Ellenville, NY

Ellenville Cooperative Nursery School is a parent-run cooperative that emphasizes hands-on learning and family involvement. The school follows a play-based curriculum that fosters social, emotional, and academic development through structured activities and free play. Teachers are NYS-certified in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios to ensure individualized attention. The facility features bright, child-centered classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials and a secure outdoor play area. What sets this center apart is its cooperative model where parents actively participate in classroom activities and decision-making, creating a strong community bond and enhanced parent-teacher communication. The program focuses on school readiness with literacy, math, and social skills development in a nurturing environment.

Located just 10 minutes from Ellenville, Kerhonkson Child Care Center serves the wider Ulster County region with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center implements a research-based curriculum that combines Montessori principles with New York State early learning standards. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or child development, and the staff maintains current CPR and first aid certifications. The facility features secure, age-separated classrooms, a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals, and extensive outdoor learning environments with nature exploration areas. The center stands out for its strong emphasis on outdoor education and environmental awareness, with regular nature walks and garden projects. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills.

Serving families throughout Ulster County including Ellenville, Stone Ridge Early Childhood Center offers a developmental approach to early education in a purpose-built facility. The curriculum blends Reggio Emilia-inspired project-based learning with structured academic preparation. Certified early childhood educators create individualized learning plans for each child, with particular strength in language development and STEM activities. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, allergy-aware meal programs, and extensive indoor gross motor spaces for year-round physical activity. What distinguishes this center is its strong focus on arts integration and cultural awareness, with regular music, movement, and multicultural programming. The center maintains excellent staff retention rates and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families, along with comprehensive parent communication through digital portfolios and regular conferences.