PSS HISTORY
The Park Slope Schoolhouse was established in 2009 as a non-profit early childhood education center, serving children ages 1 to 4. Prior to that, the original program began in 1986 as the New York Methodist Hospital Child Care Center, providing early childhood education to employees of the hospital. In 1999, the Berkeley Carroll School took over the program from Methodist Hospital and renamed it the Berkeley Carroll Child Care Center, providing the same care and services to working families in the neighborhood. In October 2009, Berkeley Carroll announced the closure of the center. Soon after, a group of current and alumni parents, as well as other friends of the community came together to save this wonderful program and created the Park Slope Schoolhouse. Finally, in October 2011, we moved into our new and current home in South Slope. PSS has been growing into one of the most widely respected child care programs in Park Slope ever since.
PSS SPACE
Park Slope Schoolhouse occupies the ground floor and lower level of a modern 5-story building that was completed in 2009. The newly constructed space totals approximately 4,500 sq. feet and features three large and bright early learning classrooms, a well-equipped indoor sensory gym, a 400 sq. foot outdoor playground, generous multipurpose hallways, children-sized bathrooms, and a stroller storage closet. Our space features high ceilings, natural light and operable windows, and is fully handicap-accessible. Additionally, green initiatives in design and operation are at the forefront of our mission in regards to indoor air quality, sustainable materials, and system efficiency.
The setup of each classroom is thoughtfully designed to meet the developmental needs of the children. Each classroom consists of small play areas, such as an art area, a blocks area, a quiet area, a sensory table, a dramatic play area, and cubbies for each child. Attached are either child-appropriate bathrooms and/or a changing area. Lastly, each room consists of a large meeting area for group activities, as well as a section with tables and chairs.
Our center is conveniently located on 5th Ave in South Slope within one block of the 6/15 Green Community Garden, four blocks from Prospect Park and a short walk from Slope Playground on 6th Ave and 18th St. Park Slope Schoolhouse can conveniently be reached by bus (B63) and subway (D/N/R/F/G lines).
OUR TEACHERS
Each of our classrooms has one headteacher and two full-time assistant teachers. Furthermore, we have two additional part-time assistant teachers per class in the afternoons. All of our head teachers have a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as the New York State Teacher Certification. All assistant teachers have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
CLASS SIZE
1’s Class: 10 children each day
2’s class: 12 children each day
3’s class: 15 children each day
