Preschool Of The Arts

We are a collection of boutique schools for young children in which each childs intellectual, emotional, social, and moral potentials are carefully cultivated and guided.The principal educational vehicle involves children in long-term engrossing projects, which are carr...ied out in a beautiful, healthy, love-filled setting. We are a Reggio community, something more than a philosophy or method with a symbiotic relationship between a progressive vision and visible practices.nspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, Preschool of the Arts proudly interprets and adapts Reggio theory throughout our five distinct NYC neighborhoods. Our schools are unified by our shared vision and mission; namely the “primacy effect” that the earliest events in life are the most important and formative ones and are the critical determinants of the long course of development. The flexibility of our schools opens the doors to possibilities and divergent paths, affording each location communal ambiance, energy and the integration of icons and prominent architecture.Our NYC preschool maintains its own art gallery -the J. Klaynberg Gallery-that is quickly gaining distinction in the New York City art world. It features the works of renowned as well as emerging artists. Our children have a unique opportunity to view and enjoy the various artistic exhibitions. Being surrounded by art of this caliber diversifies the children’s artistic experience and inspires their own creativity and work.Our blossoming indoor garden is centrally located in Chelsea Main Campus. There our children plant grass and seasonal plants and, with the support of their teachers, work diligently to maintain its beauty and vitality. Our garden enlivens our school environment and brings nature inside for the pleasure of our children and school families. Tending our garden fosters responsibility, as well as children’s feelings of competency, self-esteem and pride. Additionally, the garden area provides the optimal setting for engaging lessons pertaining to nature and the environment.Our early childhood program is led by and inspired through collaboration between our school director, pedagogista, atelierista, and student development coordinator. Their vision is masterfully carried out by our team of superb teachers. Our roles and visions continually evolve as we interact with and observe our children and reexamine our understanding of educational and psychological theory. Through this self-reflective approach, we synthesize contemporary pedagogy with our personal understanding of each and every child.Professional, dedicated, and loving- these words speak volumes about the team at Preschool of the Arts. Equipped with years of study and professional experience, our staff strives continuously to respond to the individual needs of each child. Employing cutting-edge methodology and liberal does of warm, loving care, our staff creates activities that engage children’s natural curiosities. As Anatole France once said, “The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards.” Teachers inspired by the Reggio approach to early childhood education believe that children’s innate desire to interact with others greatly affects both cognitive and social development. With that in mind, Preschool of the Arts’ staff creates a supportive environment conducive to the co-construction of knowledge between teachers and children. As co-constructors, our teachers have multiple, fluid roles as collaborators, researchers, and learners based on the needs of the children and the demands of the explorative learning activity.Head of School Sarah Rotenstreich brings many years of both teaching and administrative experience to Preschool of the Arts. As a mother of five young children, she is keenly aware of the needs of both young children and their families. Read More