Our early childhood education programs draw on children’s inherent curiosity and sense of wonder.

We believe children are naturally competent, capable learners with a built-in ability to devise their own ideas and persist in tackling them. Our approach to learning also emphasizes socialization. Here, children begin to build relationships with peers and with adults other than parents and caregivers, acquiring a set of skills they will carry through life.

If your child is 2 by September 2023, we welcome you to apply for the Preschool 2023 – 2024 school year.

Preschool Tours

We’re currently offering virtual or in-person tours for potential Preschool families.

In-person tours meet with Catherine Wenglowski, Manager of Early Childhood Admissions, Tuesdays at 9:30 AM or Thursdays at 10:30 AM. Virtual tours via Zoom on Wednesdays at 1:30 PM.

Topics of the tour will include:

• Our educational philosophy
• Our exciting programming and facilities including swimming, art, theater, movement, open air classrooms, and rooftop classroom and play area
• Our extensive health and safety measures to keep your child safe
• An opportunity to have all your questions answered

To book an in-person tour or virtual tour, please email Catherine Wenglowski at CWenglowski@14streety.org or call her at 646-395-4327.

If your child isn’t quite ready for Preschool, our Prelude to Preschool program offers a gentle introduction for children ages 12–34 months. Learn more here.

*Note: If you are a current Prelude family or have had a previous child attend Prelude or Preschool and have toured the school previously, you do not need to do another tour unless you’d like to.

Philosophy

The 14Y Preschool offers unique environments in which children can question, problem-solve, create and grow. Children, ages 2 to 5, are in class 12 to 30 hours per week. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach of following our students’ innate sense of curiosity, your child will explore and learn in classrooms where they feel respected, trusted, and empowered.

Your child’s social-emotional-intellectual well being is paramount. We begin each school year with a Phase-In schedule. As children gradually increase the time in their new classroom, building to their full day schedule, they grow more confident in their independence. Their comfort grows experiencing these exciting new routines, spaces, and faces in their first Preschool environment.

The 14Y’s expert, professional and nurturing staff welcome your child’s curiosity and wonder, and provide an abundance of opportunities for children to represent their ideas and thinking through art and other media. We celebrate diversity, and weave Jewish values and traditions into age-appropriate and inclusive settings. Students in all our early childhood education programs enjoy sun-filled classrooms and an expansive rooftop play area to work their body and minds.

As part of Educational Alliance, a network of community centers operating in downtown Manhattan, including the Educational Alliance Preschool at Manny Cantor Center, the 14th Street Y Preschool cultivates a connection to the Downtown Manhattan and Educational Alliance community, as well as to Jewish and universally relevant values and traditions.

Programs

Art Studio

Our children visit the art studio with their classmates in ½ groups allowing for close individualized attention and interaction with our studio teacher. A vast array of materials and mediums are deeply explored while focusing on students’ personal interests and the curricular interests of the group. Recyclable materials and found objects are used in new and imaginative ways!

Music & Movement

Our Music & Movement classes develop the language of expression that children employ to express their thoughts through music physically in space while gaining large motor skills and body awareness. Each class will have the opportunity to experience small group instruction, which will add another creative layer to the classroom curriculum.

Swimming

(For ages 4 only for the 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM program, and ages 3 and 4 for the 1:00 – 3:00 PM extended day program)
Children visit the 14Y’s pool for an instructional swim class with certified water safety instructors. Children work in small groups with instructors, and use flotation devices such as noodles and backpacks to help them learn. Gradually children will learn to swim independently in a fun and safe environment.

Rooftop Play Area and Gym Time

Children spend time every day exploring our expansive outdoor rooftop, outdoor classroom, and gymnasium. This provides children with an opportunity to participate in full body movement activities through social play with their peers and utilizing their senses.

14Y Theater

Through the joy of artistic self-expression, children gain fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and explore a variety of materials and mediums

Visiting artists from our vibrant East Village community and LABA Kids program bring theater, music and the performing arts into the classrooms to explore Judaism through a universal lens.

Admissions

We are distinguished from other New York City preschools by providing continuity and depth of care from birth through early childhood within the 14Y Early Childhood and Family Programs.

We would love to have you join us for the 2023–2024 school year!

Your child must turn 2 by September 1, 2023 to attend the 14Y Preschool.

For more information about the 14th Street Y Preschool, please contact us here or contact Nili Shriber, Director of Early Childhood Programs, at 646-395-4328 or NShriber@14StreetY.org.

14Y Health and Safety

At the 14Y, safety is a paramount concern. That is why we have implemented policies and procedures to keep our children and families safe while being a warm and nurturing environment. We continue to sustain the soul of our school–safely, and with love, joy, and a zeal for learning.

To ensure a safer environment, we have made changes, including smaller class sizes, new HVAC filters, and require all staff to be fully vaccinated.

In accordance with Department of Health guidelines, children over 2 years old are no longer required to wear masks while indoors, but are still strongly recommended. In respect to the health decisions of each family, please let us know if you’d like your child to continue wearing a mask.

Learn more about our health and safety guidelines.

For more details on our health and safety protocols, please contact Nili Shriber, Director of Early Childhood Programs, at 646-395-4328 or email her at NShriber@14streety.org.

14 Street Y Preschool Rates for 2023-24 School Year

Extended Care Program

Take advantage of our special 3:00 – 6:00 PM Extended Care programming available for students in our 2’s, 3’s and 4’s who are enrolled in the 14Y Preschool from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available according to demonstrated need. Applications will be available by request.

If you have any questions, call Julia Massey, Associate Director of Early Childhood Operations, at 646-395-4338 or JMassey@14streety.org

Ongoing School Placement

The 14Y Preschool feels strongly committed to nurturing parents through the ongoing schools process. Our children go to esteemed Private and public schools throughout the city.

Our partnership with the Parents League of New York, the preeminent provider of advisory services for Private and Independent School admissions, along with our ongoing school support team, ensures that families are fully supported during the Kindergarten admissions process.

Our Children Have Most Recently Been Accepted To:

Meet the Preschool Team