Downtown Early Childhood Association

Spotlight on: Barrow Street Nursery School

Barrow offers programming from our young 2s Toddler program through our 4s/5s. In addition to our gross motor spaces, rooftop, tricycle track and gym, our students participate in specialist classes, built into their daily schedule, such as music, movement, pottery, art and science. We also offer extended day programming which allows our children the opportunity to register for classes both before school and afterschool.

At Barrow Street Nursery School, our mission is to help students build the foundation for life-long learning, appreciation of the arts, care for the community and environment. Our progressive approach is centered on collaboratively designed learning experiences. Children play an active role in co-constructing organically designed curricula that nurture their growing sense of identity, agency, and belonging. Teachers engage in continual observation, reflection, and critical thinking, bringing breadth and depth to every learning experience. Families partner with educators through meaningful dialogue, authentic interaction, and mutual support.

Spotlight on: The École

At The École, we believe that the goal of education is to develop well-informed, well-rounded, responsible, and compassionate students who can create and connect to a world filled with possibilities. This belief is at the heart of our uniquely-designed bilingual program, in which students learn not just to speak, read, and write in two languages but also to think, feel, and act in ways informed by two cultures. To always see, explore, and understand the world around them from two perspectives is the gift of the deeply bi-literate student.

Artfully blending the curriculum requirements and pedagogical approaches of the French and American systems, our native-speaking faculty create rich academic environments for a diverse, international student body. From Maternelle through Middle School, students at The École are guided through the core language arts, social studies, math, and sciences content, as well as character and cultural enrichment in both French and English for all subjects. In our intimate classroom settings or out in New York City’s many artistic and historical institutions, using traditional and technology-based techniques, our teachers aspire to provide individual and group bilingual learning opportunities that engage, challenge, and inspire.

For more information visit their website: https://www.theecole.org/student-life/

Spotlight on: The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School (FPCNS)

The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School was founded in 1952 in the heart of Greenwich Village. A non-sectarian program, FPCNS is dedicated to the development of the whole child in a warm and nurturing environment. Its educational philosophy is enhanced and inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach. FPCNS serves children ages 2 to 5. The nursery school offers large airy classrooms, beautiful new roof top playground, lending library, art studio/atelier and indoor play spaces.

We believe . . .that learning begins at birth.

We know . . . that all children are inherently curious and motivated to learn.

We are . . . the First Presbyterian Church Nursery School, a warm and welcoming school that encourages engagement and collaboration, preparing children for their next educational steps and fostering their ability to be responsible members of the broader society.

We are a child-centered program inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach. Children thrive in the presence of warm and trusting relationships. Children learn through direct experiences and investigations with each other, their teachers and their environment by touching, observing and discussing.

We afford children endless means and opportunities to express themselves.

Visit their website: https://www.fpcns.org/

Spotlight on: JCP Downtown

Our Jewish preschool in the heart of Tribeca brings Jewish culture, creativity, and a love of learning into every classroom.

Our Early Childhood Center (ECC) creates joyful Jewish educational experiences through our Preschool and classes for babies and tots. We offer a preschool for children 2-5.5 years and a Bridge program for children 21 months–2.2 years of age, providing a nurturing and joyful space for all.

Our classrooms are designed to include a balance of structured and unstructured activities, including free play, circle time, snack, gross motor play, and story time. Encouraging children’s natural curiosity, teachers facilitate hands-on experiential learning, honing learners’ fine motor skills and encouraging their natural curiosity. Children enjoy daily music, art, and movement activities, as well as opportunities to work in small groups on their emerging literacy and numeracy.

Visit their website: https://jcpdowntown.org/

Get a little taste for what each school offers ahead of time!

Leading up to the 2023 DECA Education Fair, participating schools will have posts dedicated to sharing their philosophy, program offerings, and snapshots from their schools!

There will be 36 downtown schools at the DECA education fair this October!

Each school is unique in their philosophy and approach to early childhood education and on Wednesday, October 18th they'll all be in one room for you to get to know!

Downtown Early Childhood Association (DECA) is an informal volunteer association of School Administrators of Early Childhood Programs and on-going schools with early childhood divisions below 34th Street.

The mission of DECA is to support its members through the sharing of ideas, best practices, professional development, and discussion.

Check out all of our members on our website!
http://decanewyork.org/?fbclid=IwAR0353IWBOGrJeM3SwJ16gSvZQroVHJUh-i5Xr6IlnegnwrTUvyhg8nIuLw