Deciding on the right preschool is a major milestone for any family in the Upper East Side. At Petits Poussins UES, our Preschool Program for children aged 2 to 5 years old is built on the belief that early education should be an adventure. By providing a dual-language environment featuring both a native French speaker and a native English speaker in every classroom, we offer a premier maternelle in New York City, New York, giving children the unique advantage of becoming naturally bilingual. Our curriculum isn’t just about sitting at a desk; it’s about discovery, movement, and building a community of little learners who are excited to come to school every day.
Creative Expression and Physical Vitality
We believe that a child’s imagination is one of their greatest tools for learning. Our curriculum encourages students to experiment with a vast array of artistic tools, from traditional paintbrushes and markers to sensory materials like play-doh and papier-mâché. Through these mediums, children learn to express their likes, dislikes, and complex emotions even before they have all the words to describe them.
Setting a high standard for childcare programs in New York, this creative journey is balanced with daily physical activity. Whether it is through dance, organized games, or free movement, we ensure that physical health is integrated into the daily routine. Our music program, led by a dedicated music teacher, introduces children to French comptines (nursery rhymes) and various instruments, rounding out a truly comprehensive early childhood experience.
CURRICULUM SUMMARY
| Development of Language (In French and English) | Development of motor skills | Development of artistic skills and understanding of art | Development of Math skills | Discovery of the World: Social Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Language Communication Understanding and learning Exchange |
Physical Activities (games, dance, movement) Centers Collaboration amongst students |
Experiment with different artistic tools (paint brushes, markers, crayon) Experiment with different forms of artistic tools: paint, playdoh, pa pier-mache, building blocks… Express likes and dislikes, emotions, and choice through art Draw: graphism, representations Sing: learn comptines/lullabies Instruments/music:music teacher Listen |
Learn How to count Understand quantity Sequencing Addition |
Time (short/long) Space (near and far) Social Skills Learn about living things |
CURRICULUM COMPONENTS
- Numerous age-appropriate, children-initiated projects
- Age-appropriate core topics selected by the teachers weekly
PARENTS-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
- “Meet the teachers” night (mid-September)
- Parent-Teachers conferences twice a year (along with 2 report cards)
- Parent-School communication app
- Educational reports and pictures sent daily
- Parents’ board
PRINCIPLES & PHILOSOPHY
- Positive Reinforcement only
- Beyond our high learning expectations for our students, their safety and wellbeing is our number one priority
- Educational routine and program may be adapted to fit individual needs
- Physical activity is an important part of our daily routine
Preschool Program
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AGE GROUP
2-5 Years Old
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Class Size
14
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Class Duration
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 8:00am – 6:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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Staff
1 French Native Speaker, 1 English Native Speaker
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does a bilingual preschool environment benefit a child’s brain development?
Learning two languages simultaneously at a young age does more than just teach vocabulary; it actually strengthens the brain’s “executive function.” This means children in bilingual programs often show better focus, improved problem-solving skills, and a higher capacity for multi-tasking. Because the brain is forced to switch between linguistic systems, it becomes more flexible and adaptable to new information across all subjects, including math and science.
What should I expect from a preschool teacher-to-student ratio?
A lower teacher-to-student ratio is crucial in a preschool setting to ensure that every child receives individualized attention. For a class size of approximately 14 students, having at least two lead teachers—ideally specializing in different languages or developmental areas—allows for small group work and personalized support. This ensures that social-emotional needs are met alongside academic goals.
How do preschools incorporate mathematical concepts into daily play?
Math at the preschool level is often “hidden” in fun activities. For example, children learn sequencing by following the steps of a recipe or understand quantity by counting blocks during building time. Concepts like “more than” or “less than” are taught through snack distribution or sorting games. This hands-on approach makes math feel like a natural part of life rather than an intimidating subject.
Why is “positive reinforcement” emphasized in early childhood education?
Positive reinforcement focuses on catching a child doing something right and offering praise or rewards to encourage that behavior. This approach builds a child’s self-esteem and creates a safe emotional environment where they feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. In a preschool setting, this helps children develop a “growth mindset” and a genuine love for the learning process.
What is the difference between gross motor and fine motor activities for 3-year-olds?
Gross motor activities involve large muscle movements, such as running, jumping, and dancing, which are vital for physical health and coordination. Fine motor activities focus on the small muscles in the hands and fingers, such as drawing with crayons, using safety scissors, or molding play-doh. Both are essential for development; fine motor skills, in particular, prepare children for the “graphism” and writing tasks they will face in kindergarten.
Start Your Journey Today!
Searching for a nurturing preschool? From infancy through the preschool years, our bilingual program blends French and New York standards with supportive care for our youngest learners. We celebrate every child’s unique creativity through music, storytelling, and individualized attention. Ready to join our community?