At Roosevelt Island Day Nursery, we believe children are born competent and curious, and that school is a place where children grow emotionally, socially, artistically, and intellectually.

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In planning our programs, teachers are guided by their strong knowledge of child development. At the core of our beliefs is the importance of play in supporting children’s healthy, overall development. It is through play that children learn to make sense of and gain mastery over the world around them. Through hands-on experiences with engaging materials such as blocks, drawing materials, paint, collage, clay, and sensory materials such as sand and water, children are inspired to play, problem-solve, and work together.

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Classrooms are designed to allow children to make their own choices and explore activities at their own pace. A deep respect for children’s ideas and curiosities is at the heart of a child’s experience at RIDN. Teachers listen, observe, and remain present with the children in order to gently and respectfully guide them through their play.

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Much of the current research on early learning affirms what we deeply believe: young children learn best through play-based educational experiences. We are committed to nurturing the foundations of social and emotional well-being alongside essential academic concepts such as pre-literacy, math, science, and social studies. Through meaningful interactions among children, their peers, and teachers—and through the intentional materials and enriching experiences we provide in the classroom and outdoors—we create an environment where curiosity is honored, relationships are valued, and a lifelong love of learning begins.