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Guide: Pre-School, School, and Daycare Guide

July 22, 2014

We know how daunting it is to pick places for your child, especially when you are left googling for names or hoping the mom you recently met has good recommendations.  We've reached out to several local places that provided us with summaries of their programs, and we are looking forward to receiving many more soon.  

The programs are listed below by program-type and more detailed information on each program resides in the Featured Listings.  You can access each program's Featured Listing by clicking on the name below or on the menu bar (see left). We will be continually adding more programs to the Guide throughout the year, so please check back often!  

We've also included a special article on Tips for Choosing Programs.

Programs For Twos

  • Carmel Nursery School: Our twos program is designed to introduce toddlers to separating from parents and beginning to learn the basic skills they will need for nursery school. The first few sessions can be mommy/daddy and me and then transition to a drop off class when your child is ready
  • Early Childhood Center at the JCCDC: The ECC is a child centered experiential nursery school and kindergarten that respects the importance of children's play and the uniqueness of each child.  We strive to create an environment rich in stimulation yet gentle and accepting of each child as he or she develops at his or her own pace.
  • Other Schools (non featured)


Programs for Pre-School

  • Bright Horizons, Fishkill: At Bright Horizons, our READY for SCHOOL preschool programs are filled with investigation, experimentation, and discovery Through intentional teaching practices, purposefully-designed environments, and enriched activities, teachers ensure preschoolers have joyful, appropriate, and meaningful learning experiences that lead to success in school and in life.
  • Carmel Nursery School: This is a two year program, focused on social, emotional and academic skills. Children learn to socialize, share, take turns and follow class routine. Themed units throughout the year provide the opportunity to learn in a fun environment.
  • Country Knoll Preschool and Kindergarten: We serve students age 3-5 in our preschool program that strives to meet and exceed the standards set forth by New York State.  Full and part-time schedules and a lunch program are available.  Before and after care offering homework help, free play, center time and more is also available; school age children are welcome to join.
  • Early Childhood Center at the JCCDC: The ECC is a child centered experiential nursery school and kindergarten that respects the importance of children's play and the uniqueness of each child.  We strive to create an environment rich in stimulation yet gentle and accepting of each child as he or she develops at his or her own pace.
  • Kid's Kottage Preschool and Kindergarten: Featuring small class size - no more than 12 students, strong literacy program with NYS certified reading specialist, Math & Science NYS Common Core Standards, Computers, I-Pads, Smart Board, Art, Music, Gym.
  • Mizzentop Day School: Our Pre-Kindergarten program is dedicated to providing a fun, stimulating and developmentally appropriate experience for three and four-year-old students. The program includes a low student-teacher ratio, which allows each class to provide enrichment and reinforces all areas to meet the individual needs of a child. The primary goal of the program is to create a joyful atmosphere that encourages a love of learning. This is accomplished through play, multi-sensory activities and emergent reading and writing activities. Special area offerings for pre-kindergarten students include Spanish, music, and library once each week, and physical education twice weekly
  • Other Schools (non featured)


Kindergarten Programs

  • Country Knoll Preschool and Kindergarten: We operate a private kindergarten program that strives to meet and exceed the standards set forth by New York State.  Full and part-time schedules and a lunch program are available.  Before and after care offering homework help, free play, center time and more is also available; school age children are welcome to join.
  • Early Childhood Center at the JCCDC: The ECC is a child centered experiential nursery school and kindergarten that respects the importance of children's play and the uniqueness of each child.  We strive to create an environment rich in stimulation yet gentle and accepting of each child as he or she develops at his or her own pace.
  • Kid's Kottage Preschool and Kindergarten: Featuring small class size - no more than 12 students, strong literacy program with NYS certified reading specialist, Math & Science NYS Common Core Standards, Computers, I-Pads, Smart Board, Art, Music, Gym.
  • Mizzentop Day School: Mizzentop Day School is an independent day school for students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. We provide a stimulating and innovative educational program dedicated to instilling Living Values and a life-long love of learning in each student. Small class sizes allow students to receive the individualized attention and immediate feedback that reinforce learning, and they allow teachers the opportunity to tailor instructional methods to best suit the needs of students both individually and as a group. Nonacademic subjects, extracurricular activities and athletics add to the overall educational and social experience. A caring and nurturing environment allows students to feel comfortable and at home as they enjoy the experience of learning.
  • Patterson Rec Enrichment: Turn your child's 1/2 day kindergarten program into a full day with Patterson Rec's Enrichment program.  This program is for children in Kindergarten who could benefit from an additional half day program to continue to advance their overall development.
  • Other Schools (non featured)


Private School

  • Mizzentop Day School: Mizzentop Day School is an independent day school for students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. We provide a stimulating and innovative educational program dedicated to instilling Living Values and a life-long love of learning in each student. Small class sizes allow students to receive the individualized attention and immediate feedback that reinforce learning, and they allow teachers the opportunity to tailor instructional methods to best suit the needs of students both individually and as a group. Nonacademic subjects, extracurricular activities and athletics add to the overall educational and social experience. A caring and nurturing environment allows students to feel comfortable and at home as they enjoy the experience of learning.
  • Other Schools (non featured)