2014-2015 Blackboard Award Honoree: Children’s All Day School

Susan Birnbaum. Photo by Andrew Schwartz
Susan Birnbaum. Photo by Andrew Schwartz

Editor’s note: To read a long-form story with profiles of all 15 2014-2015 Blackboard Awards honorees, click HERE!

CHILDREN’S ALL DAY SCHOOL
DIRECTOR: SUSAN BIRNBAUM
Pre-Nursery & Preschool
109 East 60th Street
cadskids.org
AWARD: OUTSTANDING NURSERY SCHOOL

Describe your school’s core educational philosophy.

Our school is based on a developmental, interactive approach. We believe that young children learn best by doing, and what they love to do is play. So we structure our play with goals and objectives in mind, including being able to problem-solve and critically think about the world around them. We also see approaches, such as the Reggio Emilia and Project Approach, as a way to focus our play-based activities, allowing children to have a voice and time to explore.

Tell us about a few of the school’s achievements or distinguishing programs.

One of the greatest achievements of Children’s All Day School is how our teachers stay and do not leave. The average teacher has been here 17 years. Our staff is dedicated both to the craft of teaching the youngest of children as well as to the school itself. We are truly a family here.

What’s new?

We have some exciting new ventures here at Children’s All Day School. We have a brand new, interactive website. Children can watch their favorite music teacher playing their favorite songs, or listen to their teacher read their favorite stories. We also have a visiting author program now, where published authors come and read their book to each classroom. We also have a second music program now. Our second music teacher comes to us from Church Street School for Music and Art, and she incorporates literature into her music program.

What do you love about your school? What do you see as its biggest challenges?

What I love the most about Children’s All Day School are the dedicated, loving, educated, expert teachers that care for each child as if they are their own, and the way the staff puts all adults aside, including me, to tend to the needs of the children. The staff also cares for the school in the same way they care for the children—the decorations for holidays, the Halloween costumes they make with the children, the trips to stores for materials and supplies on their own time, are all above and beyond their job descriptions. The most challenging part of my job is the feeling I need to really live up to the standards set before me. To serve such a staff requires me to work as hard as my teachers do.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

George Jackson Academy

<p dir="ltr">GJA fosters a love for learning, instills resilience, and encourages curiosity, making it an ideal environment for boys to thrive academically and personally. </p> <p dir="ltr">GJA’s comprehensive curriculum includes not only the sciences, humanities, math, and Spanish, but also classes that expand students’ horizons, such as Fencing, Muay Thai, and Percussion. Their strong emphasis on social-emotional programming provides students with the necessary tools and resources to navigate challenges and maintain a positive outlook. With small class sizes and individualized attention, students feel valued and supported. GJA’s is a close-knit community and fosters a sense of brotherhood that lasts a lifetime.</p> <p dir="ltr">High School placement is an integral part of GJA’s program. The process begins in seventh grade with initial school visits, test prep, mock interviews, and a preview of the high school admissions process. The guidance and support provided by the Director of High School Placement and the dedicated faculty ensure that each student finds the right match school. Graduates attend elite day and boarding schools and top parochial and selective public schools throughout the tri-state area.</p> <p dir="ltr">GJA accepts applications for grades 6 and 7. Visit <a href="http://www.gjacademy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.gjacademy.org&source=gmail&ust=1701530891494000&usg=AOvVaw2zFixhCUc3DIQ2kr2RSBX1">www.gjacademy.org</a> to apply by December 9.</p>

Buckley Country Day School

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; color: #000000;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Founded in 1923, Buckley Country Day School is a co-educational independent day school serving 350 children in grades Toddler through Eight. We focus on developing a rigorous curriculum and teaching evolving skills required for the students’ future, while remaining committed to a liberal arts, classical education dedicated to nurturing the “whole child.”</span></p>

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo

<p dir="ltr">Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo presents programming for children and families of all ages, animal encounters, zookeeper experiences, VIP tours, season memberships, and much more! Camp Zoo introduces and immerses children in nature through outdoor exploration, games, crafts, and other educational hands-on activities. </p> <p dir="ltr">In partnership with their nonprofit arm, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, the game farm also offers culture, education, and wellness programs to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment. </p> <p dir="ltr">A critical aspect of the game farm is serving as a sanctuary to animals that have been rescued, rehabilitated, or re-homed, including Sicilian miniature donkeys, alpacas, African Sulcatta tortoises, peacocks, rabbits, goats, sheep, alligators, and our beloved Gomez, a Sulphur-crested cockatoo, and Nala, an African Serval cat! </p> <p> </p>