Third Street Music School Settlement

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TWOS

2-3 YEARS

As they enter their first preschool experience, the Twos are warmly welcomed by their teachers. Classroom activities such as puzzles, easel painting, and pretend play engage their interests, and soon new friendships begin to take shape. The Twos enjoy daily outdoor time, snack, song and story times, a meeting and lunch. Each morning has a familiar rhythm that is easy for Twos to anticipate and enjoy. When a special activity occurs, such as a visit to the music school’s drum room, a picture appears on their schedule wall; they know what to expect. The Twos day is rich with hands-on learning opportunities.

THE PROGRAM

Three-Day Program: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Five-Day Program: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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.

2s 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

2s 3-day 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. 


Alison Roque

2s 5-day Lead Teacher


Alison is extremely excited to join the 2's class at Third Street this year. She has over 30 years of experience in early childhood education and had the privilege of helping launch the Pre-K for All initiative with Bank Street College as a classroom coach across New York City and more recently as a Lead Teacher in a preschool setting on the East side. Alison has a passion for progressive education and considers herself a lifelong learner. She has her M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Conflict Resolution and Peaceable Schools from Lesely University. When not teaching Alison enjoys spending time with her family camping across the U.S. and this past summer they hit all 50 states!


Lourdes Rivera

2s 3-day 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.


Michael Samson

2s 5-day Associate Teacher


Over the past ten years, Michael has served as Music Director for middle and high school band and orchestra programs in California, coached marching bands, and most recently has been working in PreK and 3K classrooms in Brooklyn. He graduated from Ithaca College earning a Bachelor of Music in Composition with an emphasis in piano performance. He resides in Crown Heights with his two cats, Simon and Garfunkel.


Theresa Swink

2s 3-day Associate Teacher


Theresa joined Third Street Preschool this year. She has been working with a two’s class for the last six years and before that, she worked with 2’s, 3’s, and 4's. She also has vast experience working with second-grade, third-grade, fifth-grade, and special education classes.
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