Prelude to Preschool
School year program for children (12- 34 months) with an adult
Join Us at Prelude to Preschool
We're currently accepting applications for the school year.
Apply Now Book A TourOur Prelude to Preschool Programs ensure a joyous and engaging beginning to your child’s lifelong education.
Our Prelude to Preschool 2-day-a-week program helps children develop confidence, community, and independence during their first experience of school. Children, with the comfort of their parent/caregiver present, explore their new educational environment, while the adults slowly phase out over the school year. We also offer a 1-day-a-week program Friday Feature.
For children 12–34 months, our mixed-age program offers community and cultivates independence. Each program includes art, music, creative movement, story-telling, and open play in our classroom learning centers. Each section participates in gross motor skills time in our sun-filled spaces. Grown-ups will also enjoy camaraderie and support in our discussion groups and evening parenting workshops.
The Jewish values of kindness, respect, and inclusivity are reflected in our curriculum and throughout our Early Childhood programs.
Learn more about the Prelude to Preschool by booking a free in-person tour with our incredible staff. See firsthand why families love being a part of our vibrant and warm community.
If you have questions or would like to arrange for a tour, please contact Catherine Wenglowski, Manager of Early Childhood Admissions, at CWenglowski@14streety.org or call her at 646-395-4327.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to our school!
Programs
For Children Ages 12 – 34 months
Begins September 2025
Your child must be one by September 1, 2025 to attend Prelude to Preschool.
A perfect prelude to preschool, this program helps toddlers develop friendships, master the routines, materials and activities of an early childhood classroom, and discover the joys of being independent! Small class size and high teacher-to-student ratios ensure plenty of individualized attention and support as the adults are gradually phased out of the room.
For information about Prelude to Preschool, please email Jill Shely, Associate Director of Early Childhood Programs, JShely@14streety.org or call 646-395-4337.
For Children Ages 12 – 34 months
Begins September 2024
Your child must be one by September 1, 2024 to attend Prelude to Preschool.
A perfect prelude to preschool, this program helps toddlers develop friendships, master the routines, materials and activities of an early childhood classroom, and discover the joys of being independent! Small class size and high teacher-to-student ratios ensure plenty of individualized attention and support as the adults are gradually phased out of the room.
For information about Prelude to Preschool, please email Jill Shely, Associate Director of Early Childhood Programs, JShely@14streety.org or call 646-395-4337.
For Children Ages 12 – 34 months
Begins January 2025
We will soon be accepting applications for the Half-Year/Winter Session of Prelude to Preschool, which begins January 2025.
Your child must be one by January 1, 2025 to attend this program.
A perfect prelude to preschool, this program helps toddlers develop friendships, master the routines, materials and activities of an early childhood classroom, and discover the joys of being independent! Small class size and high teacher-to-student ratios ensure plenty of individualized attention and support as the adults are gradually phased out of the room.
For more information about the Half-Year Prelude to Preschool option, please contact Catherine Wenglowski, Manager of Early Childhood Admissions, at CWenglowski@14streety.org or call 646-395-4327.
Rates for the 2024/2025 School Year
14Y Member: $7,975
Non-Member: $8,750
Tuition includes two days a week, two-hour sessions each day that start from when you enter the building until you leave.
Please note that pricing for the 2024/2025 school year will be available soon.
Financial Aid
Some financial aid is available according to demonstrated need. Applications will be available by request. Applications for financial aid for and all supporting data is to submitted as soon as possible once your application is complete.
If you would like a FA application or have questions, call Nili Shriber, Director of Early Childhood Programs, at 646-395-4328 or NShriber@14StreetY.org.
Prelude to Preschool Tours
We’re currently offering in-person tours for potential Prelude to Preschool families.
In-person tours meet with Catherine Wenglowski, Manager of Early Childhood Admissions and review topics including:
- 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
If you have questions or would like to arrange for a virtual tour, please contact Catherine Wenglowski, Manager of Early Childhood Admissions, at CWenglowski@14streety.org or call her at 646-395-4327.
Meet the Prelude to Preschool Team
For more than 13 years, Nili has called the 14Y Early Childhood department her second home. Before moving to NYC to deepen her studies in early childhood at Bank Street…
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Julia joined the 14Y Early Childhood team in 2010, first as Assistant Director of the Parenting and Family Programs Department. In 2018, she joined the Preschool team and currently manages…
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Jill Shely has been part of the 14Y community for more than 15 years. Jill is the Associate Director of Early Childhood and has worked at the 14Y as a…
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Catherine first learned of the 14Y more than 18 years ago as a brand-new mom attending Parenting Classes! Her work at the 14Y began in 2008 as a head teacher of…
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