Preschool Programs on Upper West Side, NYC

The Brownstone School and Daycare Center, Manhattan:
The Brownstone School and Daycare Center is a preschool located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, at 128 West 80th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues, half a block from the Museum of Natural History. We were founded in 1963 and chartered by the New York State Board of Regents in 1983. Most of our families live or work on Manhattan's Upper West Side. However, the school has always been strongly committed to families from a variety of cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds that reflect our diverse society, so families from all over the city have always been a part of The Brownstone.

The Brownstone School and Daycare Center is licensed by the New York City Department of Health and is a member of the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) and the Parents League of New York.

Our Philosophy:
The Brownstone provides children with a warm, nurturing environment that gives each child the opportunity to develop at his or her own pace socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Our skilled, sensitive teachers provide the appropriate level of challenge and encouragement each child needs in all areas of his or her development. During their time at Brownstone, children learn the social and intellectual skills and concepts that prepare them well for "big school" and do so in a richly diverse learning environment.

Parents are a vital link between the school and home life, and thus are more than welcome to be active members of the Brownstone family, both in and out of the classroom. We are especially proud of the commitment of our parents to creating a supportive, stimulating community for our children. Together, parents and staff work hard to make our children's time at Brownstone a positive first-school experience.

- Preschool for children from 2 to 5 years
- 2 to 5 day programs
- Full day, half day and extended day care
- We are open from 9.00 am til 5.45 pm

* Tuition is comparable to that of other NYC independent, early childhood schools.
* Children must be 2 years of age, by May 31st to be enrolled at the school.
* Those who meet eligibility requirements may apply for placements, available through the New York City's Agency of Child Development.

The Brownstone School sets high standards for the education of young children. Our approach is developmentally appropriate and child-centered, focusing on the social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs of each child. Daily schedules offer a broad range of structured and unstructured activities and provide children with the security of a routine.

Working independently and in small groups, the children learn through play and hands-on exploration of selected materials. Dramatic play, children's literature, puppets, games, puzzles, blocks, artistic mediums, music, creative movement, outdoor activities, water play, cooking, and manipulatives promote the development of pre-reading and pre-math skills and foster understanding of scientific concepts. Social interactions with peers and teachers through such activities challenge children to learn appropriate ways to express their feelings and develop their interests.

Teachers:
Many of the dedicated teachers at Brownstone have been with us for many years and are a testament to the strengths of our program and the supportive, enriching environment we strive to create. Our teachers are what make the Brownstone so special. Each preschool class is staffed with at least three qualified teachers: a Head Teacher, Assistant Teacher and Teacher's Aide. All head teachers are members of the Association of Teachers in Independent Schools in New York City and are certified in CPR and first aid. We are fortunate to also have a large number experienced and credentialed Assistant Teachers and Teacher's Aides.

Student teachers and interns enhance our program throughout the year. The average adult/child ratio is 1:6 in the preschool program. Auxiliary staff from outside agencies, such as speech therapists and special education itinerant teachers, also works with children who have been determined to require services. We also have well-qualified teachers in music and movement to provide additional enrichment to our children. All staff members are carefully screened and cleared to work with children by the appropriate agencies.

The Brownstone School houses five preschool classrooms. Each group, except for the young two's, have an entire floor to themselves. Classrooms are air-conditioned, bright, spacious, and equipped with age-appropriate areas that promote both child and teacher-directed activities.

The backyard was recently equipped with a modern double slide, climbing apparatus, a short tunnel, tricycles, child-size basketball hoop, and a metal "VW beetle" is available for all to use. The children also frequently visit outside community resources such as Central Park, The Museum of Natural History, Riverside Park, the New York City library, and others.

The newly renovated ground floor includes a fully equipped kitchen. This is used to heat the lunch and is used frequently by the classes during baking activities.