The Alternative to Preschool program is designed for parents and children who do not want the pressure of a preschool program but are ready for more than "mommy and me" classes.  It also gives parents time for themselves.  This program provides a natural transition between home and a full-day school program.  As a trained child therapist (see About Nyla), I have designed a unique curriculum that allows children to learn and develop socially and emotionally in a natural, nurturing and fun way.

We are currently located at  86th Street and West End Avenue in a large, sunny classroom that provides the perfect environment for a full morning of activities.  There is also a comfortable waiting room where parents and babysitter can choose to wait during the session. . We are there Tuesdays and Thursday, 9:00 to 12:00 (the first 15 minutes of session are not drop-off).

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings Alternative to Preschool runs out of 72nd and Columbus . 

Some of the children who attend the Alternative to Preschool program also attend other programs and use Play Together's small setting to practice skills and independence.
  
Play Together NYC's fall curriculum incorporates a variety of activities designed to encourage development and emotional growth in six areas: creative play, socialization, language skills, visual and sensory skills (art), rhythm/music skills and small group learning. These activities can be made more or less complex based on the specific needs of each child and of the group as a whole. 
 
Pretend or Creative Play: 
A major component of our curriculum, our guided scenarios give children a backdrop to exercise their own creativity and spontaneous thing. The "make-believe" games promote the development of interactive skills and gross motor skills. Children love this aspect of the program and often use the pretend scenarios during their free time. This strengthens the social bonds of the children and allows for more sophisticated learning.
 
Social Skills Development:
A child that doesn't have social skills becomes an adult without social skills.  Learning and practicing phrases to say to their friends such as: "Stop - I do not like that" empowers children and builds self-confidence - a child that doesn't run to her parents every time she's unhappy. By incorporating social skills development into our activities, we provide opportunities to practice and master these skills. 
 
Language Building Skills:
Developing the abilities to listen to and follow directions are important new skills for young children. Our curriculum supports children as they develop the skills to remain focused on the teacher or group leader.  The use of "circle time" helps children to extend their attention span through the use of singing and music. Rhyming songs are a fun way for children to children learn sound recognition and build memory skills.

Art:
Art projects allow for creative exploration and supports sensory integration (for example, we paint on black paper using shaving cream mixed with glue - a three-dimensional project that allows for visual-perceptual exploration while building hand strength and pre-writing skills). 

Music:
The goal of this activity is the development of musical enjoyment and music skills. In a fun and playful atmosphere, children are introduced to musical language, theory, playing and singing. We will play percussion instruments and glockenspiels and we will sing and move. During the lessons children will learn:

• Musical songs and games
• Recognizing notes and reading music
• Rhythmical movement, eurhythmics
• Develop rhythmical sense
• Singing, pitch retention
• Familiarity with percussion instruments
• How to play together

Music will be taught byVibe Normann Clausen (see about us for bio) once per week and by Nyla on the remaining days.
 
Small Group Learning: Small groups (based on age and ability) allow us to focus on the development of visual-perceptual learning and the beginnings of letter recognition.  Visual perception skills are practiced with puzzles, blocks, and related three-dimensional work.  Letter recognition is fostered through the use of the Itchy's Alphabet sensory integration learning system.  This is a rich curriculum that integrates sounds and pictures to enhance letter learning.  

Drop Off and Free Play. A time for children to interact and practice developing social skills, with my own observations and guidance to help maximize social learning and the development of communication skills.  Children may also utilize a sensory project or choose from a variety of age-appropriate toys. 
 
Circle Time: Primarily used to build vocabulary and lengthen attention span, this format includes a short educational presentation and a related story, and ends with interactive songs that promote the development of cognitive memory and language skills, and provides opportunities for children to practice turn-taking.  
Classical Music Class: This lesson involves lessons in the use of musical instruments, songs and games, rhythmic movement, reading music notation and following a conductor.
 
Bathroom Break: All of the children go together as a group to use the bathroom and wash hands. Those children who are not yet trained can be accommodated and usually become interested in using the bathroom when they see their peers doing so.  
 
Snack Time: Everyone brings their own snack. During snack time, a story is read or a discussion is lead. 
 
Art: Sensory project. This could be a 2D or a 3D project that promotes exploration of materials. 
 
Drama/Movement/Dance: After a period of listening and sitting, children need to move and groove, so we have large movement activities at this time. For example, we may pretend to be different animals and move across the room.  We might also enter a rocket ship and travel to the Moon.  
 
Yoga : Each day we will practice poses gradually building up our repertoire over the year. This will help children with their coordination, fluidity and control of movement. 

Free Play: Young children need time to explore and follow their whims in a safe environment. This time allows children to practice their social skills and initiate play. We are actively engaged with the children during this time to assist and guide them as needed. 
 
Free Art and Puzzle Time/ Small Group learning: Children can draw, work with homemade playdough or put together puzzles.  Older children will use work books and other activities to build academic skills.
 
The session concludes with a goodbye song.