Dance

Our dance program provides an outlet where our students play, listen and dance to musical activities. Besides being fun, dance time stimulates early childhood development and enables them to express themselves creatively.Our fantastic Dance Teacher is Pamela Ganpat, who is a member of ASCAP and has been a dance instructor for six years. 

Music

Our music program seeks to enhance early childhood development and creative skills through music. Our students develop awareness of different sounds and rhythms, and an appreciation of songs and language. The program is implemented weekly by the terrific Ed Silver, a professional musician, certified music therapist and former NYC music teacher.

Afterschool Program

This program is designed to assist students from K-6 with homework. Children are picked up from school, provided a snack and given assistance with homework. Once homework is complete, students also participate in arts and crafts, indoor games and outdoor fun.

Availability:

Books and Rattles Preschool

Integrated Program

Books & Rattles, Inc. offers a specialized opportunity for children with a range of special needs to participate in a least restrictive educational environment, learning and growing from typically developing children in an enriched social, cognitive and language environment. Books & Rattles, Inc. utilizes an enriched early childhood curriculum modifying instructional goals to meet the unique needs of our students. We utilize best practices in early childhood special and general education methodologies. We also draw from specialized programming in the arts, computer technology and incorporate the many rich cultural opportunities available in our community to provide our children with life changing educational experiences.

Our program is founded in the belief that we live in an inclusive world where differences are respected and embraced and differences are an opportunity not an obstacle. With this in mind, our commitment is to provide all of our families and children with varied opportunities to live and learn in a proactive environment preparing our families and children for higher education opportunities in inclusive settings whenever possible. Our program offers the following:

* Full and half day programs available 8:00-1:30/2:00-4:30 with extended preschool services available

*Highly experienced administrative team available to administrators, families and children. Together our team has over 50 years in the field of early childhood and general education with specializations in psychology, speech and language development and behavioral interventions

*Licensed teachers and assistant teachers in early childhood general and special education

*Trained para professionals for those students who require such services

* Supervision, mentoring and extensive staff development to ensure delivery of best instructional practices

* Specialized curriculum to provide enriched teaching content with modifications in delivery for all learning and language needs

* Creative Arts curriculum with specialized instruction in dance, music and art

*Multicultural learning activities with greater community institutions such as theater, music and museums trips

*Approved to provide instruction in the following languages: Spanish, Hindi, Urdu, Mandarin and Cantonese. Our staff are ESL trained to embrace the most current second language methodologies

*Speech, Occupational, Physical and Play therapy with Sensory gyms at all sites

* We implement Classroom Consultation and Behavioral Interventionist Model

*Parent involvement and monthly parent support and information groups available

Availability:

Peek-A-Boo! Learning Center
Books and Rattles Preschool
The Learning Tree
Books & Rattles, Inc. @ A to Z Center Too

Universal Pre-Kindergarten

The UPK program is a collaboration between NYS Board of Educations and Books & Rattles, Inc. to provide high-quality early childhood education to all four-year-old children. The Pre-K program provides free 2 ½ hour classes, 5 days a week, from September to June. Enrollment is determined by October 1^st of each year. To see if your child qualifies, and for more information on this program, go here.

Availability:

Peek-A-Boo! Learning Center
Books and Rattles Preschool
The Learning Tree

Preschool program 3-4 years

Books & Rattles, Inc. provides many opportunities for children to develop their own interests and to learn to work cooperatively with others. Children flourish in a well organized and clearly defined environment that is arranged to promote independence. High reach curriculum is filled with various activities to enhance the cognitive and sensory development of the child. Our community preschool program provides an enriched play-based curriculum an innovative classroom environment for our students. We offer full time and part time between 7 am and 7pm. Our Preschool Program includes:

*Highly trained and experienced Early Childhood Directors

*NYS licensed teachers and trained teacher's aides

*Enriched curriculum and multicultural learning to meet the needs of each age group

*Affordable tuition

*Nutritious meals and snacks provided

*Loving and nurturing environment

*Creative arts program including dance, music and art

*Field trips, sports activities and outdoor playground

We accept ACD, HRA and Begin Vouchers

Availability:

Peek-A-Boo! Learning Center
Books and Rattles Preschool
The Learning Tree