Our Mission

Early Childhood at Manny Cantor Center is an inspired, responsive and progressive neighborhood preschool built on the following principles: All children are competent, capable, and curious. All families have something to contribute. We are stronger together.  

Equity + Access

In too many parts of our city, income determines access to high-quality early childhood education. Early Childhood at MCC is working to disrupt this model. We believe that children benefit from attending school in classrooms that reflect the diversity and strengths of our communities. 

We strive to create inclusive, integrated, and diverse classrooms across multiple metrics. To this end, our school braids Early Head, Head Start, Universal Pre-Kindergarten (3K + UPK), and tuition funding so that families throughout the Lower East Side truly have equal access to a quality, early childhood program in their community. 

Our Philosophy

Our teachers create joyful learning environments that foster inquiry, exploration, and reflection, and work collaboratively with children to co-construct curriculum, experiences, and activities that draw inspiration from the world around us. Families are our partners, working together to build a seamless bridge between home and school and to nurture and celebrate children’s complex identities.   

School Nestled Within a Community Center

We are nestled within the Manny Cantor Center, a living laboratory of the universal Jewish values of inclusion, diversity, and community. Housed in the flagship building of the historic Educational Alliance, MCC offers award-winning programs and critical services for young children, teens, young adults, and older adults of all backgrounds.