All Together Now All Together Now
Mission
Educational Alliance Preschool at Manny Cantor Center is a progressive early childhood center that welcomes families of all backgrounds. Teachers and children work collaboratively to co-construct a curriculum that draws inspiration from the children’s interests. Families are our partners, joining together with the children and teachers to create a seamless connection between home and school. Exploration, play, open ended questions, and beautiful spaces provide an excellent framework for learning.
As part of Educational Alliance, a network of community centers operating in downtown Manhattan, including the 14th Street Y, the Preschool cultivates a connection to the Lower East Side and Educational Alliance community, as well as to Jewish and universally relevant values and traditions.
Philosophy
The Preschool gleans inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Jewish values and traditions, progressive education, the surrounding Lower East Side community, and, most importantly, the children.
Reggio Emilia
The educators of Reggio Emilia, a small town in northern Italy, have developed an influential and widely practiced educational philosophy that emphasizes children’s capabilities and inquisitiveness through in-depth investigation. Drawing on this innovative approach, we believe that children come into this world already competent, capable, and full of potential. Our classrooms offer a myriad of opportunities for self-expression, creative thinking, and problem-solving.
Jewish Values
The Preschool weaves Jewish tradition into the fabric of its curriculum in order to highlight universally relevant values, such as generosity, gratitude, respect for one another, respect for the environment, forgiveness, open-mindedness, and kindness. These values are explored through day-to-day activities and honored through celebrations.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
We recognize and support the diverse needs of growing young families. Our flexible program with generous hours and options complements your busy lives. Please click here for TUITION INFORMATION.
HOW TO APPLY:
APPLY ONLINE for the 2018–2019 school year.
Information about FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
TIMELINE:
Deadline for all enrollment applications and financial aid applications is December 15, 2017.
Educational Alliance Preschool at Manny Cantor Center serves families with children ages 3 months to 5 years. Financial aid is available. For more information contact Associate Director Louis Hamlyn-Harris at 646.395.4253.
Our yearlong programming includes 2s, 3s and 2s Together. These programs offer:
Our 2s Together program provides 2 year olds with a gradual separation experience, with parents and caregivers being active participants in the program. The curriculum involves age-appropriate activities including free play, art, creative movement, music, circle time, story time and more. The program encourages self discovery in a relaxed and nurturing environment.
Our full-day Infant and Toddler Center at the Educational Alliance Preschool empowers children to explore the world through their own eyes. Led by nurturing, experienced teachers, children ages 3-24 months explore light-filled surroundings and build joyful social interactions with peers. Our educators work in partnership with our families: teachers help parents navigate the amazing journey of early childhood, and parents help teachers to best understand their own child’s unique gifts. Learn more here.
We are proud to offer a FREE full-day, high-quality Universal Pre-K program in our Preschool as a community partner with the NYC Department of Education. We have limited spaces available in this program and would love to tell you more and welcome you into our community. All you need is your NYC ID! FOR MORE INFORMATION: 646.395.4250
Educational Alliance Preschool in the news:
Parents League:
Educational Alliance is proud to announce that it has joined the Parents League, a non-profit coalition that provides resources and advice to families and independent schools across NYC. We are excited to be connected to the Parents League’s network of educators, experts and families. Learn more here.
Jewish Education Project:
Being Child-Centered at the Educational Alliance Preschool
Seeing the Details in a Child-Centered Approach
Adding the Teacher’s Voice at the Educational Alliance Preschool
Mommy Poppins:
Under-the-Radar Preschool: Educational Alliance Preschool
The New York Times:
What is the application process?
What are the program schedules?
Standard program schedules are Monday through Friday, 8:45am-3pm. We also offer early drop-off (at 8:15am) and extended day (until 6pm). The hours in our Infant, Toddler and 5-day 2s programs are 8:30am to 6pm.
What is the child / teacher ratio?
| Infants (3 – 8 months) | 4 teachers: 8 children |
| Toddlers (9-20 months) | 4 teachers: 10 children |
| 2’s Class | 4 teachers: 12 children |
| 3’s Class | 3 teachers: 15 children |
| UPK | 3 teachers: 18 children |
We also have several floating teachers on staff, who assist in all of the classrooms throughout the week.
Do you offer Universal Pre-K?
Yes, we are proud to offer FREE full day Pre-K (8:40am -3:00pm) as a community partner with the NYC Department of Education. There are 36 seats available and current families have priority.
What is your school philosophy?
Educational Alliance Preschool at Manny Cantor Center is a progressive early childhood center that welcomes families of all backgrounds. Teachers and children work collaboratively to co-construct a curriculum that draws inspiration from the children’s interests. Exploration, play, open ended questions, and beautiful spaces provide an excellent framework for learning.
The Preschool gleans inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Jewish values and traditions, progressive education, the surrounding Lower East Side community, and, most importantly, the children.
What is the role of families in the school?
We see families as our partners, joining together with the children and teachers to create a seamless connection between home and school. We communicate with teachers at drop off and pick up, through documentation, newsletters and emails, and at regular parent/teacher conferences. Our teachers strive to keep lines of communication open and are available for meetings and check-ins throughout the year as needed.
Who are your teachers?
Our teachers are highly trained, and have many years of experience in the field and/or advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education.
I have more questions. How can I find out additional information?
Our email address is preschool@mannycantor.org
Contact us via e-mail or at 646.395.4250 to learn more.
Manny Cantor Center is grateful for the generous support of the Jewish Communal Fund as the founding donor of the Jewish Day Care initiative, with a gift made through UJA-Federation of New York, and for the JCF’s support in piloting this new model of family engagement.
Want to learn more about our family offerings? Check out our Parenting Center!
