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About Stepping Stones

Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to promote holistic development, encouraging cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth through a variety of engaging activities. We believe in the power of play-based learning, allowing children to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace. Parents are also considered an integral part of our community, and we welcome their involvement through regular communication and participation in school events. At Stepping Stones, we are committed to nurturing the potential of every child, preparing them for a bright and promising future.

Program Details

Stepping StonesProgram Details
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Extended Day (Private Program)

Toddler, 3-K & Pre-K: A Warm, Enriching Afternoon for Our Youngest Learners

The Extended Day program is designed to seamlessly extend the school day for our youngest students. Children enjoy afternoon snacks, creative play, small group activities, and outdoor time — all in the caring hands of familiar staff who know them well. Whether enrolling 2, 3, or 5 days a week, families can feel confident their child is in a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment until the end of the day.

Hours
2:20pm - 6:00pm
Location
245 86th St.
Toddler, 3-K, Pre-K
Level
Toddler - 2/3/5 Days 3-K / Pre-K - 5 Days
Weekly
2:20-6:00pm
Hours
10-15
Class Size

What Extended Day Looks Like

After the core school day wraps up, our Extended Day program gives Toddler, 3-K, and Pre-K children a safe, familiar place to continue their afternoon. Children enjoy snack, outdoor play, creative activities, and center time — all guided by the caring staff they already know.

Extended Day is available 2, 3, or 5 days per week, giving families the scheduling flexibility they need without sacrificing the quality of care their child receives.

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A Day in Extended Day

The Extended Day program bridges the school day and home for our Toddler, 3-K, and Pre-K children. Each afternoon is designed to help children decompress, play, create, and connect — all in the warm, familiar environment they already know and love.

Please note: this is a sample schedule. Finalized schedules are sent out at the beginning of the year.

HourActivityDescription
2:20pmWelcome / Transition Time
Children transition from their classroom programs into Extended Day, greeted by familiar staff in a calm, welcoming setting that helps them ease into the afternoon.
Children transition from their classroom programs into Extended Day, greeted by familiar staff in a calm, welcoming setting that helps them ease into the afternoon.
2:30pmWash Hands / Afternoon Snack
Children wash hands and sit together for a nourishing afternoon snack, refueling after the school day and enjoying relaxed conversation with friends.
Children wash hands and sit together for a nourishing afternoon snack, refueling after the school day and enjoying relaxed conversation with friends.
2:50pmOutdoor Play
Children head outside for active play in the yard, supporting gross motor development, fresh air, and social bonding through games, exploration, and movement.
Children head outside for active play in the yard, supporting gross motor development, fresh air, and social bonding through games, exploration, and movement.
3:30pmCreative Activity / Art
Teacher-guided creative activities including art, sensory projects, and crafts that spark imagination and give children a chance to express themselves freely.
Teacher-guided creative activities including art, sensory projects, and crafts that spark imagination and give children a chance to express themselves freely.
4:00pmCenter Time / Choice Time
Children explore classroom centers at their own pace — blocks, dramatic play, puzzles, books, and more — building independence and following their natural curiosity.
Children explore classroom centers at their own pace — blocks, dramatic play, puzzles, books, and more — building independence and following their natural curiosity.
4:45pmMusic and Movement
Songs, instruments, and movement activities bring energy and joy to the late afternoon, keeping children engaged and connected as a group.
Songs, instruments, and movement activities bring energy and joy to the late afternoon, keeping children engaged and connected as a group.
5:15pmStory Time / Quiet Wind-Down
A calm read-aloud or quiet activity helps children relax and transition toward the end of their day in a peaceful, low-stimulation setting.
A calm read-aloud or quiet activity helps children relax and transition toward the end of their day in a peaceful, low-stimulation setting.
5:30pmClean Up / Prepare for Dismissal
Children help tidy up and gather their belongings, building responsibility and independence as they prepare to be reunited with their families.
Children help tidy up and gather their belongings, building responsibility and independence as they prepare to be reunited with their families.
6:00pmDismissal
All children are signed out safely by authorized adults as the program closes for the day.
All children are signed out safely by authorized adults as the program closes for the day.
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Extended Day Program Details

Our Extended Day program is designed for Toddler, 3-K, and Pre-K families who need a trusted, enriching afternoon option from 2:20pm to 6:00pm.

  • Ages: Toddler, 3-K, and Pre-K
  • Available 2, 3, or 5 days per week
  • Daily snack, outdoor play, and creative activities
  • Low student-to-teacher ratio
  • Daily updates shared with families via Brightwheel

Meet Our Extended Day Teachers

Our extended day teachers bring warmth, patience, and creativity to every afternoon. Familiar faces to the children they already know and love, they create a calm, nurturing environment where kids can decompress, play, and continue to grow long after the school day ends.

Madison Cartelli

Madison Cartelli

Extended Day Teacher

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Nicolette Celia

Nicolette Celia

Toddler Assistant Teacher & Extended Day Teacher

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Alexia Poulos

Alexia Poulos

Floater & Extended School Teacher

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Sylvia Vila

Sylvia Vila

Extended Day Teacher

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Come Visit Us

Choosing the right early childhood center is an important decision. We invite you to schedule a tour to explore our classrooms, meet our caring teachers, and experience the warm, nurturing environment we provide for every child. We look forward to welcoming your family and answering any questions you may have.

Book A TourBook A Tour

More Programs

Explore even more opportunities for your child to learn, grow, and thrive through our additional programs designed to support every stage of development. From enriching after school activities to engaging summer experiences, we provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can continue building confidence, creativity, and lifelong friendships.

Toddler (Private Program) program at Stepping Stones

Toddler (Private Program)

Two-year-olds are beginning to build confidence, curiosity, and independence as they explore the world around them. The Toddler program focuses on nurturing social-emotional growth through guided exploration, sensory activities, hands-on learning, structured routines, and play-based experiences that encourage early communication, movement, and discovery.

2 Yrs
age
2/3/5 Days
weekly
8:15am-2:45pm
8:15am-11:15am
full / half day
3-K (NYC DOE Program) program at Stepping Stones

3-K (NYC DOE Program)

Three-year-olds are growing in confidence, independence, and curiosity as they begin to engage more with the world around them. The 3-K program focuses on exploration, discovery, teacher-guided learning, hands-on activities, and center-based play that support social, emotional, cognitive, and language development in a fun and nurturing environment.

3 Yrs
age
5 Days
weekly
8am-2:20pm
time
Pre-K (NYC DOE Program) program at Stepping Stones

Pre-K (NYC DOE Program)

Pre-K children are developing greater independence, confidence, and readiness for kindergarten. The Pre-K program focuses on building foundational academic, social, and problem-solving skills through hands-on learning, creative exploration, teacher-guided instruction, collaborative activities, and purposeful play in a nurturing and engaging environment.

4 Yrs
age
5 Days
weekly
8am-2:20pm
time
Extended Day (Private Program) program at Stepping Stones

Extended Day (Private Program)

Our Extended Day program provides Toddler, 3-K, and Pre-K children with a safe, nurturing environment after the school day. With enriching activities and caring staff, children continue to grow, play, and thrive until 6:00pm.

Toddler, 3-K, Pre-K
age groups
2/3/5 Days
weekly
2:20pm-6:00pm
time
After School (Private Program) program at Stepping Stones

After School (Private Program)

Our after school program gives K-5 students a safe, structured, and enriching environment to grow academically and socially after the school day ends.

K-5 Grade
level
Mon-Fri
days
2:15-6:00pm
time
Summer Camp program at Stepping Stones

Summer Camp

Summer Camp at Stepping Stones keeps ages 2 to 7 students active, creative, and engaged all summer long with themed weekly activities, outdoor adventures, and enriching experiences.

Ages 2-7
level
Mon-Fri
days
7am-3:45pm
time