Spotted Zebra Learning Center

What an incredible day!

Today, we finally opened our brand-new playground! This project has been nearly two years in the making and marks the grand finale of our renovation journey.

Seeing the excitement on the children’s faces, hearing their laughter, and watching them explore their new space made every challenge, delay, and step along the way worthwhile.

What an amazing day for our kiddos—and a wonderful milestone for the entire Spotted Zebra community!

We are incredibly honored and grateful to share that The Spotted Zebra Learning Center was voted 2nd Best Preschool in the Capital Region foe 2026! 💙

First and foremost, congratulations to St. Pius X School on being voted #1. We know firsthand the amount of heart, dedication, patience, and teamwork it takes to serve children and families well, and we congratulate them on this recognition.

To our Spotted Zebra families, staff, and community — thank you. Your support, trust, encouragement, and votes truly mean more than we can put into words.

When you step back and think about it, there are estimated to be hundreds of preschool and childcare programs throughout the Capital Region. To be recognized as #2 among so many programs is something we are incredibly proud of.

This work is beautiful, rewarding, exhausting, emotional at times, and deeply important. Finding safe, nurturing, high-quality childcare and education for children of all different needs is not always easy, and we never take for granted the trust families place in us each day.

For nearly 20 years, our mission has remained the same — creating a place where children feel safe, included, supported, celebrated, and loved for exactly who they are.

Thank you for continuing to believe in Spotted Zebra and for allowing us to be part of your children’s stories. 💙

What a week we are having! It is the Week of the Young Child - a national celebration that highlights the importance of early learning and the joy, creativity, and growth that happen in early childhood every day.

At Spotted Zebra, we’re celebrating every day with hands-on activities, special events, and opportunities for our children to learn, explore, and connect. 💛 Here are pics from our activities on Monday - Berry Fun Parfaits with Admin (Yum!) and Tuesday – Buddy Day with the Kindergarten - Building friendships and learning together.

I want to share something with our families and community—because many of you are living this every day, or have loved ones who are.

Across New York, there is a lot of conversation right now about expanding childcare and making it more accessible. And I truly believe that’s important.

But I also want to acknowledge something that many of you may already be feeling.

Right now:
• Some children who qualify for Early Intervention services are still waiting to receive them because there are not enough providers;
• Some preschoolers with IEPs are not consistently receiving all of their services due to staffing shortages;
• And in some cases, families who qualify for childcare assistance are having difficulty accessing it because, in many counties, funding has been exhausted or enrollment has been paused.

If you’ve experienced any of this—you are not alone.

We see how hard you are working to navigate these systems for your children. We see the phone calls, the waiting, the advocating, and the uncertainty. And we know how much it matters.

Please know this:

At The Spotted Zebra Learning Center, we are committed to supporting your children and your families in every way we can. We will continue to advocate, problem-solve, and do everything possible to ensure your child is supported, included, and successful.

I recently shared feedback with state leaders to make sure they understand what families and programs are experiencing on the ground. Because your experiences matter—and your children deserve systems that work for them.

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or need support, please reach out. We are here.

Today is the last day to vote for Spotted Zebra as the Best Preschool of 2026! Please remember to cast your vote using the link in our bio!

We are so proud of the community that all of our incredible team of teachers, therapists, and administrators have cultivated. Every student past, present, and future that has gone and will go through our school is part of our family, and we cannot wait to see where they go!

20 Years. One Standard. Inclusive by Design.

Vote The Spotted Zebra Learning Center as Best Preschool of 2026 and help shine a light on inclusive early childhood education 💙

Link to vote in bio!

Today is the last day to vote for the BEST PRESCHOOL of 2026!

20 Years. One Standard. Inclusive by Design.

Help shine a light on inclusive early childhood education💙

Vote Best of 26

“As a former student at Spotted Zebra, and now looking ahead to my own future career, I will always remember the fun we shared with our teachers and peers and the lifelong skills we picked up along the way.  The laughter, support and sense of belonging shaped so much of who I am today. I hope to carry that same positivity and inclusivity into my own career and create spaces where others feel just as encouraged and valued.”
- Noah, age 16

As much as we don’t want to say goodbye at the end of a year, we love getting to see where our students go next even more! We’re so proud of how far Noah has come and can’t wait to see where the future takes him! Thanks for sharing, Noah!

20 Years. One Standard. Inclusive by Design.

Vote The Spotted Zebra Learning Center as Best Preschool of 2026 and help shine a light on inclusive early childhood education 💙

Link to vote in bio!

“The passion and care on display by the staff at Spotted Zebra have been evident from the first time we stepped foot in the building for our son’s evaluation. They have been incredibly helpful and compassionate every step of the way and we are glad to send our son to such a wonderful school.”
- Nick

We are proud to have a team of teachers, therapists, and administrators that prioritize our children’s education and development. Each classroom’s staff work together to develop activities and lesson plans that best support our children’s interests and growth, as well as encouraging confidence in a safe place so that everyone can build their independence. Thank you Nick for your testimonial!

20 Years. One Standard. Inclusive by Design.

Vote The Spotted Zebra Learning Center as Best Preschool of 2026 and help shine a light on inclusive early childhood education 💙

Link to vote in bio!

“Spotted Zebra was hands down, the best preschool option for our son. He has made incredible improvements with his vocabulary, education, and physical skills since attending Spotted Zebra. The staff truly cared for the students and it shows everyday. We will be tremendously sad when he graduates to Kindergarten!”
- Diana

Advancements in physical milestones and expanded vocabulary are reasons to celebrate to us! Seeing our children make strides in their growth is the best part of our day, and we are so grateful to get to share in our family’s experiences. Thank you Diana for your testimonial!

20 Years. One Standard. Incluusive by Design.

Vote The Spotted Zebra Learning Center as Best Preschool of 2026 and help shine a light on inclusive early childhood education 💙

Link to vote in bio!

“Our son Paxton started at Spotted Zebra in September, and the growth we’ve seen in him since then has been nothing short of incredible. In just a few short months, he has truly blossomed. His confidence has grown, his communication has improved so much, and we see a joy in him that reassures us every single day that he is exactly where he is meant to be.

The support he receives is so intentional and heartfelt. Ms. Katina, Ms. Jackie, and his speech teacher Ms. Jesse are absolute angels. They don’t just teach him - they understand him, encourage him, and celebrate every little victory alongside us. Because of them, Paxton has come so far, and as parents, there is nothing better than watching your child thrive in a place where he feels safe, included, and genuinely loved.

Finding Spotted Zebra has been one of the greatest blessings for our family. We are endlessly grateful for the care, patience, and dedication they pour into Paxton every single day”
- Taegen and Brandon

At Spotted Zebra we do more than teach preschool skills - we teach humans that deserve a sense of belonging, unending support, and love. Thank you Taegan and Brandon for your testimonial!

20 Years. One Standard. Inclusive by Design.

Vote The Spotted Zebra Learning Center as Best Preschool of 2026 and help shine a light on inclusive early childhood education 💙

Link to vote in bio!