FAQ — Cobble Hill Playschool

Our school day begins at 8:45am. We offer both half-day and full-day options:
Half-Day Program: 8:45am – 11:45am
Full-Day Program: 8:45am – 3:30am
We also offer early drop-off beginning at 8:30am and an extended day option until 6:00pm for families who need additional care.
Yes, we are licensed by the New York City Department of Health and accredited by NAEYC.
Yes. We offer early drop-off for no additional cost at 8:30 AM and an Extended Day Program until 6:00 PM for families who need care beyond the school day. Additional fees apply.
No. Families provide all food for their children.

We serve children ages 2 through 5 years old.
CHP admits new students on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Applying and attending a tour will secure your child’s position on the applicant list, which is determined by the date we receive your application. Returning students, siblings, and alumni families receive priority in admissions.
Starting in January, applicants who have attended a tour will be notified by phone or email only if we can offer them a space. If we cannot offer you a space, you will remain on a waiting list until enrollment closes in mid-August.
If you are not offered a space by the close of enrollment, your application will automatically roll over to the following school year. There is no need to reapply.
This depends on the year. We encourage interested families to apply as early as possible to ensure their spot for the following school year. If a class is full at your time of inquiry, we are happy to place you on a waitlist and contact you should a spot become available before the start of the school year. We do not enroll midyear.
There is a one-time $100 application fee. Any optional programs, such as extended day or summer camp, are billed separately from tuition. We are always happy to provide a complete breakdown of fees during the admissions process.

We are a child-led and emergent curriculum school. We are inspired by the Reggio-Emilia approach to early childhood education.
Play is at the heart of everything we do. Our teachers thoughtfully design engaging classroom environments and experiences that encourage children to explore, create, experiment, and discover. Through dramatic play, building, art, sensory exploration, outdoor play, and collaborative projects, children naturally develop early literacy, math, science, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills; all while having fun!
Our enrichment program provides children with opportunities to explore a wide variety of creative and educational experiences throughout the week. Students enjoy dedicated classes with our Studio Arts Teacher, who introduces a wide range of visual art materials, techniques, and creative expression, and our Performing Arts Teacher, who engages children through music, movement, drama, storytelling, and imaginative play.
We believe every child deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and supported. Our teachers work collaboratively with families to help children succeed within the classroom whenever possible. We value open communication and individualized support and are well-versed in guiding families through the process of getting their child evaluated through the Department of Education.

Our teacher-to-student ratio is 1:4 in the 2's; 1:5 in the 3's; and 1:6 in the 4's. These ratios are roughly half of the Department of Health mandated ratios.
While each day is different, every classroom cycles through the following activities during their day: morning circle, outside play, classroom learning and free play, arts pull-out groups, snack/lunch, and rest (if you’re a full time student). These activities are repeated in the afternoon.
We believe guidance should teach, not punish. Our teachers use a positive, respectful approach that helps children develop emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, empathy, and independence. We work closely with families to support each child's social-emotional development, using consistent strategies that encourage children to understand their feelings, resolve conflicts, and make thoughtful choices.
We work closely with families to support children's individual dietary needs. Whether your child has food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions, we partner with you to develop a plan that prioritizes safety and inclusion. Our staff is trained in allergy awareness, and classrooms follow appropriate procedures to help minimize the risk of exposure. CHP is nut-free.

CHP has been a parent cooperative since its inception in the 1970s, and this remains integral to our operations. A cooperative preschool is a parent-led model where families play an active role in the school’s daily operations, decision-making, and classroom support. By working together, we create a close-knit community that enhances the learning experience for every child.
As a co-op, our families contribute in meaningful ways, including:
Parent Jobs: Each family gets assigned to a committee based on their skills and interests and carries out a job for that committee throughout the year. The time commitment for this parent job is approximately 15 hours over the course of the school year.
Peek into Preschool Program: Parents visit the classroom and spend time with their children and their children’s classmates and teachers to get an inside look at the school day.
Community Events: Families help organize events, fundraisers, and special activities.
Decision-Making: Our Parent Board of Directors helps guide school policies and initiatives.

Find answers to common questions about Cobble Hill Playschool.