This piece was written by Educational Alliance staff.
With summer in full swing, we interviewed Educational Alliance Preschool Summer Session Director Jessica Bieber to see what she has in store for kids in our 2017 summer program starting on June 26th.
What makes Educational Alliance Summer Session special?
The Educational Alliance Preschool Summer Session is located within the vibrant, diverse Manny Cantor Center, which presents many wonderful opportunities for collaboration, whether with the Weinberg Senior Center, the Rooftop Garden, or the Materials Arts Center. I know that these relationships will foster friendship, empathy, and learning in exciting ways. In addition, through a workshop model, children will delve into woodworking, music, filmmaking, art, gardening, and more! Experienced teachers will share their areas of expertise and passion, and will also partner with children in learning about subjects that might be new to everyone. Children and teachers together will create a culture of fun, curiosity, inquiry, and discovery. I’m looking forward to seeing where children’s creativity and imagination will take us!
Do you have any exciting surprises in store for the summer?
The partnerships with the Weinberg Senior Center are especially intriguing, because we’ll get to know members of the program and learn from their varied life experiences. I’ve heard rumors about a kung fu master in her 90s, and am hoping for a lesson from her! I know that others have interesting talents and skills to share, and I can’t wait to see what might happen.
Why do you think it’s important for kids to participate in summer programs?
Summer programs offer children the opportunity to continue their growth and learning from the school year, but in a slightly more flexible way. Children will be challenged to think in new ways, form new relationships, and build upon their creativity in ways that will stay with them long after the summer session ends. There are no time limits, or lots of things that we’re required to get through; if children would like to spend a few more days delving into an exploration of clay, for example, we have the freedom to do that! At its core, the summer session is a place where children will foster relationships with old friends and new friends, having fun together in a varied, exciting, and engaging program. What better way to celebrate summer?
*Limited seats available for Educational Alliance Preschool Summer Session 2017. Contact Jessica at summer@mannycantor.org or 646.395.4250 to apply for one of our flexible 3, 4, or 7-week summer-camp style day program offering an engaging, enriching way for 2-5 year olds to spend summer right here in the Lower East Side!
Educational Alliance Preschool at Manny Cantor Center is a progressive early childhood center that welcomes families of all backgrounds. Teachers and children work collaboratively to co-construct a curriculum that draws inspiration from the children’s interests. Families are our partners, joining together with the children and teachers to create a seamless connection between home and school. Exploration, play, open ended questions, and beautiful spaces provide an excellent framework for learning. We have very limited seats available in our Infant-Toddler program and 2s & 3s programs. Learn more here.
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