Yaldaynu is a child and family-centered school, defined by its warm and nurturing environment. We encourage intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth, and Yaldaynu families are an integral part of this process. Our "neighborhood school" atmosphere promotes friendships between families that continue long after children have moved on.
The Hebrew word Yaldaynu ("our children") reflects the school's philosophy; to cultivate a Jewish identity and Jewish values in a supportive, developmentally appropriate way. Children are introduced to Shabbat, the Jewish holidays and Israel through art, music, cooking and stories.
The Hebrew word Yaldaynu ("our children") reflects the school's philosophy; to cultivate a Jewish identity and Jewish values in a supportive, developmentally appropriate way. Children are introduced to Shabbat, the Jewish holidays and Israel through art, music, cooking and stories.
Services
Yaldaynu Preschool, founded in 1982, is located in Ansche Chesed synagogue. We have a rich curriculum and a close-knit family community. Our program fosters the development of our students as they explore the world around them through art, music, stories, dance and, most importantly, play. We also incorporate the community around us into the lives of our students.
Yaldaynu was established in 1982 by four families who, after searching for a Jewish preschool that satisfied their needs on Manhattan's Upper West Side, thought, "We can do better." They applied for a grant from the UJA-Federation to open a new school, and with their award, Yaldaynu Preschool was born.
Yaldaynu Preschool is a place where excellent education is seamlessly combined with Jewish values and culture. We inspire and motivate the children in our school to become caring individuals and confident learners. Yaldaynu strives to instill a true love for learning and Jewish identity that will last a lifetime.
At Yaldaynu, teachers work in classroom teams, assisted by student teachers. Our teachers are state certified and most have received, or are working toward, completing their masters degrees in education. Classes are small, allowing for an outstanding student-teacher ratio. The faculty is available to discuss development questions and your child's needs, and works closely with an educational consultant.
Yaldaynu ("our children") is a welcoming neighborhood preschool that provides quality early childhood education. Yaldaynu is a place where excellent education, grounded in the Reggio Emilia and constructivist approach, is seamlessly combined with Jewish values and cultures. We inspire and motivate the children in our school to become caring individuals and confident learners.
Reviews (7)
L. R.
Feb 04, 2020
Report
Luckysquid M.
Jan 26, 2020
Report
Our neighborhood preschool is an absolute gem and we couldn't be happier with it! My second child presently attends and I have an older child that graduated. What impresses me most is that everything in the classroom and every daily activity is thoughtfully considered to help a child's development and inspire a sense of wonder for learning. The teachers are professionals who have studied child development and are often working on graduate degrees in education (or already have advanced degrees). The school is a warm and welcoming environment. The teachers are accessible and happy to answer
Samantha Maranca
Jan 24, 2020
Report
Yaldaynu is a wonderful environment for children. We have been particularly impressed with its commitment to encouraging learning, creativity and growth and creating a positive community for everyone involved. Watching our child grow in leaps in bounds, make new friends and come home everyday excited to share it all is a joy, highly recommended!
Steven Green
Nov 16, 2019
Report
Yaldaynu is a wonderful, family and community oriented school. Our son started there this past fall, and he loves it. He comes home every day and talks about what he has learned and the fun he has had. His teachers are warm, caring, intelligent, and show a real commitment to making sure their students make the most of their day. They are a true joy to interact with. The administration and the teachers made the transition to schooling easy and exciting. We couldn't be happier with our choice of pre-schools!
Ilenia Pellicciotta
Sep 11, 2019
Report
This is our third year at Yaldaynu. I could not ask for a better school for my children. Programs and teachers are fantastic. Children are exposed to art, science, literacy, nature, biology - all in an incredible playful, fun and nurturing way. The school is led by an intelligent and hard worker principal, who cares about these children as they were her own. My children are growing into smart, balanced, curios and sweet human beings because of Yaldaynu. I am so thankful for this school!
Nate R.
Apr 10, 2019
Report
Our child is wrapping up his first year in Blue Door, and it has provided an abundance of positivity. The teachers are just what we were looking for - warm, thoughtful and encouraging - while leading a play-based classroom structure. As parents, it's been nice getting to know parents in the neighborhood, as well as attending holiday events. The Director, Menucha, is so kind and approachable, she sets an upbeat tone from the top. We look forward to more years with the lovely community they've formed at Yaldaynu.
Jodi Friedman
Oct 16, 2017
Report
My kids have gone to summer camp at Yaldaynu for years. The counselors are professional, full time teachers during the year (not young teens) which I greatly appreciate. I am not busy replacing lost items throughout the summer or worried a 12 year old counselor will lose my kid somewhere in the city. They are warm, responsible and caring. The kids have a blast and always make new friends. The weekly "drumming" always topped my kids list of fun. I'm sure the school during the year is just as good.
