Preschool in New York on Manhattan's Upper West Side

Smarter Toddler:
If you are looking for a quality preschool or child care center in Manhattan, Smarter Toddler is perfect for you! With convenient locations on Manhattan's Upper West Side and at Midtown West near Times Square, we aim to provide a loving, home-like atmosphere for infants, toddlers and young kids (ages 3 months - 5 years). Our specially-designed arts-based curriculum is geared toward the growth of the 'whole child'. Music, movement, literacy and visual arts are an active part of every child's day. Full-time and part-time options are available.

Smarter Toddler was founded by parents of gifted young children who wanted a progressive preschool with an advanced arts-based curriculum that their own children could benefit from, hence the name. It has long been proven that a child's brain is like a dry sponge capable of absorbing knowledge at a much faster rate than an adult's. As a result, at Smarter Toddler you're never too young to begin learning!

Our mission is to continue to create an enhanced, quality early education program that emphasizes the arts, cultural experiences, and the unique individuality of each child. We aim to encourage curiosity, promote kindness and respect, and exercise imagination and creativity. Developed around the idea that quality childhood care and education should be homelike, everything in our centers was carefully designed to make children feel like they are at home, from the vintage toys, low height lounge chairs and tons of original artwork.

- Infant Program (3 - 12 months)
- Toddler 1 Program (13 - 20 months)
- Toddler 2 Program (21 months - 2.5 years)
- Young Preschool Program (2.5 - 3.5 years)
- Preschool Program (3.5 - 5 years)
- Arts Program (includes music, visual arts and yoga)
 
* Subjects include:  
- Early reading, Early Math, Early computer - "Tech Tots", Music and Movement, Art and Arts appreciation and Early Spanish.

Experienced & Dedicated Teachers:
Our experienced staff are dedicated to making your child's time full of love, learning and fun each and every day. They are certified and educated early childhood professionals who have specialized experience in music, theater, dance, and visual arts. They teach and foster respect by allowing children to think for themselves, make decisions, work toward their own solutions to problems, and communicate their ideas.

Smarter Toddler teachers encourage toddlers to pour their own juice and preschoolers to become actively engaged in clean-up. The 2 outdoor playgrounds nearby allow the children to do what they like to do best... play!

"The warmth and attention to detail that left me awestruck when I first entered the lobby of Smarter Toddler has been echoed ever since in the diligence and enthusiasm of its staff. Their support and concern on an everyday basis makes me feel less like I am leaving my children at a daycare and more like I am leaving them with family. My daughter and son clearly agree–they eagerly make their hellos each morning with hugs that require a running start." 
- Nina Zito, Mother of Sencha and Hudson

"We fell in love with Smarter Toddler the minute we walked in the door. Everything from the decor to the staff is welcoming, friendly and fun. Our son's teachers, and the other teachers he interacts with, have become like family to us. He looks forward to going to "school" every day."
- Jen Falek

"Smarter Toddler is home away from home for my daughter. She has had the most wonderful year and has another exciting one to go before she heads to kindergarten. Every teacher here exudes warmth, patience confidence and skill to manage the young minds. The teachers are the best asset of this school and their every action proves their love for the job. The sense of community one feels under this roof is truly amazing. With kids from diverse cultures, the school truly is a small world by itself. I truly appreciate the efforts made to involve parents in their child's learning. The teachers understand the responsibility of working and shaping young minds and as a result, I see my daughter growing to be a confident, creative and caring child. Everyday is fun and memorable, filled with new learnings that she longs for. Smarter Toddler is that part of my daughter's childhood that shall never leave her but shape her for the rest of her life."
- Divya Dwarak, Mother of Aditi Dwaraknath