and responsive environment designed around each baby's individual needs, routines and developmental milestones.
A world of discovery, supported with patience: language, movement, friendship and those big toddler feelings.
School readiness through play and structured activities, so children arrive at kindergarten curious and confident.
A calm, engaging place to land after school — homework first, then projects, games and friends.
Why Families Choose Us
A small, warm and family-centered environment — not a big institution.
Children receive attention based on their individual age, needs and development.
Structured educational activities combined with exploration and free play.
Breakfast, lunch and snacks included throughout the day.
English and Spanish support for children and for parents.
Open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
OCFS licensed, with CPR and First Aid trained care.
Kindergarten readiness, literacy, STEM and homework support.
Daily Life
A predictable rhythm helps children feel safe. Here is how a typical day unfolds.
Arrival, welcome, free play and a calm transition into the day.
Nutritious breakfast and positive mealtime routines.
Storytime, early math, science, art, music, language activities and structured learning.
Movement, games and outdoor exploration.
Lunch followed by a calm transition to rest.
Nap time for younger children and quiet activities for older children.
Afternoon snack, creative play, enrichment activities and pickup.
Learning & Development
Every activity has a purpose behind it — play is how young children do their most important work.
Storytime, songs, conversation and early reading.
Counting, shapes, patterns and hands-on exploration.
Drawing, cutting, building and crafting.
Running, jumping, climbing and outdoor activities.
Creative expression through movement, music and art.
Empathy, teamwork, independence and confidence.
Meals & Nutrition
Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included throughout the day. Meals are prepared daily, while allergies and dietary restrictions can be discussed during enrollment.
Have a food allergy or a dietary restriction? Tell us at enrollment and we will go through it together.
Our Team
The people who greet your child every morning — trained, patient and genuinely glad to see them.
Owner & Director · Head of Care
Ana Gignac is the heart of Grandma's Gentle Steps. She brings experience in childcare and is dedicated to creating a warm environment focused on learning, care and fun in Nesconset, New York.
Assistant Caregiver
Gentle, responsive and patient care for our youngest learners, closely attuned to each stage of infant and toddler development.
Enrichment Coordinator
Brings art, music, science and storytelling into the day, building school-readiness through activities children look forward to.
Family Reviews
A family's words about how their child settled in, made friends and grew more independent will go here.
Awaiting family reviewA note from parents of a baby about the communication and updates they receive through the day will go here.
Awaiting family reviewA family's comments on the food, the learning activities, outdoor time and the warmth of the home will go here.
Awaiting family reviewWe would rather leave these blank than publish words no family actually said. Come meet us in person — and if we earn it, your review can be the first one here.
Photo Gallery
Photographs of our rooms, play areas and activities will live here.
Photo placeholders — each frame is ready to be replaced with real photographs of Grandma's Gentle Steps.
Grandma's Gentle Steps accepts CCAP, allowing eligible families to use Child Care Assistance Program support toward childcare costs.
We provide a bilingual environment in English and Spanish to better support families and create opportunities for children's language development.
Grandma's Gentle Steps is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), with CPR and First Aid trained care.
Enrollment & Availability
Let's talk about your child's needs, schedule and availability. Tell us a little about your family and we will get back to you.
A daycare is about trust. Come meet our team, see our environment and ask your questions in person.
Questions
Children from 6 weeks through 12 years.
Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Saturdays by arrangement; closed Sundays.
Yes. Grandma's Gentle Steps is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
Yes. We accept the Child Care Assistance Program — ask us and we will walk you through it.
Yes. Care is available in English and Spanish.
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included throughout the day.
Yes. Use the Schedule a Tour form on this page or call (631) 882-7227.
Visit Us
