Day care deer park: THE Top 10 Daycares in Deer Park, NY

THE Top 10 Daycares in Deer Park, NY

Recent daycare reviews in Deer Park, NY

Little Foot Daycare

I’m very pleased with my experience at Little Foot Daycare in Deer Park. Sharon is amazing and my 14 mo old loves her. It feels like a true family experience which is great because I am not left worried about my child’s care taking while I am away. Even the way Sharon sets up the environment withthe older children there is a clear element of calmness and respect between the children and I feel that even though my daughter is around some older children, she is truly in the best environment. The bigger kids actually look out for her and love on her which is seriously the sweetest and I couldn’t imagine in some of the bigger daycares I’ve had my older son in because those feel like they are missing the one on one touch – if that makes senes. I am very happy about my decision and would recommend Sharon to anyone. I’ve already told a number of mommy friends about Sharon. .aka Ms Sha-Sha as the kids like to call her….

– Laila W

Care Solutions Plus

Esther provided care for my daughter Aidah who is high needs and sometimes not compliant. Her expertise was helpful and timely to assist and regulating behaviors.

– Ema

Star Bright Child Care

Star Bright is a great choice for a day care and way better alternative than a facility, with a complete feel of home to it! My son absolutely loves coming here!!!

– Deana

Miss Debbie’s Daycare

Miss Debbie is amazing. She has watched both of my children since they were 3 months old…my oldest is now 4. Not only is Miss Debbie a caring, nurturing caregiver, but she has taught my children so much…doing so many activities with them daily…they never wanted to leave. We recently movedout of state and wish we could’ve brought her along with us. My children already miss her dearly….

– Eileen T

Lucia’s Daycare

What a great place! We have been sending our two daughters there for four years now and knowing when we drop off our kids that they are safe and learning is a peace of mind for my wife and I.

– David

Daycares in Deer Park, NY

Description:

New York State licensed and insured daycare serving Deer Park for the past 17+ years! Littlefoot Daycare Inc. is a safe, nurturing home away from home where the development of your child is our priority. Ourprogram includes age-appropriate curriculum, arts and crafts, music, computer education, and fun outside activities in a fully fenced yard.
Meet the Business Owner
19 yrs ago I wanted to bring my little girl to daycare because she was an only child. I wasn’t comfortable leaving her so I started helping out and the owner offered me a job. After 3 yrs I decided to open my own daycare and told myself I would always treat the children like my own. Threw the years my daughter has grown up with daycare children that have become like part of our family. I have many children that have moved or are in HS and still come back and visit. It makes me so happy to know I have made a lasting impression on their lives as they have mine.
Sharon G.,Business Owner…

Recent Review:

I’m very pleased with my experience at Little Foot Daycare in Deer Park. Sharon is amazing and my 14 mo old loves her. It feels like a true family experience which is great because I am not left worried aboutmy child’s care taking while I am away. Even the way Sharon sets up the environment with the older children there is a clear element of calmness and respect between the children and I feel that even though my daughter is around some older children, she is truly in the best environment. The bigger kids actually look out for her and love on her which is seriously the sweetest and I couldn’t imagine in some of the bigger daycares I’ve had my older son in because those feel like they are missing the one on one touch – if that makes senes. I am very happy about my decision and would recommend Sharon to anyone. I’ve already told a number of mommy friends about Sharon..aka Ms Sha-Sha as the kids like to call her….

Reviewed by Laila W

Description:

Care Solutions Plus is a social services provider that can assist in services for children with Autism and developmental disabilities. Our area of expertise is community support and rehabilitation, ABA therapyas a contractor, assistance with daily living skills….

Recent Review:

Esther provided care for my daughter Aidah who is high needs and sometimes not compliant. Her expertise was helpful and timely to assist and regulating behaviors.

Reviewed by Ema

Description:

Star Bright Child Care is a licensed group family day care that provides affordable and quality child care in a healthy and safe environment. We provide our children with ample opportunities to learn, play andengage in fun and educational activities in a nurturing atmosphere.
Star Bright Child Care provides weekly menus to parents and daily logs of infant/toddler’s activities. No television in day care center. Your infant/toddler/school aged child will be engaging in reading, storytelling, singing, dancing, playing, talking, craft, art, and developmentally stimulating activities. Assistance is provided with homework for school aged children. We follow an approved infant/toddler curriculum. Toddlers are assisted with potty training. Facility is located in a safe and quiet neighborhood….

Recent Review:

Star Bright is a great choice for a day care and way better alternative than a facility, with a complete feel of home to it! My son absolutely loves coming here!!!

Reviewed by Deana

Roses Day Care

64 Fairview Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729

Costimate: $241/wk

Description:

Roses Day Care provides a safe and fun learning environment for your child. Roses Day Cares number one priority is to educate and give your child the tools they need to advance, make new friends and learnproper social and communication skills….

Description:

Baby Flower Day Care is a childcare provider in Deer Park, New York. It offers a safe and secure environment, conducive to children’s learning and development. The center offers quality childcare, preschool,and before/after-school care, full-time for 5 days a week. Baby Flower Day Care is open from Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM….

Description:

Little Scholars Day Care in Deer Park, New York is a non-profit organization and dedicated to providing the highest quality services for children and families and to demonstrating success in clear andmeasurable ways. The center provide child care for families and Kids from eighteen months to five years old….

Description:

K & D Busy Bees Day Care based in Deer Park, NY is a licensed childcare facility that serves children ages six weeks to twelve years old. The center offers play-based and teacher-led curricula focusing on thelanguage and cognitive development of children….

Description:

Helping Hands Child Care provides caring and dedicated child care and education services in Deer Park, New York for kids from six weeks to twelve years old. The center provides education, social, cultural,emotional, physical and recreational areas to provide parents the opportunity to give their child the best start possible. …

Description:

Deerpark County-Op Preschool provides caring and dedicated child care and education services in Deer Park, New York for kids from three to four years old. The center provides education, social, cultural,emotional, physical and recreational areas to provide parents the opportunity to give their child the best start possible….

Description:

Debra Bonventre -Miss Debbie’s Day Care
New York State Licensed Child Care Provider.
Member Child Care Council of Suffolk County.
OCFS Fingerprinted and Background Checked
CPR and First Aid certified.
Over240 hours of completed Child Care Training (with ongoing training).
Miss Debbie’s Day Care is insured with:
A separate area in my home for Child Care.
An outdoor fenced in play areas with slides and rides.
Former Preschool Teachers Assistant.
I have been providing Child Care in my home for 16 years. I have well over 30 years experience in child care.
I have held many volunteer positions with children, Scouts, Church and PTA.
Excellent references are available.
In Miss Debbie’s Day Care we do a lot of reading, learning and having fun! We do a letter of the week, calendar, weather, pledge and we exercise, dance and sing. We do learning crafts. We also do many activities like play doh, building blocks, puppet theater, puzzles, dress up and more. All to enhance imagination and to help children to learn problem solving.
At Miss Debbie’s we are a family. Children will learn to respect, encourage and enjoy their new friends.
It is safe, clean and age appropriate, smoke free.
Part-time or full-time with very reasonable rates for ages 2 to 5 years….

Recent Review:

Miss Debbie is amazing. She has watched both of my children since they were 3 months old…my oldest is now 4. Not only is Miss Debbie a caring, nurturing caregiver, but she has taught my children somuch…doing so many activities with them daily…they never wanted to leave. We recently moved out of state and wish we could’ve brought her along with us. My children already miss her dearly….

Reviewed by Eileen T

Lucia’s Daycare

57 Gridley Street, West Islip, NY 11795

Starting at $290/wk

Description:

Hello, I am Lucia Pepitone, owner/provider of Lucia’s Daycare. I am a Montessori trained teacher and together with my staff we have been providing excellent care for infants and toddlers since 2008.
We followMaria Montessori’s teaching philosophy. She believed that young children posses an absorbent mind that benefits from a prepared environment.
By allowing the child the work independently he develops control and concentration to be able to complete a task from beginning to end.
By having a mixed age group children benefit from the older children setting an example for the younger ones around them.
We offer circle time, story time, arts and crafts, age appropriate activities, early math concepts and beginning sound recognition. Children are encouraged to practice grace and courtesy at all times.
We have a large fenced in yard with lots of ride on toys.
Nutritious meals and snacks are included.
We are licensed by N.Y.S. Office of Children and Family Services, we are insured and have a tax ID#.
We are CPR,First Aid certified.
At Lucia’s Daycare there is a wonderful sense of community since must of our clients come from referrals
Referrals are one of the biggest compliments we can receive. As a special thank you we offer families a free day of care for each referral that enrolls with us.
We also offer 10% sibling discount. Call today to ask about our early registration discount. It ends 6/1/2019. Hope to hear from you soon….

Recent Review:

What a great place! We have been sending our two daughters there for four years now and knowing when we drop off our kids that they are safe and learning is a peace of mind for my wife and I.

Reviewed by David

Ali’s Playground

221 Montana Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706

Starting at $240/wk

Description:

I was a professional woman that became a mom and discovered with my daughter the love for kids and early education. My program incorporates some aspects of Montessori and some Waldorf. We also immerse the kidsin Spanish. Our kids practice yoga and Mindfulness. It is very important for us that the kids learn kindness, we treat everybody with the same respect. The result from all this is that our kids are happy….

Recent Review:

Allina from Ali’s day care has provided exceptional care for both of my children, my two-year-old son and my 8-month-old baby girl. My son is so comfortable and happy in her care that sometimes he doesn’t wantto come home when I pick him up after Ieaving work in the afternoon. Allina, who is a mom to a toddler herself, is always attentive to the emotional and developmental needs of the children. She is an engaged instructor who is constantly searching for new and creative activities to involve the children and really cares about stimulating their minds and overall growth. For me, deciding to leave my children in the care of someone who is not my blood relative was an extremely difficult decision but Allina made the process easier for me by constantly updating me on my kids’ day, sending me pictures and short video clips via text throughout the day. She’s also been quick to communicate with me when one of my babies wasn’t feeling well. And has been flexible and easy to work with during days when my boss has asked me to stay at work late. I truly feel that she cares for my kids and each and every single one of the children in her care as if they were her own. I can’t say enough positive things about her professionalism as a child care giver or warmth towards the kids….

Reviewed by Daysi C

Description:

At the Learning Cottage Daycare, we believe children should explore, learn and interact with one another with kindness and excitement and look forward to their next day at the Learning Cottage

Recent Review:

Our son was 4 years old when he started Pre-k at the Learning Cottage Daycare. He settled in quite well, the learning cottage has provided us with the capacity for our son to refine and build on whatevereducational materials he was already taught at home. We sincerely have no complaints about our experience with the learning cottage, if there was such a thing as 10 star we would give it. The care and service they offered was exceptional, leaving our son in their care was worry free it made us felt as though our son was staying with a family member, someone who loves and adore him. Mr. Fahad and his team is indeed doing an exceptional job of taking care of our children, our children who are our future. Thanks….

Reviewed by The H

Storybook Kids

181 Sunrise Highway, West Islip, NY 11795

Costimate: $260/wk

Description:

We take children 6 weeks to 10 years old. Preschool, Pre K, Summer Camp and after school programs.

Recent Review:

I have been looking for good childcare for our 3-year-old son for several months, but I was looking for a place that could provide structure, education, and small class sizes, so my son could get individualizedcare. Storybrook fits all of that and MORE!!!
I must begin by saying, I went for my initial tour of the school on a Friday after 7pm with the owner (Michelle). She waited for my shift to end and showed me all around the school. She answered all my questions/concerns. She spent a long time with me to assure I was comfortable with my decision. (She stayed with me so long the cleaning crew came while I was there)
My son is EXTREMELY active and I was nervous that he would be a handful in the school and that they wouldn’t be able to handle him. Well to my surprise, they not only “handle him” , but he thrives in that environment. He just turned 3 and knows all of hs colors, how to spell his name, count, some sight words, and MUCH more. His speech has improved GREATLY in such a short duration of time. Everyone in our family notices the improvement in his behavior and cognitive abilities. He even has more self-confidence. He comes home and tells us “Ms. Taylor, tells me I am perfect all the time”. He tells ANYONE that will listen how “perfect” he is and how much they love him.
I started out skeptical because I read some negative reviews on google, but I am happy I gave them a chance. I asked the owner about ALL negative reviews and she went over them in great detail. I am BEYOND pleased. I LOVE them!
I love his teacher, Ms. Taylor, she really takes the time to know all of his likes/dislikes and genuinely cares about him, When he is home he tells me “I love Ms. Taylor, mommy can I give her a hug?” As a working mom that gives me such joy and relief to now that your child is being taken care of so well.
I am so satisfied with the school that my son at 2 days a week and now increased to 5 days, He loves the school so much he cries on Saturday mornings when he realizes he is not going to school.
I HIGHLY recommend this school! Especially to fellow Doctors and/or Nurses because they have hours that are favorable for people that have the hospital schedule.
Try them you will be happy you did!…

Reviewed by Doreen D

Description:

Sienna’s Learning Center was founded over 20 years ago to offer quality child care for the community by two N.Y.S Certified Teachers. Our staff is 100% trained with all the necessary knowledge of Early ChildhoodEducation including CPR and First Aid. Our staff is also fingerprinted and cleared by N.Y.S Office of Family and Children Services.
Our curriculum is state approved to offer kindergarten preparation. It is aligned with the Common Core and meet all standards. We have weaved character education, daily projects, circle time, creative play, science stimulation, story time, creative writing, and reading readiness into our curriculum. We know that children can learn to read quickly if offered the correct foundation. We also know that reading at a young age is key to having a smooth transition into your child’s future academic years.
We believe in offering children a structured but fun environment for children to be able to express themselves. Well balanced meals are a must in our day care so that your child can learn to develop a healthy lifestyle. We potty train and assist hard working parents in teaching their children table etiquette. We believe in keeping close communication with our parents so that we can better assist in instilling the principals you wish for your child to believe in.
Our Summer Program is fun filled as we offer field trips to parks, beaches, swimming, theater, library, hands on adventures and much more. The providers of this program are the Head Coaches of the Suffolk County Community College Woman’s Soccer team and have created a sports camp that will tap into your child’s athletic ability.
Our goal is to offer your child a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow and feel happy….

Recent Review:

As new parents,, we had no experience with daycares. It was difficult to choose a location . WE wanted a place that would be safe, educational and close to home. We finally had found what we were looking for .Our son is being care by people that truly cared about him ….

Reviewed by Nicole

Description:

Sienna’s Learning Center offers quality day care at affordable prices. We provide services in a safe , structured, learning environment. We are open Monday- Friday from 6:30 am to 5:30pm.
NYSlicensed.
Bilingual
CPR/FIRST AID…

Recent Review:

This is what educational day care is all about! The staff are all certified teachers and know how to teach the children while they have a fun time. Clean and safe environment. Beautiful atmosphere and readingis important to the provider. I love the daily story times and creative play. I highly recommend them….

Reviewed by Jackson M

Recent Review:

My son has attended God is Good Daycare since he was a new born. The care given at this day care is remarkable my son learned how to walk by 10months old was potty trained by 3 and knew his alphabet by 2. Theyhave a well diverse curriculum and not just a babysitting service, the Director is awesome she always makes sure my child is fed and does his homework. I never worry about leaving him there and my son loves her place. The place is very clean and constantly being remodeled to keep up with the children’s needs to learn better. I would recommend this child care to any one in the Bay shore area….

Reviewed by Sandra D

Angel Steps Daycare

24 Barrington Dr, Wheatley Heights, NY 11798

Costimate: $205/wk

Description:

Angel Steps Daycare care for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. We are NYS certified, we’re also certified in First Aid and CPR. Our Prices are affordable. We offer day by day and weekly care, we’re openMonday through Friday 6:30am to 6pm I am willing to work with the parents on the time. We are a Non-smoking Family oriented and Christian based environment, with well trained staff that are very professional. We offer Pre-K and Kindergarten readiness. We have a large fenced in backyard, we also offer a wide variety of games, puzzles and arts and crafts, etc. Healthy Meals/snacks included, meals are prepared fresh on site daily. Please message me for more info/rates or any other questions you may have. We do lots of fun activities and kids have fun while they learn. We will work with the parents if need be to make this a great and safe learning and growing environment for children. Please call 631-920-2520 for more information. References available upon request….

Recent Review:

I cannot stop saying enough good things about Angel Steps Daycare. When I went there for an interview to meet with the owner with my niece I felt nothing but good vibes with her and the entire staff. Everyonewere so sweet and kind…… This place is also very clean and inviting and the entire group of kids seems to get along. Angel Steps Daycare ensure the kids are always clean, fed and stay busy with daily activities as well. This please is the best by far and trust me you will not be disappointed which is why Angel Steps Daycare deserves five stars….

Reviewed by Seeta

Big Mama’s Daycare

14 Clarke Street, Brentwood, NY 11717

Costimate: $320/wk

Description:

Quality child care for all children with or without special needs, every child is equal in our hearts.

Recent Review:

The children learn all day from a board certified teacher they don’t take NAPS! Free uniforms which it a plus in my book , And they eat very hearty!!! Extremely Clean! This is a Dam good Daycare for it to bein a home but a school environment the kids aren’t confide like most day cares. They have the entire 1st floor with classrooms!…

Reviewed by Dalia S

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FAQs for finding daycares in Deer Park

In 2023 what type of daycare can I find near me in Deer Park, NY?

There are a variety of daycares in Deer Park, NY providing full time and part-time care. Some daycares are facility-based and some are in-home daycares operated out of a person’s home. They can also vary in the degree of education and curriculum they offer. Additionally, some daycares offer bilingual programs for parents that want to immerse their children in multiple languages.

How can I find a daycare near me in Deer Park, NY?

If you are looking for daycare options near you, start several months in advance of when you need care for your child. Care.com has 111 in Deer Park, NY as of February 2023 and you can filter daycares by distance from Deer Park or your zip code. From there, you can then compare daycare rates, parent reviews, view their specific services, see their hours of operation and contact them through the website for further information or to request an appointment.

What questions should I ask a daycare provider before signing up?

As you visit daycare facilities in Deer Park, NY, you should ask the providers what their hours are so you can be prepared to adjust your schedule for drop-off and pick-up. Ask what items you are responsible for bringing for your child and what items you may be required to provide that will be shared among other children or the daycare staff. Also, make sure to check directly with the business for information about their local licensing and credentials in Deer Park, NY.

Best Infant Daycare & Child Care in Deer Park, NY

The following Deer Park, NY daycares have immediate availability for infants. Even if a locations does not have current openings for your infant, you can schedule a tour to join the waiting list. Capacity changes on a daily basis and we’ll let you know when a space becomes available!

103 Infant Daycares in Deer Park, NY

One Fine Daycare

Daycare in
Bay Shore, NY

(631) 964-6050

One fine daycare is a safe and warm environment where your child can learn and grow. At our home daycare, we focus on teaching children soci. .. Read More

$67 – $83 / wk

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8:00 am – 5:00 pm

MG

Little Bears Daycare Of NY

Daycare in
Amityville, NY

(475) 253-5168

Welcome to Little Bears Daycare of NY! We offer children a supportive and friendly environment that’s just like home. At our home daycare, o… Read More

$356 – $361 / wk

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7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Smiles Day Care Inc WeeCare

Daycare in
Brentwood, NY

(631) 237-9784

Hi! We’re Smiles Day Care Inc WeeCare and we’re a home daycare providing childcare to families. Our goal is to ensure children reach their d… Read More

$306 – $317 / wk

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6:00 am – 5:30 pm

Co.ZAE Kids Day Care LLC

Daycare in
West Babylon, NY

(475) 325-5824

Welcome to Co.ZAE Kids Day Care LLC! We offer children a supportive and friendly environment that’s just like home. At our home daycare, our… Read More

$336 / wk

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7:00 am – 5:30 pm

Teeny Weeny Daycare

Daycare in
Bay Shore, NY

(934) 202-6990

Welcome to Teeny Weeny Daycare! We offer children a nurturing and loving environment that’s just like home. At our home daycare, our goal is… Read More

$325 – $375 / wk

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8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Luna Day Care Llc WeeCare

Daycare in
Bay Shore, NY

(934) 203-4933

Hi! We’re Luna day care llc and we’re a home daycare providing childcare to families. Our goal is to ensure children reach their development… Read More

$304 – $354 / wk

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6:00 am – 6:00 pm

RiteCare Multisensory Daycare WeeCare

Daycare in
Deer Park, NY

(914) 785-6897

Welcome to RiteCare Multisensory Daycare! We offer childcare for families looking to provide their child with a loving and safe environment . .. Read More

$177 / wk

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3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Olguita Day Care Inc

Daycare in
Amityville, NY

(934) 200-4535

Hi! We’re Olguita Day Care Inc and we’re a home daycare providing childcare to families. Our goal is to ensure children reach their developm… Read More

$258 / wk

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7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Little Flowers Daycare

Daycare in
West Babylon, NY

(631) 212-3142

Little Flowers Daycare is a clean and nurturing environment where your child can learn and grow. At our home daycare, we focus on teaching c… Read More

Request price

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7:30 am – 5:30 pm

GP

Gema’s Childcare WeeCare

Daycare in
West Babylon, NY

(934) 200-4094

Gema’s Childcare is a clean and nurturing environment where your child can learn and grow. At our home daycare, we focus on teaching childre… Read More

Request price

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5:30 am – 6:00 pm

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Silent heroes.

How reindeer transport battalions operated during the war

For the first time in the Red Army, reindeer transport showed its viability even during the Finnish War. It was then that the main provisions for the use of these animals in the troops were developed. With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, they acquired a special value.

“My great-grandfather – Ivan Maksimovich Sobakin, born in 1898 – in October-November 1941, when the German bombing began, drove herds of deer to save them from death. A huge herd of deer slowly moved to the southeast. We had to stop near Tuloma – waited for the young ice to get stronger, and only 9On November 1941, the reindeer were transported over the ice across the river and reached the railway in the Loparskaya area,” says Polina Kharybina, chairman of the Sam Sobarr Saami meeting.

villages alive and unharmed, a few days later they took rifles and went to the front. Saami fur coats

High cross-country ability and the ability to remain silent

“The reindeer is a unique animal, an inhabitant of the tundra, strong and enduring, he is not afraid of even the most severe weather conditions. He will go where no equipment can: on the tundra, without roads, on snow , which can reach several meters in depth,” says Alexander Chapenko, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of History and Law of the Murmansk Arctic State University.

Reindeer transports fully justified the trust in terms of cross-country ability, when after snowstorms and snow drifts the front roads became absolutely impassable for cars and even tractors.

Soldiers of the reindeer transport detachment. Karelian Front, 1944

© Archive of the Murmansk Regional Museum of Local Lore

In addition, deer are self-sufficient animals, they practically do not need care.

“The deer does not get stuck in the snow, it can swim. There is practically no need to feed, it gets food for itself, there is no need to drink. The deer also does not need any resting places. Deer are adapted in such a way that they provide for themselves with everything,” says Domna Khomyuk, a resident of the village of Lovozero, which is considered one of the centers of Sami life.

A special quality of reindeer, which became important precisely in wartime, is complete silence.

“Dogs in sledges are noisy, they bark, argue with each other, sort things out, horses also make loud noises, but deer do not. Any other animal, but not a deer. It does not make any sounds, absolutely none. Indeed, they could easily pass under the enemy’s nose,” explains Domna Khomyuk.

Transportation of the wounded, 1942

© Archive of the Murmansk Regional Museum of Local Lore

This quality greatly helped reindeer transport fighters in combat, reconnaissance operations and more. One of the most important tasks of these units was the evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield. Murmansk historian and local historian Sergei Shishov in the book “Front Ski Track of the Arctic” cites the memoirs of one of the fighters of the reindeer transport battalion A. Sorvanov:

“Our deer saved many wounded in the war. A wounded person loses a lot of blood, heat comes out of him. But reindeer skin keeps heat very well. You wrap the wounded man in a skin, put him on a sled and take him to the hospital – a person is warm, it means alive.”

The reindeer transport battalions were faced with the same tasks that were performed by motor vehicles: providing command visits to the troops, delivering special reports, weapons and ammunition, food, firewood and fuel.

Reindeer were even used in landing operations. Thanks to them, unexpectedly for the German soldiers, our mountain guns and mortars appeared behind enemy lines. Animals and aircraft provided great assistance. Only reindeer transport could reach the downed planes in the tundra. With their help, they took out wounded pilots, spare parts and aircraft engines, each of which weighed at least half a ton.

Transportation of a downed aircraft, 1942

© Archive of the Murmansk Regional Museum of Local Lore

Sergei Shishov in his book gives the following data: “In total, during the three winter campaigns, army and divisional reindeer transports took out the wounded and sick – 10,142 people; transported soldiers operational and combat missions – 7,985 people; materiel, including military equipment, – 2,302 tons; food and fodder – 18,597 tons; emergency aircraft were taken out – 162 “.

Wall of memory

“My great-grandmother, Pelageya Maksimovna Konkova (Sobakina), born in 1905, transported “tongues” on a reindeer team. She was very afraid of the Germans, considering them not people, but something like animals, compared them to the devil. And she said that it seemed to her that her “tongue” could either kick her with a hoof or pick her up with her horns. She was afraid, but she drove anyway. Women, teenagers, old people generally replaced the reindeer herders who had gone into the army, “recalls Polina Kharybina.

Maxim Zakharov, Domna Khomyuk’s father, served in the reindeer transport battalions. In Domna Maksimovna’s apartment there is a “wall of memory” with photographs of her relatives.

“Mom and dad got married just before the war, in May 1941. Dad betrothed mom from the village of Voronya, and they went to live in Krasnoshchelye. The war found them there,” says Khomyuk.

Domna Khomyuk’s parents did not like to talk about their military exploits, they believed that they did nothing special, although her father, who was the commander of a reindeer transport platoon, had many awards and medals: “For Courage”, “For Military Merit”, ” For the defense of the Arctic”.

Reindeer transport on the Karelian front, 1944

© Archive of the Murmansk Regional Museum of Local Lore

“Reindeer somehow saved my father’s life. I remember how he told me that he was leading a team along the lake, and the bombing began. My father stopped the deer, forced them to lie down on the ground and himself lay down between the animals. After the bombardment ended, he got up and saw that the deer behind which he was lying had died from a shell fragment. It turns out that he saved his life!” Domna Maksimovna recalls.

The woman says that the Kola Saami gave the fighters almost everything they had.

“They slaughtered a deer. They didn’t even leave a piece of meat for themselves. Everything for the front! And for themselves, before dressing the skins, they scrape off, collect some scraps. This is what they left for themselves to eat,” says Domna Maksimovna.

“Women who remained in the rear, grazed deer, fished, sewed warm clothes from deer fur. Socks and mittens were knitted from sheep’s wool. We had mother Maria Ivanovna Zakharova (Pelkina) and two grandmothers – Anfisa Antipovna Pelkina ( Dmitrieva) and Varvara Dmitrievna Zakharova (Yushkova). Grandfathers – Ivan Grigoryevich Pelkin and Anton Prokopyevich Zakharov – made driving and cart sledges for the front. Products and skins were delivered on rides (a convoy of several loaded sledges – TASS note) to the railway stations of Pulozero and Taybola. They were distributed from there. All the Sami villages worked and delivered everything to the stations,” says Khomyuk.​​​​​​​

Humble heroes of the war

Reindeer transport detachments served in the Red Army almost until the end of the war and played a significant role in ensuring the combat activities of troops in the Arctic. At the end of 2020, a monument to the feat of the fighters of the reindeer transport battalions appeared in Murmansk. On it, not only people, but also animals are immortalized in bronze.

“It took almost ten years from the idea of ​​creating a monument to its installation,” says Nina Yakovlevna Yezhova, who proposed the idea of ​​the monument. “Monuments are erected to aircraft, artillery, ships, but how many monuments are dedicated to the unique fighters of reindeer transports?”

Monument to the “Feat of the Reindeer Transport Battalions” in Murmansk

© Press Service of the Government of the Murmansk Region

The monument to the reindeer transport battalions, which has recently stood in Murmansk, is designed to correct this historical injustice.

“The Saami are a modest people. Families didn’t discuss a major feat or just transporting the wounded and ammunition. A lot of information was lost because of this,” explains Polina Kharybina.

She is currently working on the creation of a “Virtual Museum of Reindeer Transport Battalions”. “This is a special site that will help preserve those bits of information that have survived to this day, already in digital format for future generations.”

Nikolai Kochetkov

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Great Patriotic War

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Sep 27, 2017, 09:00

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01

Why do people breed reindeer?

While we are complaining about another Arctic cyclone that brought snowstorms and severe frosts to Ukraine, there are places on the planet where the snow does not melt at all. There are no fertile fields with wheat and sunflowers, but there is moss and reindeer moss – a favorite pasture for unpretentious deer. Latifundist.com decided to find out how profitable it is to engage in reindeer breeding, and whether this business has any prospects for Ukrainian farmers.

Despite the impressive results of technological progress, even in the third millennium, deer remain literally everything for many nationalities: food, transport, clothing, and even housing. In Nenets, “deer” means “giving life”, which is fully consistent with this name. In the vast northern expanses, thousands of deer, accompanied by herders, migrate in search of pasture, and reindeer herders are guided by the knowledge received from their ancestors and trust their instincts.

In today’s world, these beautiful and noble animals are mainly bred for meat and trophies. Reindeer meat is perceived as a healthy, environmentally friendly product, the so-called “Arctic food”. The price of venison is much higher than other types of meat. True, the main part of reindeer owners are primary producers who only supply meat for processing.

In Russia, reindeer meat costs from 250 rubles/kg. It is known that wild venison, obtained during the hunt, is sold cheaper. In Denmark, Germany, and other European countries, where the demand for deer meat lasts almost all year round, the price can be much higher (about 20 euros), especially when it comes to products that were received from manufacturers. In Ukraine, a deer steak can be bought at an average price of about 300 UAH/kg, however, the “Arctic” nature of this meat will be a big question.

If a carcass of a reindeer is valued as a trophy, it can be asked for from 4,000 euros.

Another direction in reindeer breeding is actively developing – the production of dry antlers (soft antlers during growth) for sale in Asian countries, where they are used in folk and industrial medicine.

02

Who oversees reindeer breeding?

Reindeer herding in Norway, Sweden and Finland has common features. This is due to similar natural, economic, social conditions. And also the fact that in these countries one indigenous people, the Sami, were engaged in this. It is known that in Norway and Sweden, at the legislative level, the Saami have the exclusive right to breed reindeer. In Finland, any resident of the European Union can join a reindeer herding cooperative and start a herd. True, there is a requirement for the future owner of the horned animals to permanently reside in the community where the cooperative is located.

Reindeer management systems in Norway, Sweden and Finland are different but based on the same administrative principles. In all three countries, the national policy towards reindeer herding is carried out by the ministries of agriculture, which delegate executive power to various government bodies outside the ministries. For ease of administration, the territory of each country is divided into reindeer herding areas and plots. The control process is carried out according to the principle of dialogue between state structures and independent organizations.

Finland is run by the Reindeer Herding Cooperatives Association, which reports to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and receives some funding from the state budget. In Norway, the reindeer herding industry is managed by the Norwegian Reindeer Herding Administration, which reports directly to the Ministry of Agriculture. The Swedish system is similar to the Norwegian one, only the license to operate implies mandatory membership in a “Sami village”.

The main problem of reindeer herding in Scandinavia is that there is not enough space for the industry. Pastures are located too close to settled areas.

There are no acute problems with the territories in the Russian Federation, and the Department of Interaction with the Regions deals with reindeer husbandry issues. He is assisted in this by the Union of Reindeer Breeders of Russia, established in 1995 for more efficient management of the industry. It includes about 200 legal entities and individuals.

03

Where can I learn to be a reindeer herder?

Most often, reindeer herders are born, not made. After all, the choice of profession is not so great for a child who was born somewhere in the tundra, surrounded from birth by endless expanses and cattle. The rules of caring for deer, the secrets of proper grazing, veterinary skills and other important nuances, boys begin to learn from adult reindeer herders at the age of 10-11.

In terms of professional education, certified reindeer herders are trained at the Arctic College of the Peoples of the North in the village of Chersky, Nizhnekolymsky District of Yakutia. This unique educational institution is the only one where you can learn the basics of reindeer herding in the Republic of Sakha.

They try to preserve the traditional way of the northern peoples locally. So, in Even secondary schools, local residents begin to teach children reindeer herding already in the senior classes. In addition, nomadic schools began to be organized for the children of shepherds. In the past, the offspring of nomadic reindeer herders either remained illiterate or were forced to live in boarding schools on the “mainland”, not seeing their relatives for months. Now, desperate teachers roam with their students and herds of deer, and the children, in addition to continuous communication with their parents and deer, learn the culture, traditions, language of their native people and the basics of the “reindeer herder” profession. Understanding the importance of what is happening, local communities are trying to equip the nomadic schools with everything necessary: ​​additional stoves for tents, satellite phones, laptops, cameras.

On the Kola Peninsula, the profession of a “reindeer breeder-machine operator” can be obtained only in one educational institution – Lovozero Vocational School No. 26. Only guys are recruited for this specialty, girls are offered to become a “hostess of the plague” and master the national Sami art, cooking and the basics of accounting.

As far as Europe is concerned, diplomas are issued to reindeer herders by the Saami Regional Training Center in Inari (Finland).

04

Where is the only reindeer farm in Ukraine located?

Despite the fact that there are no eternal ice and arctic frosts in Ukraine, we also breed reindeer. The only deer farm in the whole country is located in Transcarpathia – between the small villages of Iza and Lipcha, 10 km from the regional center Khust. In total, the farm occupies 57 hectares of fields and Carpathian forests. Interestingly, it is northern sika deer that are bred here. The goal of breeders is to obtain horns that have healing properties.

Antlers are cut on a special machine, then crushed, and then filled with alcohol. The resulting mixture is accepted by pharmaceutical enterprises producing the immuno-strengthening drug “Pantokrin” (with neurosis, stress and overwork – that’s it! – ed.).

Where did reindeer come from in Ukraine? The farm originated in the USSR, it worked at the local collective farm named after. Michurin. The first 66 pets were delivered by plane from the Kaliningrad region. Northern animals perfectly took root in the Carpathian climate, bred well. In 2003, the collective farm was liquidated, they decided to shoot the deer, since there was nothing to feed the animals. The meat was given away on account of wage arrears to workers. Mikhail Bugash was one of the shareholders of the collective farm and received ownership of the land on which the farm was located. An enterprising businessman decided to revive it.

Now he has more than 200 animals in his care. In nutrition, animals are not particularly whimsical and are happy to eat hay and grain. In summer, the animals graze on their own in the forest, but in the morning and evening they always return to feed on the farm.

You can see the Ukrainian reindeer – the farm is open to the public. Getting to them is difficult, but possible. First you need to get to Mukachevo, and from there – by car or bus to Khust, where they will tell you how to find horned ones, because they have long become a local landmark.

05

What exactly do you not know about reindeer?

1. Reindeer are the only mammals that change the color of the iris. Their eyes are golden brown in summer and piercing blue in winter.
2. Deer meat is low in fat, but rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant that removes toxic substances from the body. Reindeer milk contains 22% fat and 10% protein, a record for the highest fat content among mammals.
3. The idea of ​​Santa Claus’s flying reindeer dates back to 1822 and was inspired by a popular children’s poem called Saint Nicholas’ Visit by American writer Clark Clement Moore. However, on the plains of Mongolia, monolithic stones were found that are more than 4 thousand years old, with engravings in the form of flying deer. Coincidence?
4. In reindeer, antlers grow not only on males, but also on females.
5. The Saami have a long and strange tradition of half-castrating reindeer. The destruction of the testicles without damaging the skin of the scrotum is carried out as follows: several people press the animal to the ground, and the “veterinarian” chews his testicles to the state of gruel. According to another version, they bite the spermatic cords. Such individuals become more hardy, obedient and large.
6. The smallest deer are water deer, they have no horns, and their average weight reaches 10 kg. They swim well for distances of several kilometers.
7. The speed of a reindeer on dense snow is 50-60 km/h. A reindeer team with people usually travels at a speed of about 30 km / h.
8. The white deer in Yakutia is considered a sacred animal, they try not to put it in a bundle and load it only with the personal belongings of the reindeer breeder.
9. If a domestic female deer walks with a wild handsome man and leaves the herd, then it is considered a matter of honor for reindeer herders to find and shoot the “traitor”.
10. Reindeer hooves can adapt to the seasons. In summer, they become spongy, and in winter, the pads tighten, exposing the edge of the hoof, which easily cuts into snow and ice, allowing you to avoid slipping and quickly dig out moss and berries from under the snow.

Natalia Esina, Latifundist.com

06

Where do deer live?

It would probably be easier to name places on the globe where deer do not live. After all, the pastures of the “elk” occupy 1/4 of the entire land of our planet. In total, there are about 6.5 million deer in the world. Of these, 60% are livestock.

In the Russian Federation, reindeer pastures make up more than 300 million hectares or 20% of the entire area of ​​the country. Siberians are sure that it was they who first domesticated deer. Nowadays, many peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of Russia are engaged in reindeer herding, including Dolgans, Komi, Koryaks, Nenets, Saami, Tofalars, Khanty, Mansi, Evenks, Evens, Yukagirs, Chukchi.

Pasture areas and reindeer numbers in Norway, Sweden and Finland are similar. In Norway, about 40% of its territory has been designated as pasture, in the counties of Finnmark, Troms, Nordland and Trendelag. In Sweden, land for deer was allocated slightly less – about 34%, pastures are located in the provinces of Norrbotten, Västerbotten and Jamtland and in certain areas of the provinces of Dalarna, Västernorrland and Gävleborg. The Finns gave 33% of the territory of their country for grazing horned ones. Reindeer herding areas are located in the very north of the country, they cover almost the entire territory of the province of Lapland and part of the territory of the province of Oulu.

In addition, deer are bred in the USA, Canada, Argentina, New Zealand and even in Ukraine.

07

What is the difference between reindeer grazing in the tundra and taiga?

Classical reindeer breeding is taiga and tundra. Herds in the tundra migrate for many hundreds of kilometers. In summer, deer usually graze on the shores of the northern seas, and in winter – in the forest-tundra or northern taiga. Herds become larger, migration routes are longer, sometimes reaching several hundred kilometers. One herd has from 1 thousand to 5-6 thousand individuals. Shepherds follow the animals around the clock in any weather and move with deer in search of new places for grazing. The main product of such reindeer husbandry is meat.