Some preschools are running partial separation programs for children under the age of 2 before the can officially start preschool in the Fall of 2020. For most preschools, students have to be 2 years old by September 1st of the year they enter the 2’s program. Pre-2s programs are a first introduction to preschool and require a caregiver to stay on site. Here is our overview of schools and community centers in Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens and DUMBO who run such programs:
Boker Twos @ Brooklyn Heights Synagogue
Program details: This 90 minute introduction to preschool meets twice a week allowing children to form their first friendships. The class includes music and movement time—and lots of play time, too. Mid-year there is a partial separation.
Ages: 18-26 months (in October)
Dates and hours: There are two sections. Monday and Wednesdays from 9:30-11:00 am, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15-10:45 am. Program runs from October to May.
Costs: $4950 for BHS members; $5250 for non-members (children of all backgrounds welcome)
Address: 131 Remsen Street | Brooklyn Heights
Applications: Email BHS Parenting Center Programs
Shalom Yeladim @ Brooklyn Heights Synagogue
Program details: A first classroom experience for children to share with a loving grown-up. Each class includes free-play, snack, art and activities.
Ages: 15-18 months (in October)
Costs: $790 a semester for BHS members; $865 non-members; Full Year Discount: $1,400 members $1,550 non-members. Children of all backgrounds are welcome.
Dates and hours: Thursdays 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Program runs from October-May.
Address: 131 Remsen Street | Brooklyn Heights
KVU Prep @ Kidville
Program details: The goal of KVU Prep is to prepare children for a separated class by encouraging independence while they explore and play. This 90-minute class includes open play, story time, blocks, art, music, exploration and gym. The routine and transitions between activities allow children to become familiar and comfortable with the structure of the program. Focusing on social/emotional, physical, and artistic development, this program not only prepares the children for KVU, Kidville’s Preschool Alternative program, but also creates a morning full of activity and excitement!
Ages: 18 to 24 months
Dates: Wednesdays from 9 to 10.30 am. Program runs October – December & January – May. Enrollment is on-going, families can enroll anytime including mid-semester.
Costs: $895
Address: 380 Court Street | Carroll Gardens
Application: Website
Practically Preschool @ Families First
Program details: Our Practically Preschool program is designed to be an introduction to the experience of school. As a “bridge” to preschool, our enriching playgroup approach provides a setting for children to explore, learn, and grow. Our small class sizes (maximum of 6-8 children) provide an intimate setting in which to explore the world of the classroom. Our program uses a “stepping” up approach to help transition children between the four levels in our program. This subtle transition allows the children to feel comfortable and supported while the role of the parent/caregiver slowly diminishes, giving the child the opportunity to gain greater social and emotional confidence. Our teachers offer a nurturing environment full of guidance, encouragement and support.
Ages: 1.5 – 3.5 years
Dates: Fall Semester – September 9th to December 23rd, Winter Semester will begin January 2020.
Costs: $420-$2,240
Address: 250 Baltic Street | Cobble Hill
Application: familiesfirstbrooklyn.org/practically-preschool
Ready, Set, 2s @ Open House Nursery School
Program details: A lively first school experience created just for two-year-olds. The playgroup will include guided choice time, art experiences, and a brief circle time with movement and music. Nurturing, developmentally appropriate toys and materials will be carefully chosen, and the curriculum will encourage emotional and social readiness for preschool and support experiences working in small groups, negotiating transitions, and making choices in a preschool classroom. Class size limited to ten children and caregivers.
Ages: Children need to have turned two one month before the program begins.
Dates: It will run this spring, beginning in January 2020. Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:45 pm.
Costs: $1,760
Address: 318A Warren Street | Cobble Hill
Applications: Website
Preschool Prep @ Recess DUMBO
Program details: Preschoolers will get a head-start on independent participation through a gentle separation process. In a classroom set up for circle time, table time and play, students will be exposed to a true preschool environment with art exploration, story time, music, movement, transitions, and more to provide social, cognitive, and physical development.
Ages: 1.5 and 2.5 years
Dates: 2 or 3 days a week for 1.5 hours
Costs: Starts at $1725 for 2 days/week
Address: 81 Washington Street | Dumbo
Applications: Website
Preschool Prep @ NY Kids Club
Program details: Our Preschool Prep program meets 2 or 3 days per week for 1 ½ to 2 hours per day, focusing on sensory and social development through art, gym, music, science, language, and math. This is an adult participation program.
Ages: 18 – 23 months
Dates: 2-3 days per week 1.5 to 2 hours
Costs: $3,500
Address: DUMBO, Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights locations
Applications: Website
Time for Twos @ Plymouth Church School
This program is fully booked for this school year, find out more here.
Main photo: Brooklyn Heights Synagogue
