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preschool

At the Heart of the Pleasantville Children’s Center as it Turns 50: Guided Play, Meaningful Activities in a Nurturing, Caring Environment

August 18, 2023 by Christine Pasqueralle

Tucked away in an antique carriage house on an idyllic stretch of Bedford Road sits the Pleasantville Children’s Center (PCC) which is celebrating 50 years of providing early childhood education to the community. I recently spoke to PCC’s Director Colleen Sharif about the school, the community, and what the future has in store for PCC!

PCC was founded in October 1972 by a group of mothers who worked together at Reader’s Digest. They were looking for a special place for their children to learn and grow and succeeded in founding PCC. Since then, although educational methods have evolved, the philosophy stays the same – early childhood growth through a developmentally appropriate curriculum emphasizing self-expression, discovery, and problem solving with the goal of fostering a life-long enjoyment of learning.

PCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run by a Board of Directors comprised of parents. The Board is incredibly valuable to the school as it sets the vision for the school year by going over budgets, projects, events and more. As Sharif says, “During the pandemic, parents at all levels of education became more involved in school decisions- attending school board meetings and staying on top of policy changes, health and safety updates, etc. I think a lot more parents realized the benefits of being involved in and educated about important school matters and decisions. This is something that PCC has valued for 50 years! Parent involvement and teamwork with educators creates a well-rounded education for young children. We hope parents leave PCC with a drive to keep that involvement going as children enter the primary grades.”

What drives PCC is its focus on the children and its surrounding community. “We’re here to elevate childhood – we create a first educational experience for kids 2-5 where they can come and be loved, respected and cared for. They learn to love education and look forward to school by making learning a source of enjoyment and fulfillment.” PCC’s philosophy is centered on guided play and the view that teachers are guides for the kids. Teachers here are highly trained and educated in guided play and set up inviting and meaningful learning activities, open-ended play and lots of outside time – being in nature and going on walks. Instead of two, there are now three teachers in each classroom, allowing for more personal knowledge of and deeper relationships with each child. Teachers become a child’s “key person” which is helpful in fostering deeper relationships as well as honing in on any behavioral needs and more.

Now more than ever is the time for PCC to be in celebration mode as the school has been busy celebrating its 50th anniversary, while looking towards its bright future. “Our anniversary was during Covid and we weren’t quite ready to do something in Fall 2022. We thought, let’s do something to celebrate the culmination of 50 school years completed,” says Sharif. As the school is a member of the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce, they held a ribbon-cutting ceremony which was featured on PCTV.

Toward a First Little Free Library

But still, Sharif thought, they wanted to do more – something to give back to the community. “A Board member thought about having a Little Free Library (LittleFreeLibrary.org) and Pleasantville didn’t yet have any. We rent our school property from the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church so we asked them if we could install the library on their property as a thank you for being here for 50 years, and they thought it was great idea.” This is the first Little Free Library in Pleasantville and is a way to give back to the community-at-large. The school ordered an unfinished library and a parent volunteer painted it and added woodwork to make it look like the PCC building – a truly special act.

The school also celebrated the big 5-0 with an event at The Thorn of Thornwood. Many community members including the mayor, church officials, past parents and more were there to help celebrate. Laurie Smalley, Town of Mount Pleasant Councilwoman, presented PCC with a certificate at the event. In addition, the school has created the “PCC for Good” fund which aims to better the greater Pleasantville community through acts such as subsidized attendance to low-income families, providing emergency support to families suffering unexpected loss and more.

The fund was established in memory of founding member Barbara Waugh and PCC raised $2,000 for the fund at the anniversary event. “We always try to take advantage of community events and bolster our presence in the community,” says Sharif. “Word of mouth helps us and having our logo out there (on the Little Free Library) helps people know about us and our mission.”

In its vital role, the PCC Board of Directors helps plan community-based activities for kids and parents to be involved outside of school. It provides PCC with a sense of community and teamwork, and parents really feel they’re involved in the day-to-day of the school. PCC is the only preschool in Pleasantville that is a non-profit and run by a Board of parents.

Many parents feel very passionately about PCC and its role in their children’s lives. “The connection my son has formed with every educator he has been in contact with at PCC is nothing short of amazing. There is nothing I would change about the educators or the curriculum. It is an excellent program which is truly developmentally appropriate,” says Gianna Marzella. “The staff here becomes a part of your family and community. They show up every day with genuine love for what they do and for your child.”

“What School Should Be”

Current Board Co-President Gianine Beall shares the same sentiments. “PCC is such a special place and such a great way to introduce children to what school should be. It offers a caring, nurturing and safe environment while also encouraging children to find learning to be a source of fun and fulfillment.”

Full board and staff of PCC at a year-end dinner at Tesoro D’Italia in Pleasantville

“As soon as we met PCC’s director, Colleen Sharif, we thought she was just wonderful – and that gave us so much confidence that PCC was the right place for our kids. It was clear from the start there was a passion for education, and the teachers are incredible,” says Board member Ben Brierley. “Overall, we felt PCC’s philosophy and values mirrored our own, and it gives a foundation to help our kids to grow up to be kind people, who help others and value their family, friends and community.”

PCC teachers (L-R): Sonia Varshney, Colleen Sharif, Angela Riina, Rebekah Lavigne, Stacie Allen
L-R: Jennifer Liddle, Nicole Fusco, Colleen Sharif, Erika Mongello, and Katie Alvarez
PCC teachers (L-R): Shweta Singhal, Rebekah Lavigne, Allison Clancy, Colleen Sharif,
Sonia Varshney, Angela Riina, Stacie Alln

As for the future, Sharif knows it’s a bright one. “We’re thriving and continue to offer a great preschool experience – highlighting our strengths and incorporating academics into play.” Teachers are integral to its overall program and PCC’s goal is to recruit and retain staff.

“We give teachers support, training, professional development and every year creates a better atmosphere and sense of community with the staff and parents.” Since PCC does not follow a specific state curriculum, it can pivot lessons very quickly. “Altering the curriculum to meet the interests of the child so they’re immersed in learning – that’s the best way to teach.”

“We’re continuing to offer a great pre-school experience – highlighting our strengths of incorporating academics into play. There’s a way to do both and it takes educated and experienced teachers to make learning fun and a source of enjoyment. We want to teach kids the skills they need without taking away their love and excitement to learn.”

Pre-K comes to PUFS

In mid-July the Pleasantville Union Free School District announced that they anticipate starting a Pre-K program beginning in January 2024 at no cost to district residents. New York State has provided funding to the District for 76 students for the 23-24 school year. If more than 76 students wish to enroll, the District is required to use a lottery system. Please visit pleasantvilleschools.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PCC AND CHAD DAVID KRAUS PHOTOGRAPHY

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: 50th Year Anniversary, Little Free Library, Pleasantville Children's Center, pre-K, preschool

“Why We Like to Go to School at World Cup”

December 2, 2019 by The Inside Press

Courtesy of World Cup Nursery School & Kindergarten

1. I like to run on the playground.

2. I like to eat lunch with my friends.

3. I like doing my job of the day (they are hired!).

4. I like playing with my friends and the toys.

5. I like to make things with play dough.

6. It’s special and magical.

7. It’s fun and I like to make the loft a pet shop.

8. I like to make my friends laugh.

9. There are no monsters in school (we loved this one!)

and, the #1 response was…

10. I love my teacher!

Visit us at worldcupnurseryschool.com

Filed Under: Health and Wellness with our Sponsors Tagged With: Kindergarten, Nursery School, playground, preschool, Teachers, World Cup

Child Care Support in New Castle

November 13, 2019 by The Inside Press

This area offers places and people who bring peace of mind to busy working parents who may not have their own sitter, or who may need additional care for their child or children. Here are a few affordable options that many in the community rely on and value enormously.

Chappaqua Children’s Workshop (CCW)

CCW provides an exciting educational experience for children before and after school in the Chappaqua School District. The educational programming is geared to helping each child gain confidence, independence, and a positive self-image. CCW serves children from elementary schools: Grafflin, Roaring Brook and Westorchard (additional separate programs available for middle school students). ccwkids.org

Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC)

Established in 1971, MKCCC provides high quality, affordable care and early education to a diverse group of children in a safe and healthy environment. MKCCC, a non-profit organization, cares daily for 145 children, ages three months to 11 years in a modern, state-of-the-art facility. An 8-week, full-day summer camp is offered for school-aged children in Kindergarten–5th Grade. MKCCC’s award winning curriculum includes a Feed Me Fresh garden-to-table nutritional program and intergenerational programming with My Second Home. With over 20,000 square feet of living space, the Center features growth and learning opportunities in a cozy setting with the warmth and security of home. In addition, 7,500 square feet of outdoor play space is perfect for everything from picnics to gardening. mkccc.org.

Oak Lane Child Care Center

Year-round, full-day program founded in 1972 by a group of working parents from the Pleasantville Cottage School. The organization began as a community of families and staff working together to create the best environment for the children, and officially opened in Chappaqua in 1982. Oak Lane offers four classes in its Center. The Toddler classroom accommodates children who range in age from 18 months to 3 years. In three Pre-K classrooms–two for children between the ages of three and four, and one for children four-turning-five. Nutritious meal plan provided by our on-site chef. oaklaneccc.org

A Note about PRESCHOOL and KINDERGARTEN

Many move to Chappaqua with their youngest in tow, or soon to be in tow, seeking excellent preschool options too. Prior to elementary school, the district offers full day kindergarten. Fortunately, quality preschool choices abound too from the many programs found in area houses of worship to private and not for profit options. Be sure to schedule visits and meet with the preschool director and take a tour to find the best fit for your child and for your family.

Descriptions above courtesy of respective organizations mentioned.

Filed Under: Discover New Castle Tagged With: Chappaqua Children's Workshop, child care, Kindergarten, Oak Lane Child Care Center, preschool

Play Care Early Learning Center Aims to Ready Kids for Kindergarten and Beyond

August 25, 2017 by Justin Ellick

The Director of the Play Care Center, Xann Palmer
Ask any working parent with young children what their number one concern is and most will say finding quality childcare. As someone who attended a daycare center in Chapapaqua as a young child, I can attest how important it was for my parents to find a day care for me that allowed them both to relax on the job and not have to worry about my safety and wellbeing. They wanted to find a place that would also inspire a love of learning in my formative years. Luckily, there is a great option here in town for Chappaqua parents called the Play Care Early Learning Center.

Play Care on Orchard Ridge Road in Chappaqua was established in 1971 as a cooperative and a mission of the First Congregational Church, allowing mothers the opportunity to participate in various community events and activities. The Director of the Play Care Center, Xann Palmer, who’s had more than 20 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education, views this origin as a big reason why Play Care has evolved into what it is today.

“The church, in 1971, started a co-op here, church members helping each other, where the moms took on shifts, so to speak”, said Palmer. “One person maybe watched kids on Monday and Tuesday and the other person did Thursday, Friday, in that kind of capacity. And we’ve grown into a licensed program by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.”

Since that time, Play Care has developed into a fully-equipped day care facility and preschool with a large experienced staff of teachers, aides and of course the Director of Play Care, Xann Palmer. While the center isn’t affiliated with the church in any way, the center has maintained a close relationship with families by continuing the robust volunteering program that birthed the program in the first place.

“We’re not affiliated in any way with the church, there is no faith-based learning.

We serve everyone. We have all kinds of cultures and people from diverse backgrounds in our program and we honor them all. But, we have held on to where the parents play a part in the program in a volunteer component”, said Ms. Palmer. “We like having the parents present and a lot of them can be present in the morning and some can’t, so we find other ways for them to participate as well.”

The center has two levels of classroom spaces, both of which are above grade so the classrooms are actually filled with natural light. Over the past two years they have updated the spaces by putting in new tile flooring and renovating parts of the main level.

Additionally, Play Care provides a high level of security with a centrally wired alarm system and locked security doors at the program’s entrance. Only staff members and enrolled families are assigned access keys eliminating the entry of unauthorized visitors. The center also has a spacious and gated outdoor playground area that children use for outdoor activities and games.

The Play Care Early Learning Center’s goal is to be the program that families turn to in the Northern Westchester community to provide their children a quality early childhood experience. The employees recognize that these early learning years are crucial in laying the foundation for all future learning environments and they take pride in providing the resources to families in a nurturing and respectful manner, especially Director Xann Palmer.

“Our goals are just to help children have that first school experience be a positive one,” said Palmer. We want them to want to come to school. We want them to enjoy learning. And we want to offer them as many good experiences as they can while they’re with us,” she continued. “Most of all, we want to ensure that every child leaves the program ready for kindergarten and all other future endeavors.”

Filed Under: Lifestyles with our Sponsors Tagged With: After school, center, Chappaqua, first congregational church, Learning, Play Care, playcare, preschool

On Being Brave in Preschool

October 21, 2015 by The Inside Press

Screenshot 2015-10-16 12.26.39

“My stomach feels funny.  What if no one likes me?  What if someone is mean to me?  I think I am going cry. I should turnaround. I am going to close my eyes. Okay I am in. Okay let mommy’s hand go.”

Choosing to be courageous starts at an early age. We see this bravery in our World Cup students every day. From choosing to walk through the doors on their first day of preschool to asking to join in a game with other children, to committing to their first back handspring, even our youngest students amaze us with their valor. As parents and as a community, we should nurture this courage by giving our children the opportunity to make those spirited choices. Challenge them to try new things like a new sport or a new vegetable from the farmer’s market, and make sure to praise them when they  do. Introduce them to the brave role models in their neighborhood, from the fireman and  policeman to their local politicians. Show courage by your example. Explain to your child how you don’t just follow the crowd but follow your own path based on your  beliefs. www.worldcupschools.com

Filed Under: Sponsor News! Tagged With: bravery, children, Inside Press, Learning, preschool, theinsidepress.com, World Cup

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