Sara Curry Preschool

at little missionary’s day nursery

93 Saint Mark’s Place

New York, NY 10009

212-777-9774

fax: 212-777-2655

Hours
The school is open at 8:30 am, but there is a flexible arrival schedule. Between 8:30 and 8:45, parents may bring their child to the classroom and spend time with them. After 9:15 a.m., teachers will welcome children at the classroom door. The regular day ends at 3:00 pm. There is optional after school, in the school, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.


Open Door Policy
Parents are welcome in the school at any time. If they need to contact the teachers they may call the classroom at 212-254-2530.


The Child’s Day
The school follows the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and believes that only developmentally appropriate activities should be presented to the children. We believe that children learn through play, and that they are naturally self-motivated learners.

The Day Schedule

Our day is scheduled so that the children enter a warm and welcoming environment, as close to a family atmosphere as possible.

Free Play
Our day is scheduled so that the children enter a warm and welcoming environment, as close to a family atmosphere as possible. In the morning the children engage in free play. Our classrooms are organized so that there are areas where the children can rest quietly on a pillow and read, or select a sorting or puzzle activity, build with blocks, dress up, or engage in an art activity. The may also have access to sensory play such as Sand Table, Water Table, Science Table. There is usually music playing - classical, ethnic, modern, not just "children's" music. There are always books within children's reach so that they can be read to whenever they would like.

Circle Time
At Circle Time we read from the best Children's Literature. We discuss feelings, and social issues. We encourage frank discussion of negative feelings and suggest ways to handle problems other than acting out. Children come up with wonderful insights on their own, and we like to get them to sort out problems themselves, rather than imposing rules that may not make sense to them. We discuss upcoming events of interest to the children and welcome children's participation. We do "fingerplays" and other body and and hand games. We enact stories and take make-believe journeys together. Then we have a snack.


Snack Time
At snack we often eat food we have cooked, such as breadsticks, scones, French toast, pancakes, or something as simple as toast and honey or popcorn, fresh fruit, and a drink. The school provides the snack.

Work Time
Work time is when we get together as a group and engage in table activities. Here are some examples: Art Activities - Painting with brushes, sponges, rollers, Cutting folding stapling, and Collage, Stamping and stenciling, Working with clays and doughs, Building with wood, board, card, Sewing, Dyeing. Playing with sensory materials such as sand, water, flour, beans, rice, goop. Cooking, gardening or building.

Outside Play
We go out in all weathers unless there is heavy precipitation. We go to Tompkins Square Park, the local library, one of the local gardens (we have our own plot), our private backyard playground, or some other park that is not too far away. As the year progresses, we may take small trips.


Music and movement
Once a week we have a music and movement class. It is a creative movement class especially designed for early childhood. The class is taught by a qualified dance teacher.  The program is developmentally appropriate and flexible to allow for the child's individual expression.  Listening to world music, children follow spatial and rhythmic cues and incorporate animal yoga poses to develop strength, agility and confidence.  The class ends with relaxation techniques, which are important for helping children to release stress.

Discipline and Structure

We like children to learn self-control. That is, control that comes from the self. We take the approach that the more rules you impose on a child, the less able the child is to function as a self-controlled and self-motivated learner. We have a few rules that pertain to respect for others and for the property and personal space of others. We encourage children to confront their problems and to discuss issues with other children. Aggression is a normal part of a child's emotional being, and we work to help channel it appropriately. We do not allow children to hurt themselves or other children. Continued patterns of aggression that make other children feel unsafe may result in dismissal from the program.


Our days are structured enough to provide the children with a sense of security and order, but relaxed enough to allow for individual children to grow at their own pace. We encourage membership in the group and direct children to each other for help, so that they will become interdependent community members who seek help from and give help to each other. These skills are important social skills that will help them throughout their academic life.

Lunch Time
Lunch is at 12:00 noon. Parents provide lunch. We have facilities to heat lunch, so parents can provide soup or other heatable lunches in winter.


Rest Time
Children nap, or rest on their cots, for an hour each day.