Preschool / Child Care in Manhattan, NYC

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.

Nursery School / Preschool Programs:
Your child is unique! That's why we have developed programs with each and every individual child in mind. We have low student to teacher ratios, and individualized attention for each student. We offer hands on learning, using all senses to maximize the potential within each child. Children have opportunities to play and work with other children, make choices and encounter consequences, and negotiate social conflicts using appropriate language.

- Infant Program (3 months to 12 months)
Nurturing caregivers, staffed at a generous 1:4 ratio, provide attentive, affectionate care, bathing the infants in language as they perform everyday routines. The infant program meets the needs for physical comfort, emotional security, beginning socialization and language development for the infant from age 3 months to 1 year.

Infants are cared for in their own private and personal environment filled with color and stimulation to meet the needs of their development. Caregivers provide support to infants throughout the day with a balanced routine and are alert to babies' cues. Every baby has its own unique schedule which cannot be dictated by another baby.

The environment is set up to foster all aspects of the infant’s developmental stages. Artistic pieces are located in unexpected places helping babies learn about themselves and explore different points of view. Feeding, diapering and sleeping compose much of the infant's day. The infant's sense of emotional security is enhanced by the nurturing, loving adults who care for the child. The caregivers encourage the appropriate physical skills for the child's age. The beginning of socialization occurs in the infant room, when the child notices the other children. Language development is enriched by teachers who speak frequently to the child and read to him/her each day.

- Toddler 1 Program (13 - 20 months)
Our Toddler 1 Curriculum ensures that your toddler's day will be filled with things to explore, items to see, objects to touch. Toddlers have a rapid developmental sense of themselves; which is characterized by physical movement, language acquisition and the exploration of social relationships and imaginative play.

At this age, we introduce the children to activities which help them express themselves through sound, imagination, and through experimenting with color, texture and shape. We also help children to understand their emotions and develop their relationships with other children through empathy and concern. As your child matures, the learning materials grow more complex. Art will be incorporated in all content areas. Music is an important element of the curriculum for every toddler, youngest to oldest.

- Toddler 2 Program (21 months - 2.5 years)
In this program, your child learns through a balance of play, teacher-facilitated activities, and repetition. They will enjoy a fully balanced day with tons of imaginative activities and play. It is the optimum environment for learning at this level of development. The children are in a caring atmosphere, with a reassuring routine, and stimulating activities. 

Teachers in the Toddler 2 rooms help children become more independent. The children are taught to be more vocal resulting in language development. Many self help skills are introduced to the children through daily routines and cooperative play.

- Young Preschool Program (2.5 - 3.5 years)
Children at this age need patience and guidance, learning how to interact with their peers and making positive choices. Their language skills and experience in resolving conflicts is increasing. We provide many opportunities for them to practice their language skills. Included in our program are experiences in language arts, dramatic play, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, creative arts, science, math, music, and movement.

- Preschool Program (3.5 - 5 years)
Teachers will support preschoolers’ learning with exciting activities to best meet their cognitive, physical and social-emotional development. Our preschoolers will begin to experience the joy of self-expression in the areas of music, arts & crafts, movement, story hour, and games in our supervised play areas. Dramatic play, outside play, music & movement, blocks and science are a big part of their day.

We develop their manipulative and coordination skills with puzzles and games, their creative skills with drawing, painting, sticking, cutting and free expression, their language skills with books, poetry, songs and individual and group discussion. Climbing frames, soft play, music and dance support their spatial awareness and body control, while jumping, kicking a ball or balancing on one leg offer fun and physical challenges.

For further information on our nursery school / preschool programs in NYC, please e-mail via our Contact Us page.