Who We Are

Pelham Children's Center is a small not-for-profit Early Child Care and Education Center in the town of Pelham, NY. Incorporated in 1970, the center provides services to pre-school children ages 18 months to 5 years old and after-school programming at two elementary schools. The Preschool program is located in the RJ Daronco Town House and the after school programs - one in the Hutchinson Elementary School and another in the Colonial Elementary School. All three programs are licensed by the Office of Children and Family Services.

Our Mission

The Pelham Children's Center offers high quality and developmentally appropriate childcare, education and enrichment programs to a culturally and economically diverse group of children. Our program fosters children's intellectual, emotional, social and physical development. The Center strives to make its program affordable to families varying financial means and, to this end, provides tuition assistance for many children.

Philosophy

As a learning community, we base our educational practices on what is currently known about how young children learn. Children learn and remember best when they interact with materials and people in their environment and when they have opportunities to make choices. With the thoughtful guidance of knowledgeable teachers, the children at the Center explore and play with materials and ideas. Play is essential: while they play, they continually re-examine their understanding of the world in which they live. Through play, they develop social, physical, emotional and intellectual skills they will need in order to be successful in school and beyond.

Staff

Members of our staff are educated and experienced in early childhood teaching methods and practices. They regularly participate in continuing education in curriculum development, health and safety. Our staff includes teachers, assistants and substitutes who have taught at the center since they began as student teachers.

Pelham Children's Center Board Members