Our Daycare and Early Childhood Care Centers
Why Choose Us?
It All Began with a Passion and a Whole Lot of Heart
Mom, aunt, friend, cousin, wife—and everything in between. My name is Helen Sofocli, and as a mother of four, I’ve always had a deep love for children and a passion for being part of their early development. Years ago, I began caring for children in a small home daycare. It was fulfilling—but I knew I was meant to do more.
In 2009, I partnered with Donna Manzella to open the very first Rascal House in Oceanside, NY. It was the beginning of something truly special—a place where children could feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow.
Now, in 2026, we’re thrilled to be opening Rascal House Too, our second location in Baldwin, NY, alongside our new partner, Miki Hilburger. Together, we understand first-hand the struggles of working parents—especially the challenge of finding a place you can truly trust with your little one. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide the kind of care, support, and early education that goes far beyond what’s expected.
Over the years, countless families have welcomed Rascal House into their lives, making us a part of their extended family. We’ve been there for early milestones, big emotions, small triumphs, and everything in between. From the first hello in the morning to the last goodbye at pickup, we ensure each child feels safe, nurtured, and excited to learn.
At Rascal House, we’re more than just caregivers—we’re your trusted partners in your child’s development and education. Every day, we create a one-of-a-kind experience filled with warmth, purpose, and possibility. Here, your child is surrounded by love, guided with care, and inspired to discover the world around them.
Welcome to Rascal House. We’re so glad you’re here.
Our Philosophy
Every child is one-of-a-kind — and we believe their learning should be too.
At Rascal House, every child’s unique skills, interests, and personality shape the way they learn, grow, build confidence, and express their imagination. Our mission is to bring out the very best in each child by nurturing their individuality and encouraging them to thrive.
Your child’s day here is more than just structured — it’s vibrant, educational, social, and energetic. We believe children are competent, curious, capable of complex thinking, and full of potential. That’s why we follow an emergent curriculum — one that evolves from the ideas, questions, and interests of the children and staff alike. This ensures that learning is always meaningful and engaging.
We foster a warm, supportive, and respectful environment where all cultural and individual differences are honored. When you step into Rascal House, you step into a world where creativity, imagination, and self-expression flourish. Our educators guide children to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in ways that are natural, joyful, and rooted in play.
Of course, beyond learning and growth, your child’s safety and security are always our top priority. We believe that open communication with families is key — and we’re with you every step of the way. With regular updates and photo-rich reports of your child’s day, you’ll feel confident and connected, no matter where you are.
You want to give your child the best possible start — and so do we.
Welcome to Rascal House. You’re in the right place.
Real Words From Real Families
“My 18-month-old daughter is so excited to go to daycare every day and never wants to leave when the day is over. She has been with Rascal House since she was 6 months old. She is so taken care of at Rascal House. Everyone there treats her like she is their own (especially Donna!) I feel so much joy knowing that she is cared for with so much love every day and that she is surrounded by such wonderful teachers as well as parents and kids! It is such an amazing place, and I can’t imagine my daughter being anywhere else.”
~The Birth Family
“We started at Rascal House when our daughter was 15 months old, and the difference compared to our previous daycare was like night and day. The level of care, love and safety provided here is truly exceptional. Helen and Donna stay in constant communication with us and treat our daughter like one of their own. The entire staff is warm, friendly, and incredibly nurturing. They not only love and care for our daughter but also teach her so much every day. We’re always kept well-informed and we couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing environment they created.”
~ The Sutton Family
“My son has been attending Rascal House for almost two years – since he was just 3 months old – and I couldn’t be more grateful for the care he receives. From day one, the directors and teachers made us feel like part of a family. They are so kind, caring, and attentive – I never have to worry when he’s there, which as a parent , means everything!
Every staff member we’ve encountered has been kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in the children’s well-being. It’s clear how much love and care goes into everything they do. My son has grown and learned so much since he started – it’s amazing to see how much he’s developed both socially and cognitively. I truly can’t say enough good things about the environment they’ve created-it’s warm, safe, and full of love.
I would highly recommend Rascal House to any parent looking for a daycare that combines warmth, safety and meaningful learning. It’s truly a special place.”
~ The Kinneary Family
“My daughter is now entering her third year, including summers at the Rascal House and she absolutely thrives there. All the teachers treat my daughter and her little friends with such warmth and care, as if they are their own. My girl particularly loves Show &Tell, their book fairs and playing dress-up. It’s truly the best place I could have found for my little girl. And the fact that she comes home happy each day speaks volumes about the care and love Rascal House provides.”
~ The Zimmerman Family