Our Preschool in NYC – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application process?
- Sign up online, by phone or in person for a tour of the school
- December 14, 2018: Priority admissions applications and financial aid applications are due. Applications received after December 14th will be considered on a rolling basis based on availability.
- February 1, 2019: Notifications are sent out to new families
- February 11, 2019: New Family contracts + deposits due
What are the program schedules?
Standard program schedules are Monday through Friday, 8:30am-3pm. We also offer extended day (until 6pm). The hours in our Infant, Toddler and 5-day 2s programs are 8:30am to 6pm.
What is the child / teacher ratio?
| Infants (3 – 8 months) | 4 teachers: 8 children |
| Toddlers (9-20 months) | 4 teachers: 10 children |
| 2’s Class | 4 teachers: 12 children |
| 3’s Class | 3 teachers: 15 children |
| UPK | 3 teachers: 18 children |
We also have several floating teachers on staff, who assist in all of the classrooms throughout the week.
Do you offer Universal Pre-K?
Yes, we are proud to offer FREE full day Pre-K (8:40am -3:00pm) as a community partner with the NYC Department of Education. There are 72 seats available and current families have priority.
What is your school philosophy?
Educational Alliance Preschool at Manny Cantor Center is a progressive early childhood center that welcomes families of all backgrounds. Teachers and children work collaboratively to co-construct a curriculum that draws inspiration from the children’s interests. Exploration, play, open ended questions, and beautiful spaces provide an excellent framework for learning.
The Preschool gleans inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Jewish values and traditions, progressive education, the surrounding Lower East Side community, and, most importantly, the children
What is the role of families in the school?
We see families as our partners, joining together with the children and teachers to create a seamless connection between home and school. We communicate with teachers 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.
Who are your teachers?
Our teachers are highly trained, and have many years of experience in the field and/or advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education.
I have more questions. How can I find out additional information?
Our email address is preschool@mannycantor.org
Manny Cantor Center is grateful for the generous support of the Jewish Communal Fund as the founding donor of the Jewish Day Care initiative, with a gift made through UJA-Federation of New York, and for the JCF’s support in piloting this new model of family engagement.
Want to learn more about our family offerings? Check out our Parenting Center!
