Frequently Asked Questions
2s and 3s Together is a warm and supportive gentle separation preschool alternative. Children participate in fun activities and routines that encourage independence and social development. Our staff is experienced and compassionate. Play is an integral part of the program. We believe that there’s no need to rush children into formal learning. Through age-appropriate activities such as art, cooking, music, open play and more, your child will be confident and ready for the next steps.
Our process is gentle because it is individualized and carefully designed to limit anxiety and tears for both children and their parents. We want you to get to know both the routine and the teachers so you are comfortable when separation occurs. With the teachers’ support and following your child’s cues, you will begin by stepping into the hallway for a few moments, working up to more and more time apart. There is no set date for when you and your child will separate for a full class. An adult will participate with their child in class for approximately six weeks.
Your caregiver is welcome to attend with your child. Each year there is a mix of parents and caregivers participating.
We accept applications and offer acceptance on a rolling basis. If you would like your child to start in January, you need to enroll in
Parkbench or
2s Days this fall. Enrollment for Parkbench is open.
We encourage you to sign up for an open house and Q&A. Dates are listed at the bottom of this page under “Applications and Admissions Process.”
Yes, weather permitting, there is outdoor play each day on our secure rooftop playground, with bikes, climbing equipment and lots of space to run and play.
92Y is short for 92nd Street YM-YWHA (Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association). We are a Jewish organization and our classes are open to all. We are inclusive and welcome all of our families to share their celebrations with us.
Yes, we offer an open house and Q&A on select weekday mornings in the fall and spring, so you can observe the teachers and children currently enrolled, and get to know the Director and Assistant Director. Dates are listed at the bottom of this page under “Applications and Admissions Process.” We always welcome phone calls and are eager to answer any of your questions 212.415.5611.
Yes! We have a monthly parent meeting where you have the opportunity to socialize with other parents. This a great opportunity to hear from Parenting Center staff and other child development experts and on relevant topics such as separation, setting limits and speech development.
No, your child does not need to be toilet trained. However, you will find that children are almost always toilet trained before the end of the 2s Together year. We are very supportive of toilet training, both inside and outside of the classroom.
We aim to be flexible, but in our experience, age makes a big difference in young children. For the 2s Together program that begins in September, children must be 2.4 in September. For the January 2s class, children must be 2.4 in January. These children must enroll in
Parkbench or
2s Days for the prior semester.
Parkbench and 2s Days are designed to be a wonderful introduction to a group experience in a classroom setting. These experiences, free play, circle time, singing and snack continue to 2s and 3s Together.
Your 4-year-old has several options for their year before kindergarten. You will decide what’s best for your family. Your child will be eligible for free public pre-K, or you may choose to apply to private nursery school. Our staff will work with you as you decide. You will also be invited to attend our informative workshop Planning Your Child’s Early School Years, led by Parenting Center Director Sally Tannen, a former Admissions Director.
No, these programs are separate and have different applications. We can help you apply, but not guarantee admission.
We want you to feel happy about your choice to enroll your child in 2s and 3s Together. We practice rolling admissions, and if spots are still available, we will be happy to enroll your child. However, we cannot hold a spot without a deposit and cannot guarantee that we will have a spot.
For January 2s, a $2,900 non-refundable deposit (towards tuition) is required.
For 2s Together and 3s Together (Sep-Jun), a $1,500 deposit (towards tuition) is required. $500 of this deposit is refundable up to March 9, 2018. $1,000 will be forfeited if your family decides to send your child elsewhere.
Yes. Scholarship assistance is available for those who qualify based on financial need. Please note that it is best to get an application in as early as possible. The first step is to submit an application to 2s and 3s Together. Then, call Beth Teitelman, Director of 92Y’s Institutional Scholarship Program, at 212.415.5699 for more information on the financial aid process and an application. Note that all inquiries and applications will be held in strictest confidence.