Doodle Bugs! East Amherst

Children's Learning Academy

The Insinna family, Doodle Bugs! founders, are the proud operators of our Doodle Bugs! child care and preschool center in East Amherst, NY. The Doodle Bugs! state-of-the-art child care and preschool center features spacious classrooms, indoor play gym, parents’ lounge, full service kitchen, large playground, Watch Me Grow internet viewing, and many other features that you've come to expect from Doodle Bugs!. Families in Amherst, NY now have the opportunity to experience high quality child care, preschool and school age programs that are second to none.

Directions & Information

8790 Transit Road

East Amherst NY, 14051

Get Directions

P: 716.688.0200

Hours: 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

See The Doodle Difference For Yourself!

The only way to truly see the Doodle Difference is to come check out the nearest facility yourself. You’ll see our curriculum in action, witness the nurturing environment created by our teachers, and experience the many ways in which our facilities encourage and support hands-on, play-based learning for every child in our care.

Our Bravo! ® Curriculum

Professionally designed and exclusively at Doodle Bugs!, the Bravo! Early Childhood Curriculum® is an innovative program that combines theme-related, age-appropriate classroom experiences, amazing enrichment programs and our series of center events. Children learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process, learning is hands-on fun at Doodle Bugs!

Infants


Science

Explore and discover.

Open-ended, hands-on, sensory play engages infants’ natural curiosity, encouraging creative expression, self-awareness, motor skills and language development.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Painting, drawing and collage introduce children to colors, shapes, lines and textures. Musical experiences introduce rhythm, rhyme and melody, the precursors to conversation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Feeding, diapering and other caregiving routines are unique opportunities to support babies' well-being; teachers also give thoughtful attention to helping build age-appropriate physical skills, like sitting up, crawling, and walking.

Math

Think and solve

Blocks, toys, songs and books are coupled with meaningful interactions with caregivers to introduce early math concepts and "math talk."

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Through songs, stories and caregiving routines, teachers model language and introduce vocabulary, demonstrate conversation and provide nurturing responses to infant and 1-year-old cues.

Toddlers


Science

Explore and discover.

Sensory bins full of interesting textures, scents and consistencies provide opportunities for cooperative play, social skill building and problem solving.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play are fun, hands-on ways to explore colors, shapes and lines, learn about rhythm and pitch, experiment with language and express individuality.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Outdoor play, parachute games, and daily yoga routines make fitness fun and encourage positive feelings about physical activity. Nutritious meals and pleasant mealtimes promote healthy habits.

Math

Think and solve.

Puzzles and blocks, coupled with simple classroom routines (like setting out napkins for snack), introduce early math concepts.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

During Circle Time and in small groups, toddlers enjoy interactive songs, poems, games, and stories, which promote language and vocabulary development and boost social skills.

Preschool


Science

Explore and discover.

Students learn about environmental awareness and caring for living things while developing critical thinking, observation and documentation skills.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self-awareness, individuality, leadership and aesthetic appreciation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Daily participation in gross motor activities, as well as dance and Tae Kwon Do improves coordination and promotes positive feelings about physical activity.

Math

Think and solve.

Students use manipulatives and games to learn one-to-one correspondence, numeracy and shape recognition.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Students immerse themselves in language and vocabulary development with the 60 stages of scribbling, as well as introductory Spanish.

Pre-Kindergarten


Science

Explore and discover.

Students learn about environmental awareness and caring for living things while developing critical thinking, observation and documentation skills.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self-awareness, individuality, leadership and aesthetic appreciation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Daily participation in gross motor activities, as well as dance and Tae Kwon Do improves coordination and promotes positive feelings about physical activity.

Math

Think and solve.

Students use manipulatives and games to learn one-to-one correspondence, numeracy and shape recognition.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Students immerse themselves in language and vocabulary development with the 60 stages of scribbling, as well as introductory Spanish.

School Age


Science

Explore and discover.

Science experiments, sensory play and thematic projects teach observation and investigation, cause and effect, critical thinking and environmental awareness.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self awareness, creative expression, aesthetic appreciation, leadership, problem solving and critical thinking.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Gross motor activities and organized games promote coordination and positive feelings about physical activity, making fitness fun.

Math

Think and solve.

Board games, group activities, blocks and manipulatives are fun, interactive ways to practice basic arithmetic skills and math concepts like numeracy and patterning, problem solving and critical thinking.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Books, storytelling, dramatic play and literacy games promote language and literacy skills. Center events and small group projects also exercise literacy skills in a fun, hands-on way.

Infants


Science

Explore and discover.

Open-ended, hands-on, sensory play engages infants’ natural curiosity, encouraging creative expression, self-awareness, motor skills and language development.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Painting, drawing and collage introduce children to colors, shapes, lines and textures. Musical experiences introduce rhythm, rhyme and melody, the precursors to conversation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Feeding, diapering and other caregiving routines are unique opportunities to support babies' well-being; teachers also give thoughtful attention to helping build age-appropriate physical skills, like sitting up, crawling, and walking.

Math

Think and solve

Blocks, toys, songs and books are coupled with meaningful interactions with caregivers to introduce early math concepts and "math talk."

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Through songs, stories and caregiving routines, teachers model language and introduce vocabulary, demonstrate conversation and provide nurturing responses to infant and 1-year-old cues.

Toddlers


Science

Explore and discover.

Sensory bins full of interesting textures, scents and consistencies provide opportunities for cooperative play, social skill building and problem solving.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play are fun, hands-on ways to explore colors, shapes and lines, learn about rhythm and pitch, experiment with language and express individuality.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Outdoor play, parachute games, and daily yoga routines make fitness fun and encourage positive feelings about physical activity. Nutritious meals and pleasant mealtimes promote healthy habits.

Math

Think and solve.

Puzzles and blocks, coupled with simple classroom routines (like setting out napkins for snack), introduce early math concepts.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

During Circle Time and in small groups, toddlers enjoy interactive songs, poems, games, and stories, which promote language and vocabulary development and boost social skills.

Preschool


Science

Explore and discover.

Students learn about environmental awareness and caring for living things while developing critical thinking, observation and documentation skills.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self-awareness, individuality, leadership and aesthetic appreciation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Daily participation in gross motor activities, as well as dance and Tae Kwon Do improves coordination and promotes positive feelings about physical activity.

Math

Think and solve.

Students use manipulatives and games to learn one-to-one correspondence, numeracy and shape recognition.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Students immerse themselves in language and vocabulary development with the 60 stages of scribbling, as well as introductory Spanish.

Pre-Kindergarten


Science

Explore and discover.

Students learn about environmental awareness and caring for living things while developing critical thinking, observation and documentation skills.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self-awareness, individuality, leadership and aesthetic appreciation.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Daily participation in gross motor activities, as well as dance and Tae Kwon Do improves coordination and promotes positive feelings about physical activity.

Math

Think and solve.

Students use manipulatives and games to learn one-to-one correspondence, numeracy and shape recognition.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Students immerse themselves in language and vocabulary development with the 60 stages of scribbling, as well as introductory Spanish.

School Age


Science

Explore and discover.

Science experiments, sensory play and thematic projects teach observation and investigation, cause and effect, critical thinking and environmental awareness.

Creative Arts

Express and create.

Art, music and dramatic play promote self awareness, creative expression, aesthetic appreciation, leadership, problem solving and critical thinking.

Wellness

Grow and thrive.

Gross motor activities and organized games promote coordination and positive feelings about physical activity, making fitness fun.

Math

Think and solve.

Board games, group activities, blocks and manipulatives are fun, interactive ways to practice basic arithmetic skills and math concepts like numeracy and patterning, problem solving and critical thinking.

Language Arts

Speak and share.

Books, storytelling, dramatic play and literacy games promote language and literacy skills. Center events and small group projects also exercise literacy skills in a fun, hands-on way.

Classrooms

At Doodle Bugs!, each classroom is specially designed to support the age-appropriate learning, aligned with our Bravo! Curriculum. From the furniture, décor, and room arrangements to the structure of the daily routine, every element of our classrooms promotes a playful, hands-on learning experience.

Infant Classrooms

Parent partnerships begin in our Infant rooms, where our dedicated caregivers partner with you to create an individualized care plan for your child. Every aspect of your child’s care, from feeding schedules to sleep routines, is based on your preferences, in an effort to make our program your child’s home away from home.

Daily routines (including sleep schedules and mealtimes) are individualized, based on parents’ preferences.

From cribs to rocking chairs to safe spaces to crawl and interact, our classrooms are designed to nurture infants’ development.

Infants learn through sensory exploration, and we provide plenty of safe, fun opportunities for them to explore.

Warm, gentle colors, mobiles, music and tactile toys help our classroom to feel like home.

Toddler Classrooms

We understand that curious, independent toddlers are growing rapidly and need a safe environment that supports their development. Toddlers begin to participate in structured activities that are designed to encourage the development of their fine and gross motor skills, listening and speaking skills, and early literacy skills – all through hands-on exploration and play!

Toddlers socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Spacious classrooms give toddlers a chance to explore, and our learning centers are always open for independent learning.

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Preschool Classrooms

Preschoolers learn through a variety of stimulating, hands-on experiences, all designed to support their development and growth. Children are encouraged to be creative and have fun while working in small groups.

Learning centers promote cooperation and allow children to make decisions about how they’d like to learn and play.

Preschoolers socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Children engage with technology by using tablets loaded with learning experiences that enhance our Bravo! curriculum.

Pre-Kindergarten Classrooms

Pre-K students learn through a variety of stimulating, hands-on experiences, all designed to advance their development and prepare them for kindergarten. Our Pre-K curriculum builds the skills that children need for future academic success. Above all else, our teachers are responsive to children’s varying needs and abilities, which builds each child’s confidence and instills a love of learning!

Our program aligns with state learning standards to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.

Children socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Children engage with technology by using tablets loaded with learning experiences that enhance our Bravo! curriculum.

School Age Classrooms

For school-agers, Doodle Bugs! provides an interesting, educational and fun recreation program, supervised by qualified adults. Students enjoy arts and crafts, sports and games and group projects and time to unwind and even do homework. When your school ager attends for a full day, field trips and special events add to the fun.

We provide a variety of planned activities while also giving school-age children independent time to unwind and set their own goals.

Field trips add to the fun and provide children with hands-on learning experiences at local attractions like zoos, farms, parks and museum

Our program provides enrichment before and after school, as well as on vacation, snow days and more. Transportation is provided to and from most local schools.

Spaces for games and sports allow children to be active and play independently or with others.

Infant Classrooms

Parent partnerships begin in our Infant rooms, where our dedicated caregivers partner with you to create an individualized care plan for your child. Every aspect of your child’s care, from feeding schedules to sleep routines, is based on your preferences, in an effort to make our program your child’s home away from home.

Personalized schedules

Daily routines (including sleep schedules and mealtimes) are individualized, based on parents’ preferences.

Nurturing design

From cribs to rocking chairs to safe spaces to crawl and interact, our classrooms are designed to nurture infants’ development.

Interactive learning

Infants learn through sensory exploration, and we provide plenty of safe, fun opportunities for them to explore.

Feels like home

Warm, gentle colors, mobiles, music and tactile toys help our classroom to feel like home.

Toddler Classrooms

We understand that curious, independent toddlers are growing rapidly and need a safe environment that supports their development. Toddlers begin to participate in structured activities that are designed to encourage the development of their fine and gross motor skills, listening and speaking skills, and early literacy skills – all through hands-on exploration and play!

Small group activities

Toddlers socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Space to learn

Spacious classrooms give toddlers a chance to explore, and our learning centers are always open for independent learning.

Documented development

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Preschool Classrooms

Preschoolers learn through a variety of stimulating, hands-on experiences, all designed to support their development and growth. Children are encouraged to be creative and have fun while working in small groups.

Learning centers

Learning centers promote cooperation and allow children to make decisions about how they’d like to learn and play.

Small group activities

Preschoolers socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Documented development

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Age-appropriate technology use

Children engage with technology by using tablets loaded with learning experiences that enhance our Bravo! curriculum.

Pre-Kindergarten Classrooms

Pre-K students learn through a variety of stimulating, hands-on experiences, all designed to advance their development and prepare them for kindergarten. Our Pre-K curriculum builds the skills that children need for future academic success. Above all else, our teachers are responsive to children’s varying needs and abilities, which builds each child’s confidence and instills a love of learning!

Aligned with early learning standards

Our program aligns with state learning standards to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.

Small group activities

Children socialize and learn through play, during Circle Time and other small group activities.

Documented development

Teachers regularly assess children and share developmental progress with parents.

Age-appropriate technology use

Children engage with technology by using tablets loaded with learning experiences that enhance our Bravo! curriculum.

School Age Classrooms

For school-agers, Doodle Bugs! provides an interesting, educational and fun recreation program, supervised by qualified adults. Students enjoy arts and crafts, sports and games and group projects and time to unwind and even do homework. When your school ager attends for a full day, field trips and special events add to the fun.

Educational fun

We provide a variety of planned activities while also giving school-age children independent time to unwind and set their own goals.

Field trips and special events

Field trips add to the fun and provide children with hands-on learning experiences at local attractions like zoos, farms, parks and museum

Family convenience

Our program provides enrichment before and after school, as well as on vacation, snow days and more. Transportation is provided to and from most local schools.

Active play

Spaces for games and sports allow children to be active and play independently or with others.

Parent Testimonials

Everyone is extremely friendly and great with children. My sons teachers, are top notch!

Love everything about Doodle Bugs!. Staff is always so nice and happy. Love getting emails throughout the day with pictures. They do so much with the kids. Security of the building is so important to me as well so I love their whole setup and system. I appreciate everything you guys do!

I absolutely love the Doodle Bugs! At first it was a difficult transition but I loved the welcome Anthony sign from day one on the door! It made me feel so welcomed and like wow they really care! I love the daily pictures. You can see that the teachers honestly love and care for the kids!

I’m so happy we chose Doodle Bugs! Our daughter has blossomed. The staff is friendly and the building is just beautiful.

Teachers are well-qualified and enthusiastic about their work. Doodle Bugs! provides activities that are enjoyable for kids, and the structure required to prepare for school and life in general.

We love the teachers at Doodle Bugs! and the care, love and fun they provide to our son. Our son loves his classroom, teachers and friends. He’s grown so much since we began and we couldn’t be happier.

We love the teachers at Doodle Bugs! and the care, love and fun they provide to our son. Our son loves his classroom, teachers and friends. He’s grown so much since we began and we couldn’t be happier.

Love Doodle Bugs! They are so great for the development of our child! Truly the major leagues and world class child care!

Very organized and makes every child feel welcome. We love the fun field trips and fresh healthy food.

Going back to work after having a baby is hard. The team at Doodle Bugs made my transition back into the workplace comfortable, and not so scary! I love that I can log into the mobile app whenever I find myself missing my little one (which is a lot!) and get instant gratification as soon as I see her playing with her teachers and classmates on my phone. All of the teachers and staff members that I've interacted with are incredibly approachable and genuinely care about my child, as well as all the other children in the center.

My son is learning so much and he’s having fun while doing it. He loves Doodle Bugs!

We love our son's teachers, the staff as a whole, and the creative things he gets to do each day. It's not hard to get him excited to go to school each morning and he has a lot to tell us at the end of the day about everything he accomplished.

I enjoy that all of the employees are friendly and easy to talk to. They keep you informed about what’s going on and how the days go. I really like the Tad Poles daily report and love seeing the pictures they capture throughout the day. I feel comfortable leaving my baby in their care as they are all responsible respectful people who care about the well being of your child! It’s also nice to be greeted by name whenever coming or going!

I’m amazed by the quality of care! I absolutely love that my daughter feels comfortable and enjoys going to Doodle Bugs. I feel the staff truly cares about every family. It’s extremely comforting!

The staff is friendly. The center is immaculate. Children are cared for in a manner that keeps them active and creative helping them learn through activities.

My husband and I love the wonderful care the teachers provide at this school to our daughter. Our daughter has learned so much in regards to talking, singing, counting, alphabet, etc.

I know that my son is safe, cared for and having fun. It's a wonderful peace of mind. I also love that if I want to I can log into the cameras and watch what he is up to and I get fun pictures and a report of his activities every day. It's a great place!

We LOVE Doodle Bugs! I love the facility and the workers are so great with my daughter. My daughter has so much fun being creative and is encouraged to work on her independence. She has grown so much because of Doodle Bugs! They feel like a second family and I never feel like my child is in an unsafe environment. They are patient and treat my daughter with so much love. I would recommend to anyone.

I like the structure and curriculum for the bigger kids. Love the care and support of my son's teachers. The artwork is so fun (his teachers do a lot of planning and set-up for this) my son really enjoys doing that and the activities.

Everyone is extremely friendly and great with children. My sons teachers, are top notch!

Love everything about Doodle Bugs!. Staff is always so nice and happy. Love getting emails throughout the day with pictures. They do so much with the kids. Security of the building is so important to me as well so I love their whole setup and system. I appreciate everything you guys do!

I absolutely love the Doodle Bugs! At first it was a difficult transition but I loved the welcome Anthony sign from day one on the door! It made me feel so welcomed and like wow they really care! I love the daily pictures. You can see that the teachers honestly love and care for the kids!

I’m so happy we chose Doodle Bugs! Our daughter has blossomed. The staff is friendly and the building is just beautiful.

Teachers are well-qualified and enthusiastic about their work. Doodle Bugs! provides activities that are enjoyable for kids, and the structure required to prepare for school and life in general.

We love the teachers at Doodle Bugs! and the care, love and fun they provide to our son. Our son loves his classroom, teachers and friends. He’s grown so much since we began and we couldn’t be happier.

We love the teachers at Doodle Bugs! and the care, love and fun they provide to our son. Our son loves his classroom, teachers and friends. He’s grown so much since we began and we couldn’t be happier.

Love Doodle Bugs! They are so great for the development of our child! Truly the major leagues and world class child care!

Very organized and makes every child feel welcome. We love the fun field trips and fresh healthy food.

Going back to work after having a baby is hard. The team at Doodle Bugs made my transition back into the workplace comfortable, and not so scary! I love that I can log into the mobile app whenever I find myself missing my little one (which is a lot!) and get instant gratification as soon as I see her playing with her teachers and classmates on my phone. All of the teachers and staff members that I've interacted with are incredibly approachable and genuinely care about my child, as well as all the other children in the center.

My son is learning so much and he’s having fun while doing it. He loves Doodle Bugs!

We love our son's teachers, the staff as a whole, and the creative things he gets to do each day. It's not hard to get him excited to go to school each morning and he has a lot to tell us at the end of the day about everything he accomplished.

I enjoy that all of the employees are friendly and easy to talk to. They keep you informed about what’s going on and how the days go. I really like the Tad Poles daily report and love seeing the pictures they capture throughout the day. I feel comfortable leaving my baby in their care as they are all responsible respectful people who care about the well being of your child! It’s also nice to be greeted by name whenever coming or going!

I’m amazed by the quality of care! I absolutely love that my daughter feels comfortable and enjoys going to Doodle Bugs. I feel the staff truly cares about every family. It’s extremely comforting!

The staff is friendly. The center is immaculate. Children are cared for in a manner that keeps them active and creative helping them learn through activities.

My husband and I love the wonderful care the teachers provide at this school to our daughter. Our daughter has learned so much in regards to talking, singing, counting, alphabet, etc.

I know that my son is safe, cared for and having fun. It's a wonderful peace of mind. I also love that if I want to I can log into the cameras and watch what he is up to and I get fun pictures and a report of his activities every day. It's a great place!

We LOVE Doodle Bugs! I love the facility and the workers are so great with my daughter. My daughter has so much fun being creative and is encouraged to work on her independence. She has grown so much because of Doodle Bugs! They feel like a second family and I never feel like my child is in an unsafe environment. They are patient and treat my daughter with so much love. I would recommend to anyone.

I like the structure and curriculum for the bigger kids. Love the care and support of my son's teachers. The artwork is so fun (his teachers do a lot of planning and set-up for this) my son really enjoys doing that and the activities.

Our Director

Ashley McDonough

716.688.0200 [javascript protected email address]

Early Childhood Education has always been my passion. I strive to ensure the highest standard of care and quality programming for every student. The needs of the parents and children are always a top priority of mine and at the end of the day my goal is have each parent, child and teacher leave the school feeling happy!

Ashley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Daycare Administration, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. She has a combined 16 years of childcare teaching and administrative experience starting as a Teacher Assistant in 2007 and quickly moving up to management.

Healthy Menu

Every day we serve healthy meals (including fresh fruit!) to encourage children to associate healthy eating with positive feelings, confidence and independence. We believe mealtime matters and implement routines to promote social skills, like table manners and conversation, while encouraging healthy habits.

Recent News

View All Doodle Bugs! News


November 27, 2024
Doodle Bugs! Earns Accreditation from the Middle States Association (MSA)

Doodle Bugs! Children’s Learning Academy is proud to announce that as of November 15th, 2024, all 17 Doodle Bugs! locations have received official accreditation and reaccreditation from the Middle States Association (MSA). This prestigious recognition is the gold standard for measuring and advancing school improvement. “I am happy to congratulate the schools that achieved Middle…

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February 10, 2023
Meet Shamir Tisdale: February Employee of the Month

We are thrilled to announce Shamir Tisdale as our Employee of the Month for February 2023! Shamir is an Evening Cleaner at our Greece location in Rochester, NY. He has been with Doodle Bugs! since October of 2020 and has been a tremendous asset to the center ever since. Although Shamir works behind the scenes,…

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January 6, 2023
Meet Erin Lum: January Employee of the Month

We are happy to announce Erin Lum as our Employee of the Month for January 2023! Erin is a Teacher Assistant at the Cheektowaga location and has been part of the Doodle Bugs! team for a year and a half. Erin exemplifies everything that a Doodle Bugs! team member should be. Erin delivers a personalized…

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