PlayTogether NYC, located on the Upper West Side, uses a play therapy-based program to teach students (2-4 years old) social skills, social learning and analytical reasoning. This approach to teaching is based on the concept that play is a universal language accessible to all children, introducing them to critical life skills, including self-acceptance and acceptance of others, negotiation, contribution and turn-taking. Students also learn to read the emotional cues of others, as well as develop their own emotional control.

But this isn't unstructured play. In addition to circle time, arts & crafts, music and more, students are also given guided scenarios. For example, when playing "fire people," teachers line up chairs and give each student a paper hose. The kids then play out getting dressed for the fire, using the fire truck and putting out the fire, all of which is staged with props (hospital and restaurant are two more popular scenarios). The kids take turns playing different roles, allowing them to exercise their own creativity and spontaneous expression, as well as develop interactive skills and gross motor skills. 

And since every child is different with unique interests, skills and stages of development, each student receives a custom Personal Development Plan, created by the school’s founder, Nyla Kamlet, L.C.S.W., a recognized leading expert in the field of child development. The Plan includes academic and socio-emotional goals tailored to each child’s developmental path, his or her interests and family concerns. Parents meet frequently with Nyla to go over their child's progress and get regular updates from teachers.

Other benefits of the school include:

• A high teacher-student ratio (12:3 for 2 & 3 year olds; 12:2 for 4 years olds)
• Small group learning time for academics
• Individual attention for all students to help them meet their academic and social goals
• The use of art and music to target pre-reading skills, fine motor coordination, creativity and language processing
• Interactive programs that teach children self-control, sharing and turn taking

Check out the PlayTogether NYC website for additional information on tuition, extended hours and more. And don't forget to take a look at our NYC Preschool Guide for tips and listings of area schools.

This post is sponsored by PlayTogether NYC, but the opinions are those solely of the author.