Harbor Country Day School, an independent co-educational elementary school located in St. James, announced today that it is expanding its preschool program to include a Preschool 2s program beginning January 9, 2020.  

 

The play-based program will feature a thematic approach that includes whole-group and small-group activities such as crafts, science explorations, and interactive play. A 4:1 student-teacher ratio will enable individualized instruction for each child, within an environment that is loving, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate. Kindness and empathy will be cornerstones of the program, so that children can learn to build trust and joyful experiences as they begin to understand the world around them.

 

“For some children, this is their first experience in a school setting,” said Krystina Gallo, head of the early childhood division at Harbor Country Day. “Our goal is to introduce them to the experience in a safe and loving way, so that they develop a love of learning and creativity, exploration, and discovery from a very young age.”

 

 

Harbor Country Day School Head of School John Cissel added: “Harbor is a school that cares deeply about each child. We believe in children. We give them all of the tools they need to succeed, and then we step back and watch them blossom. It starts the moment a child steps out of their car on their first day of school and ends when we see them make their final walk at Harbor to receive their diploma. Now, with the launch of our Preschool 2s program, we are thrilled to offer families the chance to begin this journey with us in the toddler years, which are such a developmentally consequential time in the life of a child.”

 

Beginning January 9, 2020, the program will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Harbor Country Day School, 17 Three Sisters Road in St. James. Families interested in learning more about the program may contact Christine McBrien, director of admission, at (631) 584-5555 or at cmcbrien@hcdsny.org.

 

About Harbor Country Day School

Founded in 1958 by conscientious parents, Harbor Country Day School is an independent, co-educational day school for children from preschool through 8th grade situated in St. James’ Village of Head of the Harbor. The school employs a whole-child approach to education, wherein its rigorous curriculum is supported by a broad program in its academic, athletic, advisory, and visual and performing arts departments designed to develop all aspects of each child's talents and interests. Harbor Country Day School’s summer camp program, Camp Harbor, is among the leading summer camp programs on Long Island. The school’s mission to “cherish childhood, cultivate wonder, and inspire confident learners and leaders” underscores every child’s experience at Harbor Country Day School and ensures that all of its graduates are prepared to lead fulfilling lives filled with wonder, confidence, and many successes.

 

Harbor Country Day School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by and a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees.  For more information, visit www.hcdsny.org.