Third Street Music School Settlement

TODDLERS

20-24 MONTHS

Each toddler class offers the fun and stimulation of a beginning preschool experience with a slow and gentle separation process.

Activities include movement, active play, building, pretending, painting, songs and stories. Children come to care about each other as their parents forge new friendships.

THE PROGRAM

Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.with caregiver

Class meets for two hours initially with a parent or caregiver. Then independently with our teachers, following a gentle separation process that begins in December and culminates in early January. At that time, class will be extended to 11:30 a.m. without parents or caregivers. 

INTENTIONAL PLAY


Intentional play is celebrated at Third Street Preschool as a powerful tool for learning and growth. Play is recognized as a medium through which children develop creativity, social skills, and cognitive abilities. Tactile play develops fine and gross motor skills, physical play stimulates growth, and make-believe play accelerates social-emotional learning.


Through guided and imaginative play, children explore their interests, express themselves freely, and build a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

MUSIC AND THE ARTS


Music and the arts play a prominent role in the educational experience at Third Street Preschool. Recognizing the transformative power of artistic expression, the school encourages students to explore their creativity and self-expression through various artistic mediums. Whether through music, visual arts, or performing arts, children are given the opportunity to develop their artistic talents, fostering a well-rounded and enriched educational experience.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING


We respect young children’s eagerness to experiment first hand, something John Dewey refers to as “learning by doing.” Whether they are visiting our garden, constructing a block tower, mixing a new color or responding to a story, children interact with their environment, using it as a springboard for critical thinking and creative expression.

Toddler Teachers

The teachers at Third Street Preschool are truly second to none due to their unwavering dedication to the holistic development of each child. They prioritize fostering a sense of inquiry, nurturing a strong sense of belonging, and instilling a lifelong love of learning in their students. With a combination of expertise, compassion, and creativity, the teachers at Third Street Preschool leave an indelible mark on each child's educational journey, making them truly exceptional.


Mira Shaar

Lead Teacher


This is Mira's first year as lead teacher at Third Street Preschool. She comes to us from the Educational Alliance where she taught 3K and UPK classes. Mira brings with her a wealth of experience and creative energy in teaching preschool-aged children. She has taught at the Brotherhood Nursery School, the JCC of Manhattan's Zabar Nursery School, the 92nd Street Y Parenting Center and the Two-by-Two Program at the 14th Street Y. Mira holds an M.A. in early childhood education, a B.A. in art, and is certified by NYS to teach preschool through sixth grade. 


Lourdes Rivera

Associate Teacher


Lou is an Associate Teacher in the Toddler Class. Before starting at Third Street Preschool, she worked at a preschool in Chelsea for twenty-five years with children ages two through four years old. When Lou's children were in grade school, she volunteered at their schools for several years and was an active member of The Parents Association. She is delighted to be a part of the Third Street Preschool community.
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