The Children's Center
The Children's Center provides quality child care and early childhood education programs for children of students including undergraduate, graduate students and students enrolled in other programs at the College of Staten Island. The Center offers an infant/toddler program, a preschool program, 3K and Pre K For All programs, and a school age program, all featuring hands on learning experiences in a caring, well-supervised environment.
The Children’s Center has returned to 100% in-person learning experiences for our programs offered.
Contact Information
During the COVID pandemic the Center continued the children’s learning opportunities remotely, via Zoom program, with a focus on engaging language and emotional support for children, and partnerships with families. This program can be implemented when necessary – at the Center’s Discretion.
The Center offers a home-school link through our weekly Newsletters and Family Fun Activities which encourages Family participation. The children experience a variety of age appropriate exploratory activities throughout the day, as well visits from: the Children’s Librarian from the New York Public Library, music and movement with our music Specialist, and visit from The Wildside Zoo or the Staten Island Children’s Museum.
The Center is licensed by the New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Day Care, and is sponsored by the College of Staten Island Association, Inc. All child care programs are partially supported by state and federal funds. The 3K and Pre K For All programs are funded by the New York City Department of Education. The availability of these programs is contingent upon continued funding by these sources.
Infant/Toddler
The infant/toddler program is offered for children from 6 to 24 months*. These very young
children explore the world around them under the watchful eyes of an experienced, nurturing staff.
Preschool
The preschool program for children from 2 to 6 years of age* focuses on the individual development of each child in the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical areas.
3K and Pre K For All
The Center currently offers five-day 3K and Pre K For All programs, in cooperation with the New York City Department of Education. Children who are three years of age by December 31st of the calendar year may apply for the 3K program. Children who are four years of age by December 31st of the calendar year may apply for the Pre K program. Applications for 3K and Pre K For All are completed on the Department of Education website. CSI Student/Parents may extend their child’s day, outside of these hours, to meet their class needs.
School Age
The school age program for children from 5 to 9 years of age* involves an array of creative and problem solving activities as well as homework assistance and outdoor play.
* Ages as of September 1st of the calendar year.
Staff
The directors and head teachers are experienced professional educators certified in Early Childhood or Elementary Education. Each preschool classroom is staffed by a head teacher and an assistant teacher.
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Our program is proud to have earned NAEYC Accreditation – the mark of quality for early learning programs.