Many children in our 2-year-old program are attending school for the very first time. It might be overwhelming for the children (and sometimes caregivers) at first, but our dedicated teachers will help children to smoothly transition from home to school. Once children are familiarized with the class schedule and routines, they are encouraged to explore different concepts and materials around them as they participate in engaging age-appropriate activities. We want to build the children’s natural curiosity and confidence to foster independence and development. Children are encouraged to use their words to express themselves and to work cooperatively with friends. From the first day, children are taught valuable self-help skills, such as how to eat independently using proper utensils, clean up, and practicing proper hygiene. Fundamental concepts and academic skills such as letters, colors, shapes, and numbers are taught through play because studies have shown children learn best through active play.

Chinatown Day Care Center also offers Chinese Enrichment Classes in the afternoon for all our children. Children learn about the Chinese language, culture, and tradition through storytelling, music, and poetry. The length of time and the material taught during the Chinese classes depend on the age and developmental growth of the children. The Chinese classes are all conducted in Mandarin.

This is the time children often begin to ask “Why?” Our inquisitive 3-year-old children are encouraged to ask about the world around them. Teachers motivate and aid children to find answers to their own questions through observation, experimentation, and research. Creativity, ingenuity, and achievements are celebrated and applauded. Classroom jobs such as setting the table are provided to promote independence and social collaboration. Manners and proper etiquette are taught as well. Teachers also model communication skills and encourage children to use full sentences when speaking. There is a stricter emphasis on building fine motor skills such as cutting with scissors and writing. Self-help skills such as dressing and undressing oneself, toileting, and self-feeding are all important concepts children should achieve by the end of school year.

Our 4-year-old program is one of the elite pre-kindergarten programs in New York City. Every year many of our graduates have received a passing score on the Gifted and Talented (G&T) Exam. Daily class activities especially during circle time and center time are embedded with rich content that builds on prior knowledge and encourages critical thinking, which will prepare them for success in G&T programs or any school of their choice. Our pre-k classes follow the Department of Education Pre-K for All Interdisciplinary Units of Study. The class schedule for the pre-k classes are balanced with large group and small group activities throughout the school day. Large group instruction includes Morning Meeting, Circle Time, Music and Movement, and Outdoor Play. Small group instruction is divided into Learning Centers such as blocks, dramatic play, sand and water table, math, science, writing, art, computer, and library. Each center focuses on specific skills and concepts guided by the teacher’s lesson of the day. Meals are served family-style; thus, children are encouraged to serve themselves, which further fosters independence and self-sufficiency.