Child Care / Preschool in Westchester County, NY

Elmwood Day School, Westchester County:
Located in White Plains in Westchester County, NY, Elmwood Day School (formerly Elmwood Nursery School) has been providing excellent early childhood education to Lower Westchester since 1957. Elmwood proudly celebrates its transition to the Elmwood Day School, providing classes for children ages two through first grade. We strive to create an environment that allows each child to feel safe, known, comfortable, and accepted. We offer morning and afternoon classes for children ages two through first grade. Enrichment opportunities include Young Authors, Drama Around the World, Cooking, Sports, Art, Science, and Young Architects. Our integrated curriculum, based on New York State standards, fosters abstract and concrete thinking skills. Spontaneous play, teacher-directed, and child-initiated activities help children develop a strong awareness of themselves and the world around them.

Education Programs:

At Elmwood Day School, we offer a morning and afternoon program, as well as a mini-day program of enrichment electives available for students already enrolled in a morning class. The Elmwood experience is based on an integrated curriculum consisting of literacy, art, math, and science. Our programs encourage the development of cognitive, social, and creative thinking skills.

We offer a variety of programs for young children ages two through first grade:

* Two year olds:  9am to 11:30am on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday and Thursday
* Threes morning class:  9:00am to12:00pm or 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Full day available
* Fours morning class:  9:00am to 12:00pm or 1:00 to 4:00pm. Full day available
* Fives morning class:  9:00am to 12:00pm
* Kindergarten and First grade:  9:00am to 3:00pm

Enrichment classes are offered each afternoon from 12:00pm to 2:00pm for three, four and five year olds. Classes include building, drama, art, science, cooking, sports and writing opportunities.

Vacation days and weeks are also available.

* A typical morning or afternoon at Elmwood may include the following activities:

Meeting Time:
Our brief meetings serve to greet and welcome each child, introduce the day’s activities, and sing a song, tell a story, or do some fingerplays.

Classroom Time:
Imaginative play, arts and crafts, painting, water or sand play, cooking, science exploration, math, manipulative materials, constructions, puzzles, and games are offered in each classroom. Children move freely around the room, choosing their favorite areas in which to play. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the planned activities of the day.

Clean Up:
Children use labels, picture clues, or shapes to identify where items belong. All are encourage to help in the cleanup process and are recognized for their efforts.

Snack Time:
We provide a variety of healthy snacks, which may include fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, and crackers. With their teachers’ help, children are encouraged to be independent by serving themselves and pouring their own water. We are very conscious of allergy concerns; therefore, Elmwood is a peanut-free school. We also keep special snacks for children who do have allergies.

Outdoor Time:
Elmwood is located on a beautiful 6 acre facility, which provides children with ample space for large motor activities.

Specials:
Each week our music specialist provides a wonderful program in which singing, instruments, musical games and movement are included. Our Fours and Kindergarten also enjoy Sports with our sports specialist. They also experience local trips scheduled throughout the year to destinations such as the Library and the Nature Center, Post Office, Fire House, or a local shop.

The younger children receive visits at the school by The Nature of Things, firefighters, and other community figures. In the past, our pre-k class has studied sign language, and we are looking forward to incorporating other world languages into the curriculum in the coming years.