Preschool FAQs: MCC Early Childhood on the Lower East Side
Choosing a preschool or early childhood program raises a lot of questions — and this FAQ is here to help. Manny Cantor Center’s early childhood program serves children from roughly 6 weeks through age 4 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, with an Infant, Toddler & Twos program, a 3-K program for 3-year-olds, and Universal Pre-K for 4-year-olds. Below, we answer the questions Lower East Side families ask us most about enrollment, tuition, schedules, NYC-funded seats, and what to expect.
Don’t see your question? Reach our early childhood team at 646-395-4310 or visit the Early Childhood program page to schedule a tour.
What is your educational philosophy?
We know that children learn best when engaged in work that is meaningful, ongoing, and authentic to their interests and values. Children form tenable theories about how the world works and test them through exploration and play. Inspired by progressive schools around the world, we follow an emergent, project-based curriculum in our Infants, Toddlers, and Twos program and Creative Curriculum in our UPK program.
What is the role of teachers in your classrooms?
We see our teachers as facilitators of children’s learning. When we recognize the incredible capabilities of young children, we realize that they come to school with real interests, knowledge, and questions about the world around them.
Our teachers create classroom environments that are beautiful, responsive, and full of possibilities, then observe children closely to plan curriculum and projects that engage them and extend their meaning-making.
What is the child-to-teacher ratio at MCC?
All of our classrooms have two to three teachers, plus floating staff who assist as needed throughout the week. Class sizes vary by age group and funding source:
- Infants — maximum 8 children per classroom
- Toddlers — maximum 9 children per classroom
- Twos — maximum 8 children per classroom
- 3-K (3-year-olds) — maximum 15 children per classroom
- Universal Pre-K (4-year-olds) — 18–20 children per classroom
These ratios meet or exceed New York State’s early childhood licensing standards and allow teachers to give individualized attention to every child.
What is the role of families in the school?
We see families as our partners, joining together with children and teachers to create a connection between home and school. We communicate with parents at drop-off and pick-up, through documentation, newsletters, and emails, and at regular parent/teacher conferences. Our teachers strive to keep lines of communication open and are available for meetings and check-ins throughout the year, as needed.
How long is the school year at MCC’s early childhood program?
Our Infant, Toddler & Twos school year runs September through July, giving younger children 10 months of continuity. Our 3-K and Universal Pre-K programs follow the New York City Public Schools calendar, running September through the end of June. The center closes in August to prepare for the upcoming school year.
What are the daily program hours?
Standard school hours at MCC’s early childhood program are Monday through Friday, 8:15 am – 3:15 pm. A limited number of aftercare seats are available to extend the day until 5:15 pm; there is an additional fee for aftercare. Contact our early childhood team at 646-395-4310 to ask about aftercare availability for the current school year.
Do you offer meals during the school day?
Yes. Our on-site kosher-style kitchen provides a balanced breakfast, lunch, and snack daily to all enrolled children. As a safety precaution and in consideration of children with allergies, outside food is not permitted — with the exception of breast milk for younger children.
Do children need to be toilet-trained?
We believe each child has their own timeline, and we work with families to support this developmental milestone. Toilet training is not a requirement for enrollment in any of our classrooms.
What are your tuition rates?
We are an economically integrated school that welcomes families from various socio-economic backgrounds. We incorporate Early Head Start, Head Start, Universal Pre-Kindergarten (3K + UPK), and tuition funding to serve families across the Lower East Side.
Half of our Infants, Toddlers, and Twos seats are funded by tuition, and half are funded by Early Head Start (free of charge for eligible families). Visit here for 2026-27 tuition rates.
Seats for 3 and 4-year-olds are funded by New York City Public Schools and Head Start, and are free of charge for all enrolled families.
I am interested in applying for a tuition-funded seat. Am I able to pay on a month-to-month basis, based on the need for care that month?
Families who enroll in a tuition-funded seat commit to the entire school year’s tuition for the days outlined in their contract. This financial commitment allows us to plan for a fully funded school year and helps us provide the same quality of care for your child.
I am interested in applying for an Early Head Start or Head Start-funded seat. How do I know if I am eligible?
Early Head Start funding allows us to serve eligible families with children under the age of 3 and expecting families; Head Start funding allows us to serve eligible families with children 3-4 years of age.
Your family may qualify for Early Head Start/Head Start if at least one of these categories applies to you:
- Your family is unhoused, and you live in temporary housing
- If you are applying for a seat for a foster child
- You receive public benefits in the form of SSI, SNAP, or Cash Assistance
- Your total family income falls below a certain amount
Families considered for Early Head/Head Start seats will be invited to an eligibility meeting, so that we may learn more about your family and review supporting income documentation.
When is the best time to apply?
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The 2026-27 application for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos is open. Limited seats remaining!
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New York City Public Schools has closed the 3K and Pre-K applications. Families will hear about offers in mid-May, and at that time, you can join our school’s waitlist using NYCPS’ MySchools platform.
May I visit the school?
When Should My Child Start Preschool?
There’s no single right age — it depends on your family’s needs and your child’s readiness. Many NYC families begin care in infancy or toddlerhood, while others wait for the city-funded 3-K year (age 3) or Universal Pre-K (age 4). At MCC on the Lower East Side, you can start as early as about 6 weeks old in our Infant, Toddler & Twos program.
If you’re deciding when to start preschool in NYC, plan ahead: NYC-funded 3-K and UPK seats are applied for the school year your child turns 3 or 4, and our younger programs fill on a rolling basis throughout the year.
What Ages Does MCC’s Early Childhood Program Serve?
MCC serves children from roughly 6 weeks old through age 4. Our Infant, Toddler & Twos program covers approximately 6 weeks to 3 years; our 3-K program serves 3-year-olds; and our Universal Pre-K program serves 4-year-olds — all on our Lower East Side campus at 197 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002.
A child can grow with us from their earliest months straight through the year before kindergarten, with a consistent, play-based philosophy at every stage.
How Much Does Preschool Cost at MCC?
Cost depends on the program. New York City funds 3-K for 3-year-olds and Universal Pre-K for 4-year-olds, so those years are tuition-free through the city’s program for families who enroll. For our Infant, Toddler & Twos program, MCC charges tuition and offers subsidy and financial-assistance options, including Early Head Start — free for eligible families.
As a nonprofit community preschool on the Lower East Side, access and affordability are central to our mission. We encourage families to speak with our admissions team about tuition and subsidy eligibility for younger children: call 646-395-4310 or visit our Early Childhood page.
