By Kate O’Brien
Harbor Country Day School announced today that it will expand its preschool offerings, beginning September of 2016. The St. James independent day school will offer two options for families with children in its four-year-old preschool program.
Children may attend the school’s existing full-day program, which runs from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition, the school will offer a shorter half-day program, which will run from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The school’s three-year-old program will remain the same, running from 8:30 to 11:30, Monday through Friday (half-day) and from 8:30 to 3:00, Monday through Friday (full-day).
Students enrolled in the new half-day four-year-old program will learn about their community, traditions, the seasons, oceans and many other age-appropriate themes. They will be exposed to mathematical and science concepts, technology, reading and writing, music and art – all in a child-centered, play-based environment. The full-day program will offer students the opportunity to expand on these concepts with small-group instruction and an additional co-curricular, as well as free play.
“This expansion of our preschool offerings will give families more flexibility,” said Christine McBrien, Director of Admission and Head of the Early Childhood Division at Harbor Country Day. “During the early years, children’s development is much more variable from child to child. For some children, a full day of preschool better prepares them for a full day of kindergarten. And some four-year-olds are more suited to a shorter school day during the preschool years. Now, with this change, we are more able to meet the needs of all of our families.”
Harbor Country Day’s mission statement underscores the curriculum of its Early Childhood Program: “Harbor cherishes childhood, cultivates wonder and inspires confident learners and leaders.” The program is designed to give young children the tools and support they need to learn how to solve problems and think critically, while helping them develop their social skills, self-confidence and independence – all in age-appropriate ways.
Harbor Country Day Head of School John Cissel added: “Across all ages and grades, Harbor is committed to honoring our mission in everything we do. But nowhere is it more relevant than in the earliest grades. Today’s children are under such extreme pressure to succeed and reach almost insurmountable levels of accomplishment – often in spite of their natural developmental capabilities. At Harbor, everything we do academically and programmatically is age-appropriate and calls into account the child’s level of development, so that sense of wonder that is inherent in children is never stifled. When the children are given the opportunity to grow and develop at their own pace, they have the time to build that inner confidence in themselves that is so essential to their future success.”
Those interested in learning more about Harbor Country Day School’s Early Childhood Program may contact Christine McBrien, Director of Admission and Early Childhood Division Head, at (631) 584-5555, ext. 118 or at cmcbrien@hcdsny.org. The school also will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, March 5, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
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.