I am 24 years old now. I routinely think about Robin and this pre-school. I can't believe I…read moreremember anything. I think what resonated, is that they prepare kids to learn and adapt, so we can become the adult we were meant to be. It's easy to keep a child busy and entertained. Working with kids and treating them with respect, showing them how to learn on their own, is what pre-school should be for everybody. I had a very difficult time with my parents - I struggled for independence for literally no reason. Robin never talked down to me, and helped me cope with the very difficult task of being a toddler. The friends I made, especially Sophia(I love you) are lifelong and foundational. I had to say something - looking at my life, Sarah Lawrence was a key developmental period. I hope my children have the same opportunity as I did. This is where your kid can love learning. THANK YOU ROBIN!!! There will be nothing but blessings in your life. From a very very grateful student.

Sarah Lawrence College's Early Childhood Center is a progressive, lab school community for…read morepreschool-aged children. It's child-centered and play-based. My child started the 2s program this fall (2014) and I couldn't be happier with our experience. Everyone-from the Director to the teachers to the receptionist-is not only incredibly loving and warm but also child development nerds. These people know children. Deeply. The people at the ECC are true professionals. They have graduate degrees in early childhood education, many have been teaching for decades, and they all love a good geek-out on anything kid related. Anytime I bring up a topic I'm interested whomever I am speaking with pulls out books, recommends films, and sends me articles about the topic. They are not inly knowledgeable about how children learn and develop but they are passionate about it. I've learned so much about how children learn and process their world and can truly say that I am a better parent for being part of this community. For example I never knew how important narrative play was. Ever since we started the ECC I now try to narrate and get my child to narrate what he is doing when he is playing. His verbal, storytelling, and memory skills have developed so much. On the subject of play- this school takes play very, very seriously. Much child development research indicates that play is of tantamount importance-it is how children learn and develop the skills and foundation for later life success. The book Children's Play: The Roots of Reading by Edward Zigler is a great place to to start your overview of the research. For more on the topic of play being the work of children check out a TEDx talk by an ECC graduate student https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7y6ZgQCnvw If you are looking for a place that does flashcard drills and gives 3 year olds homework, look elsewhere. This is not an "academic" preschool. This is a preschool where children are given the space and opportunity to be children and learn in developmentally appropriate ways, which research shows prepares them so well for later academic study. It is also a place where your child will develop their love and passion for learning. My child is so excited about school-it's the best part of our week. It's truly breathtaking to see his curiosity nurtured and to know that his first experience with school is joyous and fun-he hasn't gotten the joy and curiosity beaten out of him in the name of Common Core and standardized testing. The community is very diverse-economically, socially, ethnically, and racially and my child is exposed to what the real world looks like. Families come from as south as the Upper West Side and as north as Brewster. ECC families represent the full economic and social spectrum of the US, an achievement that is sadly too rare in the highly stratified society of New York. Families are very involved-it truly feels like a community. The Parents Association is active and sponsors several activities throughout the year for both children and adults that are always well attended and enjoyed. I think it's a great alternative and even superior option in some ways to Bank Street or Barnard's Toddler Center for upper Manhattan and Bronx families because it has more space and outdoor play areas. Children go outside to play in the expansive play areas every class day even in cold weather. The 2s program does require a parent/primary caregiver -can't be a secondary caregiver- to attend with the child the whole year. This only works if one or more parents have flexible jobs or stay at home. I structured my work schedule to be able to accompany my child but not everyone has that privilege. Starting in the 3s program children are dropped off but in accordance with the school philosophy each child separates at their own pace. Lastly, the ECC is a lab school-one of the oldest of it's kind. It serves as a laboratory environment for undergraduate and graduate students. There are always one or several students in addition to teachers and teacher assistants in the classroom. Their main objective is to study and learn from the children but having so many adults in the classroom provides for amazing one-on-one attention. Students (undergrads/grads) are always supervised and mentored by the teacher in the classroom.

This school cares about the education of every student. Issues between students, even serious ones,…read morehave been addressed quickly, openly, and with care to all parties. The children enjoy the school. The school works hard to build community between the families. It's a great experience, and it's better with active involvement.

Horrible school, wish we would have listened to our neighbors about this school. The church is good…read morebut it's unfortunate it connected to the lack luster and super expensive school. The whole staff needs a revamp, very dismissive and unprofessional band of misfits!

They finally cleaned up the entrance!! It's not perfect but it's LOT better than before. THANK YOU…read more The park is absolutely beautiful and used by so many people throughout the year. I

If a hands-on, extra caring, intensive, articulated methodology of education is what you seek,…read more this is the place for you. The sooner you make the decision, the more rapidly you'll see the fruits of your decision. Your child will love it, and will thank you, almost from day one, for getting him or her into this school. Call them now!!

This is an awesome school for some very fortunate kids. They do a great job here of educating and…read morebuilding young minds. The teachers, administrators and facilities are all top notch. If your child is lucky enough to attend this school then they should have an amazing experience!

I love this school it's great to learn and everyone is nice this when I was in 3rd grade but in…read moreNovember 27 2019 I move to Egypt and I still miss everyone at the school but COVID changed things so I support this school From Yossef

I am a student at school 29 and been here for 7 years about to be 8 years. The tables and floors at…read morethe cafeteria are sometimes dirty from the kids but will always get cleaned up after all kids leave. Most of the teachers are nice but some are mean. They have a basketball court. Very very very big field and a playground. The boys bathroom are dirty and it smells. But will get cleaned up. I don't know about the girls. Overall good school.

One of the best Catholic High School educations your son can receive. We can only pray that these…read moretraditional educational environments survive the overwhelming tide against a solid "moral education." I graduated in the early 1990s. The education, athletics, cultural programs, facility (stunning), faculty, parents/community and student body...all world class. Most important? Their commitment to your children goes beyond the classroom/sports fields. Your son will leave a better person, with a commitment to serve others...Go Gaels!!!!

I've sent both my kids through the 2's, 3's and 4's at Friends, and my son is "graduating" this…read moreyear. I'll be sad to not return next year. Our experience at Friends couldn't have been more wonderful. All of the teachers are kind, warm and nurturing. It's like handing your kids over to family. The 2's program is the perfect introduction to school for toddlers, the 3's is a great continuation of all the social and life skills being taught, and the 4's curriculum emphasizes preparing for kindergarten in an organic and age-appropriate way. In addition, because the school is so small, there's a real sense of community among the parents. We've made lifelong friends at Friends - the school really lives up to its name!

My kids were at a different preschool before Friends so I have something with which to compare it…read more This place is amazing. Kids go to kindergarten extremely prepared as well as cultured. The director of the preschool, Sue, is one of the kindest, gentlest, most education-savvy people I've ever met. She is very down to earth and reads academic articles about preschool education on a regular basis. The families who are a part of this school are wonderful. If you need extended day options, this school is not for you!