The York Avenue Day School Model
Choosing the right program for your child is no easy task. Particularly on the upper east side of Manhattan where there are a multitude of diverse educational and enrichment programs. Early childhood education in New York City encompasses many different models which, at first can be confusing. The purpose of this article is to give a brief overview of two popular models - preschools and daycares and, present York Avenue Day School’s innovative hybrid model that draws from the best preschool models and the best daycare models in New York City.
Preschool
Private Preschool and Nursery schools have been a staple on the Upper East Side of NYC for decades. The Parent’s League of New York, founded over a century ago, partners with private and independent preschools to provide support and guidance to families and parents looking for the best preschool for their children. These schools typically offer half day programs and full day programs for two year olds, three year olds, and four year olds. Most preschools, run on a traditional 10-month calendar and rarely offer extended hours. While each preschool has its own approach to curriculum and philosophy of education, the model’s main aim is to support children’s academic, social, emotional, and physical development as they prepare for public or private Kindergarten.
Daycare
In the past decade, Daycares have been increasing in popularity on Manhattan’s upper east side. Similar to preschools, each center has a unique curriculum and approach to learning. While many preschools tend to be independently owned or affiliated with a religious institution, many daycare centers are part of a larger network. The primary aim of traditional daycare centers is to offer all day care for children as young as 6 weeks up to school age, supporting children’s overall development. The best daycares tend to have small teacher to child ratios, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and educated, knowledgeable teachers.
York Avenue Day School — A Hybrid Model
York Avenue Day School began in 2023 after combining two highly successful schools from differing models - York Avenue Preschool and East Side Day School. Drawing from each of these models and joining them together, provides continuity of education and care for children ages 6 months through Prekindergarten. York Avenue Day School provides children with a strong educational and academic foundation while offering families the flexibility of choosing from half day, full day, or extended day care. Our teachers plan, cultivate and lead engaging activities and lessons based on an emergent curriculum which draws on the individual interests and needs of the children. Each classroom has a team of teachers that work collaboratively to create cohesive and seamless all day care and curriculum for all children, whether they leave at 12:00, 3:00, or 6:00.
York Avenue Day School remains a member of the Parents League of New York and ISAAGNY which enables us to provide support from initial admissions through to the exmissions process for any families who want to explore independent schools for kindergarten.