There is something wonderfully hopeful about the beginning of a new school year. Familiar faces, tiny backpacks, new lunch boxes, and the anticipation of all that is yet to unfold. Whether this is your family’s first year at Greenhouse or one of many, we are so grateful that you have chosen to spend this season of childhood with us. Welcome – welcome to not only a new school year, but to a community that believes deeply in the importance of protecting early childhood. There is a great deal of conversation about early childhood education in New York City right now. There are new programs, new priorities, and many different perspectives about big issues that directly effect young children. At Greenhouse, our answers remain steadfast and simple: the unique developmental needs of young children inform all that we do.

Early Childhood Matters

Research tells us that these first years of life are unlike any other. Children’s brains develop at an astonishing pace; their understanding of self and others is beginning to take root; they are also just at the beginning of using their voice to express what they think, know and feel. But even beyond this foundational value, these early childhood years have value all their own! We are proud to begin another school year at Greenhouse where we honor, protect and celebrate our children’s early childhood years.

It is why play sits at the center of our classrooms. If you’ve been around Greenhouse a while, you have heard my catch phrase, “to play is to learn.” You’ve heard (or read) me espouse all the many different skills children learn while playing: communication, executive functioning, collaboration, problem-solving, regulation, persistence, agency! All is true. There is plenty to learn while playing. But the truth is that the joy of playing, the laughter of playing, the freedom of playing are just as valuable for our young children’s healthy growth and development. Our teachers intentionally design their classrooms and schedule to give children time and space to wonder, explore, imagine and pursue their own ideas. We create curriculum based on those ideas and we joyfully join the children in the construction of knowledge. Whether it is determining what type of rock we found in Morningside Park or exploring ramps and bridges in the block corner, the joy found in play-based learning becomes the spark that ignites our children’s understanding of themselves as their own agent of learning and builds their internal motivation as active learners.

 

Relationships Matter

Ask anyone that works with young children, what is the response from others when we tell them that we teach young kids? Most times, we hear some iteration of, “Aw. Cute. How fun!” There is this misconception that since our kids are young and so much of our day centers play, that the work and teaching isn’t serious, complicated or consequential. That anyone can do it. In reality, those that work with young children need to understand the complex science of early childhood development. It demands an equal mix of highly specialized knowledge in cognitive psychology, brain development, pedagogy and a high level of ones own social/emotional knowledge and skill. A teacher of young children needs a broad base of professional knowledge and a deep understanding of social/emotional learning. Our Greenhouse teachers remain our greatest asset. Their specialized skill, professional knowledge, deep experience and warmth are one of the most important indicators of Greenhouse’s quality. They skillfully build warm, trusting relationships with their kids and give them the security to explore, take a risk, make mistakes, and try again. It is here – inside that warm, loving relationship with our teachers — where your child can build the foundation of their life-long love of learning.

As the new school year begins, we hope you feel confident knowing that you chose a school that takes early childhood seriously, where play is protected and childhood is honored. At Greenhouse we understand that relationships are the foundation of learning. We are grateful for and humbled by the trust you place in us. We are excited for the questions, discoveries, friendships, challenges, laughter, and moments of wonder that the year ahead will bring. Most of all, we are excited to spend this remarkable time alongside your children—to know them deeply, to celebrate who they are, to challenge them thoughtfully, and to allow them to relish in the joyful, purposeful childhood they deserve.
Welcome to another school year! We are so glad you are here!

Renee