ECC celebrates the uniqueness of each and every child!

Investing in the right preschool ensures your child has a strong start to their educational journey. It sets the foundation for a child's emotional, social, and intellectual development. 

Our Philosophy

To provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where young children can explore, learn, and grow through play-based and developmentally appropriate activities, fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. 

To be a leading preschool that inspires and prepares young minds for future academic and social success, cultivating confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals in a safe and supportive community.

ECC uses the Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies standards to inform instruction. The teachers create fun subject matter instruction daily that offers critical thinking and exploring while learning. Below is a list of the subjects that are taught during the week:

Thoughtfully Designed Early Learning

At Excelsior Child Care, we believe childhood should be meaningful, unhurried, and filled with opportunities to explore the world naturally.

Our boutique program is intentionally designed to nurture curiosity, confidence, creativity, and independence through hands-on learning, meaningful relationships, and thoughtfully curated environments.

With small group sizes and personalized attention, each child is known, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.

We focus on:

• child-led exploration
• early literacy and communication
• creativity through art, music, and movement
• outdoor discovery and nature-based play
• social-emotional confidence
• independence through everyday learning experiences

Because the early years are not just preparation for school — they are the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Relationship Centered Learning

Our educators build meaningful relationships with each child, creating a warm and supportive environment where children feel seen, valued, and confident to explore naturally.

By taking time to understand each child’s personality, interests, and pace of learning, we create thoughtful experiences that encourage connection, curiosity, and growth.

Carefully curated learning spaces designed to inspire calm, creativity, and independence

With low teacher-to-child ratios, nurturing educators, and thoughtfully designed spaces, we create an environment where children feel safe, confident, and inspired to explore, create, and grow.

Social-Emotional Growth

We recognize that early childhood is a critical time for developing social and emotional intelligence. At Excelsior Child Care™️, we integrate social skills, conflict resolution, and emotional awareness into daily activities. Your child will learn how to express themselves, make friends, and navigate their emotions in a supportive setting.

Learner-focused approach tailors lessons

We recognize that every child learns differently. Through hands-on experiences, open-ended exploration, and thoughtfully guided learning, children are encouraged to discover, create, and engage in ways that feel natural and meaningful to them.

Regular communication, updates, and parent-teacher conferences

We value meaningful relationships with families and believe strong communication creates the foundation for a supportive learning experience. Through ongoing connection, shared milestones, and family involvement, we foster a true sense of community between home and school.

Rich and meaningful early childhood experience

Our curriculum goes beyond traditional academics to include art, music, field trips, physical education, and outdoor play, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. These activities help to foster creativity, teamwork, and healthy habits that children will carry with them throughout their lives.

Preparation for Kindergarten and Beyond

Our program thoughtfully prepares children for a confident transition into kindergarten through hands-on learning, independence, communication, and problem-solving experiences woven naturally into everyday exploration.

Flexible Programs to Meet Your Family’s Needs

We offer flexible scheduling options designed to support the unique rhythms and needs of modern families while maintaining consistency and connection for each child.

Community and Values

At ECC, we are more than just a school — we are a community. Our values of respect, kindness, curiosity, and inclusion are reflected in everything we do. We aim to create a thoughtfully nurturing environment where your child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn.

What is the school calendar? What are the hours of operation?

The school year typically begins the first week of September, after Labor Day. We do not follow NYC DOE'S schedule in its entirety; however, school is not in session on federal holidays. A schedule is provided to current families during orientation. 

2026-2027 Schoolhouse Hours:

Monday thru Friday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

Early Arrival: 7:00 AM (fees applied)

Aftercare: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM ( fees applied)

Afterschool: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM (fees applied)

Does ECC consider students with different types of learning needs?

ECC admits students with a range of academic abilities, from those who are gifted to those who have not yet reached their full potential. Children with identified abilities under a current IEP or early learner plan may be considered for admission, depending on the school’s available resources to meet their specific needs.

No. Excelsior Child Care is a private, independent, tuition-based program. We are not participants of the free UPK program through the Department of Education.

How much is tuition?

Tuition is based on the child's age and is provided with the registration documents. It does not cover uniforms, supplies, field trips, fundraising, or after-school fees.

How are tuition dues paid?

Upon registering, tuition is due one month in advance, along with payment for the current month. Tuition is due on the 1st of each month thereafter. If payment is not received by the 4th of the month, the Director reserves the right to remove the child from the program until the payment is made in full. Payments can be made by credit card through the MyProcare website or via Zelle. Cash is not accepted. Refunds are not provided. Tuition is required to be paid even if the child is sick, on vacation, or if the school is closed.

Is there a siblings discount?

Yes. Children living in the same household or sharing at least one parent are eligible for a 10% sibling discount. Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate) is required.

Is there a bus program?

Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from school each day for their child.

What if my child does not attend a field trip?

Field trips are an integral part of our ‘Beyond the Walls’ curriculum. If a child will not be attending a field trip, there will be no school for them on that day.

Are there cameras for me to watch my child while at school?

Our school's cameras are installed for safety and security purposes. They are not intended for remote viewing by families. These cameras help us ensure a safe and secure environment for all students and staff.

What is the discipline policy for misbehavior?

At ECC, we believe in positive discipline that encourages children to understand the consequences of their actions. If a child misbehaves, staff members use a range of age appropriate approaches including redirection and positive reinforcement when necessary. Our goal is to guide children toward making better choices and to foster a respectful and supportive environment. If behavior issues persist, parents will be involved in creating a plan to address and resolve the situation. Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited in our programs.

What could result in my child being removed from the program?

If a child causes serious bodily injury to another child or staff member, it may result in immediate dismissal from the program. A child may also be removed from the program for repeated behavioral issues that cannot be resolved through positive discipline, failure to meet tuition payment deadlines, excessive absenteeism, failure to follow school rules, or if the child’s needs cannot be adequately met within the school’s resources. We will work closely with parents to address concerns before taking this step.