PREP FOR LITTLES
ALTERNATIVE PRESCHOOL
18 Months - 4 Years
Prep for Littles provides children, ages 18 months through 4 years, with an opportunity to gain a sense of independence. Both caregiver and child gradually go through a separation process in a nurturing and stimulating environment. Activities are designed to build the necessary skills that encourage a smooth transition into preschool and/or kindergarten. We offer a 1-5 day options Monday through Friday from 9:00-11:00 AM. All instruction has a 4 children to 1 coach / teacher ratio. The program is divided into two parts - sports in our gym and structured classroom time.​
We offer an extended day option (+55 minutes from 11:00-11:55 AM).
IN THE CLASSROOM
The classroom segment focuses on socialization, structured activities and preschool routines that have an emphasis on basic language development (shapes, colors, numbers) and other cognitive skills. Classroom time is usually centered on an art project, story or circle time, cooking, STEM and imagination play that builds fine motor skills. Classroom time is divided into 15-20 minute activities that provide stimulating content while allowing children to explore and learn new concepts.
IN THE GYM
The sports portion of the program focuses on skill-development in soccer, basketball, softball/baseball, tennis, golf, volleyball, floor hockey, lacrosse and FunFitness (track & field and gymnastics skills). The program allows for the participants to gain full development according to their skill phase in each sport by means of correct repetition and practice. Children practice and refine their sports skills through specific drills, specialized FunFit activities, game scenarios and fun play. There is an emphasis on structured play, instruction and following directions. ​
PHILOSOPHY
Our approach has five principle tenets:
Child led experiential learning that encourages kids to explore their curiosity in a meaningful and educational way.
Fun play that builds on imagination, teamwork, confidence, technical sport skills and gross-motor fundamentals.
4:1 child to teacher ratio, which ensures observant and nurturing teachers give the most care and attention your child deserves.
A gentle, guided separation process, which supports the needs of each child’s unique situation, while encouraging a sense of independence.
A structured routine that focuses on consistency and lays the fundamentals for classroom etiquette - kids slowly know what to expect and what is expected of them.
OUR DIRECTORS
Miss Jessica was born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She works for Columbia University, specifically working at The School at Columbia’s after school program since it’s inception over 15 years ago. She also works at Columbia University’s Little Lions Sports Camp. She loves to knit, bake and cheer on the NYC Marathon runners every year. Her ideal weekend starts out with a very late breakfast from Zabar’s.
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Coach Danny has a Masters in Education and over ten years of experience working in youth programing with a focus on children ages 2-7, largely working on the Upper West Side, NYC. Danny is well versed in writing curriculum that focuses on experiential learning and physical education. Danny was an athlete, playing hockey internationally and soccer at the collegiate level. With his wife Robyn, he founded FunFit Kids and together are parents of a beautiful baby boy.
