Who We Are

Home / About Us

About Ladybug

At Ladybug, we believe that every child is a unique individual with their own pace, curiosity, and way of experiencing the world. Founded over 19 years ago in the heart of Brooklyn, we started with one simple mission: to create a place where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn every single day.

Today, Ladybug has grown into a community of 7 locations across Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, and Boerum Hill — serving children from 3 months through 5 years, and the 700+ families who trust us with their most precious treasures. Our approach blends the best of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and emergent curriculum philosophies, always guided by the interests and individuality of the children in our care.

Seven thoughtfully designed locations, each with its own warm character — all united by the same commitment to exceptional early childhood care across Brooklyn's BoCoCa neighborhood.

7 Child Daycare in Brooklyn

Every member of our team is carefully selected for their expertise in early childhood development, their warmth, and their genuine passion for working with young children and their families.

40+ Qualified Employees

Our curriculum follows the monthly themes of the NYC DOE while remaining deeply responsive to each child's interests — fostering independence, creativity, and a genuine love of learning from day one.

Child-led, age-appropriate curriculum

Our Locations

Our programs are conveniently located in the heart of Brooklyn's BoCoCa neighborhood, giving families easy access to exceptional care close to home. Choose the location that works best for your family.

Visit us in Brooklyn:

Ladybug on Smith

468 Smith Street (Ages 0–2.5)

Ladybug on Nelson

163 Nelson Street (Ages 0–2)

Ladybug on Cheever

66 Cheever Place (Ages 0–2.5)

131 4th Place – 2’s Program
(Ages 1.5–2.5, 12-month program)

Ladybug on 4th Place

Ladybug on Union

138 Union Street (Ages 0–5)

Ladybug on Pacific

299 Pacific Street (Ages 0–5)

Ladybug on Smith 2 (Preschool Only)

413 Smith Street – Preschool (Ages 3–5)

Health & Safety

Your child’s health and safety are our top priority. Our centers have strict guidelines
for cleanliness and security and we’re proud to be recognized as a health-and-wellness model for child care centers by the Partnership for a Healthier America.

Every Ladybug classroom is designed with young children in mind — open, airy spaces with age-appropriate furniture, soft surfaces, and thoughtful layouts that encourage safe exploration and movement throughout the day.

Well planned spaces with rounded
corners and soft surfaces

Our open floor plans and carefully positioned staff ensure that children are always visible and supervised. Every room is arranged so educators can engage with every child while maintaining full awareness of the space.

Secure areas that keep children
constantly within sight

Each of our locations uses a secure check-in system at drop-off and pick-up, so only authorized adults can access your child. Your family's safety and peace of mind are built into every part of our day.

Computerized front-desk check-in
to ensure security

Certifications / Compliance

Our staff hold certifications in CPR, First Aid, Child Development, and more — meeting and exceeding New York State licensing requirements so you can feel confident your child is always in qualified hands.

Why Parents
Choose LadyBug

Being parents, we understand how difficult it is to have your child in someone else’s care. A child’s surrounding environment affects their developing mind, and because this is so importanty, we work hard they have excellent quality care.

Professional Teachers

Each teacher is carefully selected for their expertise in early childhood development and their ability to create nurturing relationships with children and families.

All in One Place Together

From infants through preschool, your child can stay within our trusted community, making transitions smooth and keeping siblings together.

Education Program

Our curriculum promotes social, emotional, and intellectual development through play-based exploration, ensuring your child builds a strong foundation for future success.

Funny Games

Our daily activities blend structured play with creative expression, outdoor time, and hands-on experiences that make every day an adventure your child will be excited to share with you.

Our Ladybug Family Members

Meet the dedicated educators and staff who make LadyBug a warm and nurturing home away from home for your child.

  • A woman with short black hair, wearing a beige blazer and a turtleneck, smiling while sitting at a table indoors near a window.

    Maya Chichinadze

    Founder

  • A man with short dark hair, a beard, and wearing a green button-down shirt sits at a table in a dimly lit restaurant or bar. In the background, a woman wearing a turquoise shirt is blurred, along with colorful lights and decorations.

    George Pertenava

    Co-Founder

  • A smiling young woman with long brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a black top, against a plain background.

    Erica Katz

    Education-Director

  • A woman with light skin, long wavy brown hair, and bangs, wearing large hoop earrings and a white top with a light green patterned jacket, smiling at the camera at an indoor event.

    Alicia Kaufman

    Preschool Head Teacher, Ladybug on Smith

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length dark hair wearing a pink top standing against a plain white wall.

    Ana Rodriguez

    Preschool Head Teacher, Ladybug on Union

  • A young woman with long, wavy, light brown hair, wearing a dark turtleneck and a gray cardigan with white trim, standing against a plain white wall.

    Inna Iaremenko

    2’s Program Head Teacher, Ladybug on 4th Pl

  • Nino

    Nino Sherazadashvili

    Head Cregiver of Infant/Toddler Room, Ladybug on Union

  • A woman with short brown hair wearing a tan blazer and a silver cross necklace, standing against a white wall.

    Lika Pertenava

    Marketing Manager, Ladybug on Union

  • Ana Schulz

    Ana Schulz

    Operations Manager, Ladybug on Cheever

Specialty Teachers

  • Portrait of a woman with shoulder-length black hair, smiling, against a blue background.

    April Cantor

    Yoga Teacher

  • Man smiling and playing a small orange ukulele outdoors with a blue sky and cartoon-like clouds and hills in the background.

    Simon Fishburn - Mr. Simon

    Music Teacher

  • A woman with short curly hair smiling while sitting on an ornate chair, resting her head on her hand, in a black and white photo.

    Michelle Ruiz

    Spanish Teacher

Explore Our Programs

We offer a range of engaging learning opportunities that are designed to promote social, emotional, and intellectual development, while also encouraging creativity and fun.

Infants & Toddlers

Age: 0-2 y.o.

A nurturing environment with loving caregivers who support your baby's earliest milestones through gentle care and developmental activities.

2s Program

Age: 2-3 y.o.

Exploration and independence through music, art, sensory play, and early social interactions in a supportive environment.

Preschool & Pre-K

Age: 3 and 4 y.o.

Kindergarten readiness through hands-on learning, weekly themes, and activities that introduce letters, numbers, science, and social skills.

Summer Program

Age: 2 to 5 y.o.

Outdoor adventures, water play, field trips, and creative activities that keep children engaged throughout the summer months.

Needs mode details?

Request a consultation,
or learn more about how we organize activities
for your kids