Early Childhood Programs

Early Childhood (Ages 3-6), Infants & Toddlers (Ages 0-3)
Central Queens (Forest Hills), Sam Field Center
Our Early Childhood programs are designed for children ages 2 through 5 and their families, and include Nursery childcare, Pre-K For All, extended day and enrichment options.
A group of children petting a dog at a camp.

FREE Pre-K for All

Offered at Forest Hills and Little Neck.

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact:

Central Queens (Forest Hills) – Erica Cando, Director,
(718) 268-5011 ext 401, 
ECando@commonpointqueens.org

Sam Field Center (Little Neck)- Jody Dickter, Director, 
(718) 225-6750 ext 246, 
JDickter@commonpointqueens.org

Our Early Childhood Center has successfully raised over a generation of neighborhood children and is still making nursery school new.

Overview

As you and your child set off on the school journey, rest assured Commonpoint Queens provides a nurturing preschool environment that develops each child’s educational potential, self-confidence and social skills. Certified teachers and trained assistant teachers know every child and family.

Applications are open!

Drop off as early as 7:30 AM, pick-up as late as 6:00 PM!

3-K Application

The application for children born in 2021 is open, and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2024. 

Pre-K Application

The application for children born in 2020 is open, and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2024.

How We Achieve Excellence

Our Educational Goals

The difference between just looking and really seeing—that is the Commonpoint Queens Early Childhood experience. Nestled within the most culturally diverse county in the United States, diversity is highly valued as a part of our program. We work, learn and play together—that is what really matters. Our differences make our learning community stronger. Our goal is to open each child’s eyes to new ways of experiencing the world. Our approach to teaching is based on hands-on themes. Children master skills by being active and social; they learn the way the brain develops. In keeping with our philosophy, we embed special enrichment activities in the program including swim instruction, music with “Felt Songs,” Hebrew language, gym instruction, arts & crafts, an inter-generational reading program, special holiday performances and dance.

Our Staff

Early Childhood staff are dynamic, caring, experienced professional educators committed to your child’s growth. We believe in ongoing training for our teachers and maintain the highest standards in Early Childhood Education, striving to provide the best program in an exciting, creative atmosphere.* Aquatics (at Central Queens) and physical education activities are conducted in our full-sized gym and indoor heated pool.

All swimming and gym instructors are certified in CPR, First Aid, and their specific of areas of expertise.

Our Philosophy

Learning is everywhere. Woven into your young scholar’s day are the skills for the academic challenges ahead. We build confidence and competence in a nurturing, loving and safe environment. Our innovative curriculum integrates language and literacy, math, science, art, music and fun!

Our Programs

Pre-K For All

If you have a child born in 2020, you will apply to Pre-K this winter and your child will begin Pre-K in September 2024.

Formerly known as UPK, Pre-K For All is for children residing in New York City. The program is processed by an application system administered by the New York City Department of Education and is free of charge. Each class has a certified teacher and an assistant teacher. Classes begin in September and end in June. The program offers a rich, supportive learning environment where children can explore, discover, talk freely, build, create and grow intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Nursery School

Planning your work schedule and needing childcare and an early childhood education for your child age 2-5? We provide a safe and caring atmosphere where you can leave your child secure in the knowledge that he or she is in the best possible environment. We provide educational experiences appropriate to the developmental level of each group in a nurturing atmosphere that considers each child’s individual needs.

Our Nursery school programs are designed to meet the learning, social and emotional needs of children ages 2 in September through the pre-kindergarten year. Some things you might see include:

Twos

The beginnings of socialization skills, enticing activities designed to foster our toddlers’ creativity, curiosity and motor skills. Importance of sharing, and strengthening of vocabulary.

Threes

Playing with blocks, house keeping, dress up, a two tiered play structure, water and sand tables, and easels. We encourage and nurture sharing, group behavior, individualized exploration, and creativity

Fours

Developing language is encouraged through conversation, problem-solving, imaginative play, stories and experience charts. Children develop socialization skills with activities that foster individual interpretation, as well as cooperative play and reasoning abilities.

Questions?

Please contact us to set up a visit or for more information

Central Queens (Forest Hills) – Erica Cando, Director,
(718) 268-5011 ext 401, 
ECando@commonpointqueens.org

Sam Field Center (Little Neck)- Jody Dickter, Director, 
(718) 225-6750 ext 246, 
JDickter@commonpointqueens.org

Did you know?

Our wide variety of programs are available throughout the New York City Metropolitan Area! Browse our list of facilities to learn more about our core locations and program sites.